"Schoenstatt Summer" has begun

Local opinion poll shows strong support

Anni Brand, Meppen Anni Brand, Meppen Anni Brand, Meppen
Araceli: participará desde Chile Araceli: will participate from Chile Araceli ist von Chile aus dabei
P. Josef Fleischlin ha leido mucho sobre la iniciativa Fr. Josef Fleischlin has read a lot about the initiative P. Josef Fleischlin hat eine Menge darüber gelesen
Las estudiantes del Colegio de las Hermanas tienen interés The students of the Schoenstatt Sisters’ school are interested Auch diese beiden “Marienschülerinnen” interessieren sich dafür Fotos: Frank © 2006

SCHOENSTATT, Stefanie Frank. On Saturday night, July 29^th, "Schoenstatt Summer" began. From the first moments of the opening Mass and celebration, Schoenstatt was placed again in the strong hands of youth and young adults from all over the world, just like it happened during World Youth Day. "It has arrived; it is summer in Schoenstatt!"

Recently, the inhabitants of Vallendar and Schoenstatt, in addition to Schoenstatt visitors from both far and near, were surveyed to find out what they knew about the "Schoenstatt Summer" project and what they thought it would be. One thing was clear: almost everyone who was asked imagined something close to what "Schoenstatt Summer" hopes to be, and they had a positive attitude toward the project.

When asked, "What do you think "Schoenstatt Summer" is?" Annie Brand, who comes from Meppen and is a missionary of the Pilgrim MTA, replied, "A youth festival with youth from here and all over the world." And that is exactly what "Schoenstatt Summer" will be. She also thinks that the project is good and important because "the youth need it." And that is exactly what the organizers of the project think as well, and this is the reason behind its existence—to meet the needs of the youth.

Father Josef Fleischin is also enthusiastic about the idea behind the festival. One of the primary visions for "Schoenstatt Summer" is that it is a way to continue the spirit of World Youth Day. Fr. Fleischin believes in this continuation, and he is of the opinion that the youth who come will be able to make this time their own "experience with the Shrine." The young people are certainly guaranteed the chance for such an experience through the many events planned in connection with the Shrine and opportunities to spend time there.

Christine Demel, who lives in neighboring Vallendar, was also supportive of and hopeful for the youth project. She said it is a good thing because "it promotes solidarity and togetherness, and hopefully some of the participants will come closer to the faith." Another woman interviewed is happy because the project is a way to "re-live" World Youth Day. She thinks that "Schoenstatt Summer" is an appropriate place for youth to meet, and she hopes that "many visitors will come to know what Schoenstatt is." This hope is also assuredly possible, since there are several programs on the agenda where Schoenstatt will be more fully explained and experienced by the visitors.

Leslie and Sarah, students from the Schoenstatt Marian School, think that "Schoenstatt Summer" is a good idea and would like to participate. Ivonne, also a student of the school, initially thought that it was a "celebration for retirees" when she first heard of it. Later on, when she learned that it was a program for young people, she also wanted to come and join in.

Thoughts from those outside of Germany

While most of the opinion survey was done among local Vallendar and Schoenstatt residents, where possible, internationals were asked to give their thoughts on "Schoenstatt Summer." Fernando is from Mexico and is in Germany this summer. He is happy about the youth celebration and is sure he will participate in some of the activities.

We also talked to Araceli Góngora from Chile. Unfortunately, she will not be here to pray and celebrate with the other youth, but she thinks "Schoenstatt Summer" is a terrific idea. In any case, she hopes to participate simultaneously from Chile on the "Night of the Shrine" during the last weekend of August by attending Mass in some Shrine.

All of these positive thoughts preceded "Schoenstatt Summer" and expressed high hopes and intentions. This weekend, the project had a brilliant and lively opening and involved young people from all over the world. The first two days of "Schoenstatt Summer" has certainly lived up to and exceeded these expectations. By God’s grace and our Blessed Mother’s continuing care, surely the rest of it will also be a great success.

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA / Amy Peebles, Austin, TX, USA