We are on earth to be stars, to be light for others

Schoenstatt Family Christmas Celebration in the "Shrine of Light" in New York

Santuario de la Luz (Candelaria), Nueva York, Epifanía The Shrine of Light, New York, Epiphany Fest der Erscheinung des Herrn im Heiligtum des Lichts, New York
El regalo más precioso: el Niño Jesús The most precious gift: Baby Jesus Das kostbarste Geschenk: das Jesuskind
Fotos. Guerra © 2006

USA, Sister Iraida Guerra. On the Feast of Epiphany, January 8, 2006, the Schoenstatt Family in New York celebrated their Christmas party.

They started at 1:30 pm with Holy Mass in the Shrine of Light celebrated by Father Hector Vega, a Schoenstatt Father from Texas. During Holy Mass the Three Kings, a shepherd, Joseph, and Mary took their gifts to the altar. Baby Jesus was one of the gifts placed on the altar.

Not who you appear to be, but what you do for others

In his homily Father Hector spoke about the Three Kings that follow the Star, who was Jesus Christ. Born in a manger, with poor parents, he was the King. Father Hector said that it’s not who you appear to be but what you do for others that is important. Jesus was light for others, giving his life for us. Like the Star, who guided the Three Kings, we are here on earth to be stars, to be light for others.

Father Hector named Father Joseph Kentenich as an example of giving himself for his family and becoming a father to many. We, as his children should do the same, like Sr. Emilie, Joseph Engling, etc.

After Holy Mass, our three kings distributed gift bags with a variety of goodies. Then all went to the basement hall to have meal and Christmas celebration. They celebrated with Christmas music and held a raffle. In order to receive a gift, you had to do something. So, those who received a gift had to sing, dance, pray, read a Christmas story, poems, etc. All enjoyed a wonderful family atmosphere at the Shrine of Light!

Photoalbum "Schoenstatt Christmas international"