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Centenario de Gilbert Schimmel: en el cementerio Centenary of Gilbert Schimmel: at the cemetary 100. Geburtstag von Gilbert Schimmel: auf dem Friedhof Foto: Jentz © 2006 |
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Iglesia en Johnson’s Creek Church in Johnson’s Creek Kirche in Johnson’s Creek |
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Mae Wacker, de los “pioneros” Mae Wacker of the “Pioneer Copules” Mae Wacker von den Pioneer Couples |
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Protagonistas: Christi Jentz con familia Promotors: Christi Jentz and family Träger der “Gilbert-Schimmel-Feier”: Christi Jentz und Familie |
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A celebrar! Party time Es war eine echte Geburtstagparty |
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P. Jonathan Niehaus en el memorial Fr. Jonathan Niehaus at the memorial site P. Jonathan Niehaus an der Gedenkstätte Fotos: Tousignant © 2006 |
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USA, Christi Jentz. The sun was shining brightly and the weather was a perfect 72 degrees, much to the chagrin of the weather forecasters who predicted incredibly cold temperatures and thunderstorms for all day on Saturday, June 10, the birthday of Gilbert Schimmel. Around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June 9, I personally reminded Gilbert that he was definitely put in charge of the weather and that he better request a "conference call" pretty soon. There was just no way that we were going to comfortably fit all those pilgrims into the Clubhouse at Fort Atkinson!
We can now assure everyone that Gilbert came through in a most miraculous way. For those who decided not to attend because you heard about the impending gloomy weather, I just don’t know what to say. It took a huge rainbow at 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning, stretching from one end of our house all the way to Waukesha, to convince me that maybe all was well. The sky was golden with not a cloud in sight. Remarkable!
The pilgrimage began with Holy Mass at St. Mary Magdalene’s (the parish of Gilbert’s childhood) in Johnson Creek, concelebrated by our Schoenstatt Fathers and coordinated by church members Phyllis Schicker and Carol Hunn. Bethene Pitterle, the church organist, offered a wonderful selection of music, and Miguel Crespo as vocalist teamed up with Alyssa Yank on violin to offer an incredible rendition of the Ave Maria in honor of our MTA. The talks by Father Jonathan Niehaus and the hilarious, cake "bake off" were all so impressive. Our "Schimmel Grill Team" under the expert tutelage of Kevin Donnelly included "grill masters" Mike Stephens and Joe Yank. They truly exceeded all expectations. The Schimmel Cross rededication took place at the International Schoenstatt Center in Waukesha. A large contingency of Schoenstatt Sisters, and boys attending a weekend retreat directed by Father Mark Niehaus, all added to the ranks. Pilgrims were invited to view Schimmel memorabilia located both at the Father House and in Milwaukee. The displays were arranged by Joe and Sandy Baum, and the Movement House Sisters. There are many others that worked and prayed behind the scenes to make this all possible, may our MTA reward them!
Holy Mass in the Movement House
Virginia Burnet, Gilbert’s niece, called me on Monday to thank everyone for the wonderful day. She noted that the sisters were so friendly, seeing to all of their needs and she remarked that all of the many, many children were so well behaved. The Schimmel clan proudly showed off their most recent gifts – newborn twins! And that’s not all! There is a second set of newborn twins within the Schimmel relations! What fun this family will have in the future!
On Sunday, June 11, we had a touching Mass at the Movement House in Milwaukee with Catherine (Gilbert’s daughter) and husband Glen Dashner in attendance. This was followed by a rewarding pilgrimage to the Schimmel gravesite and lunch afterwards. Our representatives from Puerto Rico, Hiram and Evelyn Quiñones, were "on fire" for Gilbert. They will be visiting with us again early in July. At that time they will share their stories, and we cordially invite all those who are interested. Father Jonathan and Mr. and Mrs. Quiñones tell us that the Reflections on the Triune God novena is almost ready for publication in Spanish through the Puerto Rican Schoenstatt Movement. What a gift! Some in Puerto Rico are also striving for an Engling Memorial that would include the Schimmel Cross. So now we see the opening of a new door with the Schimmel biography book, the novena booklet, and a possible Schimmel Cross – all in Spanish!
"Finish the cause of Gilbert Schimmel’s beaitfication"
Father Herbert Schmidt, Schimmel Guild Director, was happy to hear of the plans for this event and sent greetings from afar. He wanted to remind all of us about the usage of the novena booklets. He explained that we all should know that Father Kentenich wanted Gilbert promoted from the very beginning. For some, the following point is most important: Father Kentenich wouldn't want anyone to think that they have to ask him permission to go to Gilbert for help. On the contrary, Father wanted the family to be especially aware of Gilbert's influence through the powerful intercession of our MTA. You are not overlooking Father Kentenich but rather honoring him further by using one of his disciples as a spiritual friend. When you pray the novena, reserve the prayer request exclusively for Gilbert. In that way you will know who should receive the credit in the event that your request is answered.
Father Kentenich left us with an awesome challenge: finish the cause for Gilbert’s beatification. On Sunday, I asked Father Jonathan while at lunch, "Does Schoenstatt really want Gilbert's cause forwarded, really?" He said yes, but it needs to be the work of the families, first and foremost. That is how it was set up. Families from many parts of the world should work on Gilbert's promotion. If we can soon establish an active guild with members willing to promote Gilbert in many creative and practical ways, then we can present to the Archbishop a plan. We can assure our Archbishop that we not only have the interest but that we are truly prepared for him to open this cause officially. Finally, we must be committed to strive on behalf of his cause. The Archbishop must never ask us as Father Herbert noted, "I gave you this permission... why hasn't anything been done on Gilbert Schimmel?" For those who read this, please do not assume that his cause will go forward without your prayers and support. We need you!
In 2006, the Guild will make available for sale on DVD /video Father Jonathan Niehaus’ talks and Father Schmidt’s presentation on the Guild and more. Father Schmidt will be back in town sometime this fall and all are invited to attend a welcome dinner and discussion with him. The details and scope of this meeting are still unfolding. If there is enough interest we will offer more. These offerings are made possible through the Gilbert Schimmel Guild. All testimonials and answered prayers should be forwarded to the Gilbert Schimmel Guild.
For more information please contact the GilbertSchimmelGuild@earthlink.net.
Article written for the Schoenstatt Family Magazine, USA, Summer 2006