News and events in Schoenstatt

Briefs – February 2006

Germany:

Zenit published a notice about the Way of Cross for the unborn. The Catholic agency of "Zenit" news –German edition – provided information about the Stations of the Cross for the unborn and their mothers, edited by "Lichtzeichen", Sign of Light. Two days after the publication 193 copies were ordered. Several diocesan newspapers in Germany also published the notice.

Germany:

Mount Sion and Mount Moriah on TV. On the 14^th of February, during a televised transmission about the city of Simmern, some of Mount Sion and Mount Moriah, the central houses of the Institute of Schoenstatt Fathers and of the Diocesan Priests, were seen, both are located in the township of that city.

Spain:

Worldwide Journey of Families. More than a thousand Spanish children and youths of the "Junior Movement participated in a festival of songs this Saturday in preparation for the 5th worldwide Encounter of Families (EMF) Valencia 2006, which will take place between the 1^st and the 9^th of July. According to the AVAM agency, the festival began at 11:00 a.m. simultaneously in the auditorium of the Benicalap park and on the grounds of the Seminary of Moncada de Valencia. The lyrics of the songs which were presented were inspired by family values and children and youth between the ages of 9 to 18 participated in the musical encounter. They came from many areas such as Burjassot, Godella, Alfafar, Xirivella, Mislata, Manises, Sedavi, Benetusser and Torrent and Valencia.

Croatia

Preparation for a web page on the Internet. The first meeting of the new leaders of the Croatian Schoenstatt Family was held on the 11^th of February. They spoke briefly about the Covenant Letter and the construction of a web site on the Internet. They wish to obtain the international news about Schoenstatt from articles on schoenstatt.de. Those responsible for the Radio Mary, in Zagreb, are interested in the Schoenstatt news.

Argentina:

The Expedition to Aconcagua was in the news. The expedition by the youth from Cordoba to Aconcagua, which was made "for life" (pro-life) made an impact on the media. It appeared on ACI and the same day they had several testimonies from all of the world. It was also published, along with a photo, in the newspaper of the Diocese of Eichstatt, Germany.

Germany:

Silver Anniversary of the Shrine in Friburg. The Shrine of Vocations, in Friburg celebrated its Silver Anniversary. On this occasion, Father Heinrich Walter presented a conference before the celebration. Just recently a web site about Mary was constructed on the Internet site of the Archdiocese of Friburg. It begins with information about the Shrine of Vocations.

Paraguay:

A celebration of the Spirit. A little bit of heaven was experienced last February 3^rd in the Young Shrine with the presence of the "ex Novices" who are now seminarians. The celebration was held after the Holy Mass and as they explained it, it was in gratitude to the Family for the support they received during all this time. The Cantata "Jaguata" (walking together)consisted of the interpretation of songs written by Schoenstatt composers and by the novices. The songs were illustrated with the projection of "Naif" drawings on the front wall of the Shrine –recalling the most significant times experienced with the Family of Paraguay during their novitiate. The devout and joyful atmosphere that they were able to transmit to those present was beautiful. Those who attended were impressed by the interpretive quality and especially the words by Oscar Saldivar and Javier Lascano, who manifested that steadfastness in the vocation depended on everyone and that Tuparenda was not forgotten, rather it was rooted in their hearts forever. The new novitiate begins on the 4^th of March.

Schoenstatt:

General Chapter of the Brothers of Mary. The general chapter of the Secular Institute of the Brothers of Mary is taking place at this time at Schoenstatt.

Bolivia:

On the way to the priesthood. Jose Barriaga, from the Schoenstatt Boys Youth of Bolivia entered the seminary at the beginning of February to begin his way towards the priesthood. Many people know him because he was in Schoenstatt for almost a year as a volunteer in the Pastoral of the Original Shrine.

Translation: Celina M Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA