The Lottery "Something good done" - one more grace of this jubilee!

Draw for the main prizes of the Schoenstatt Lottery in Paraguay

Bendición  antes del sorteo Blessing before the draw Vor der Auslosung: Segen
Los hombres de la Rifa The men of the Lottery Die Männer der Lotterie
Manos a la obra… y a la escoba Lend a hand... and take the broom Hand ans Werk… und an den Besen
P. Antonio Cosp y Héctor Balmaceda en la presentación inicial de la rifa Fr. Antonio Cosp and Hector Balmaceda in the presentation of the lottery P. Antonio Cosp und Héctor Balmaceda bei der Vorstellung der Lotterie
Al mismo tiempo, casi en el mismo lugar: Misa de los niños At the same time, almost at the same place: Mass for the children Zur selben Zeit und fast am selben Ort: Kindermesse Fotos: Pardo  © 2006 Albúm de fotos – photo album – Fotoalbum

PARAGUAY, Clara and Joaquin Pardo. The drawing of the "Something good done " Lottery of the Schoentatt Movement of Paraguay became a real party, taking place on November 5^th on the grounds of Tuparenda, Ypacaraí. Father Antonio Cosp, Director of the Schoenstatt Movement, blessed the drawing and was in charge of drawing the ticket for the first prize. He commented that the lottery makes it possible "to continue working for the Church, along with this legion of leaders who strive to attain transformations in homes and in the country".

The coordinator of the lottery, Héctor Balmaceda, indicated that approximately 150 thousands tickets were sold and it was estimated that 300 thousand guaranties were collected. The costs for the prizes deducted from this amount, an estimated profit of 240 million in local currency (36,000€ /46,000 US$) can be given to the Schoenstatt Movement. Balmaceda indicated that the money that was collected will be used for the maintenance of the three shrines that belong to the Movement and also for the retreat house. It will also be used to pay for services and several debts. Joaquín Pardo –organizer of the lottery team – explained that the lottery prevents a financial drain on the members of the Schoenstatt Movement from Paraguay; the contribution from the lottery provides some economic security for the maintenance of the its Shrines, which gives the members and the Movement the flexibility to generously offer a large variety of services to the pilgrims, to finance evangelization initiatives and apostolic and social programs.

Prove to me with deeds that you truly love me

And again the Blessed Mother cannot be outdone in generosity…the auto and the 3 motor bikes were won by members of the family who are very committed and loyal; and the economic results surpassed all expectations: "one more grace of this jubilee".

The experiences within the lottery team were very profound this year, and the organized family of the movement, the pilgrims and the missionaries of the Rosary Campaign gave their "nothing without us" as always.

The sale of each ticket by ticket is an enormous capital of grace one after another. It is an effort that is made with love for the Blessed Mother, which could almost be compared to a prayer. It is the "show me with your deeds that you truly love me".

It is a silent effort in which no one profits: it is only a serious commitment that is assumed with co-responsibility for the Movement.

Everyone began to work and they picked up the broom

The lottery team is composed by couples from all levels and branches, it is not large in number, but it is characterized by joy, comradeship, effort, coordination, professionalism, with a gaze toward the goal and the work…(Look at the photos that show all of them holding a broom). It is also important to stress the support they received from the administration and the family (mothers, girls’ youth, boys’ youth, rosary campaign, external sales, etc.). "It is an honor for Joquín and me to work with this wonderful team, it was our first apostolate within the Movement, therefore, it occupies a privileged place within our hearts", said Clara Benítez.

Father Antonio accompanied and supported them at all times, as was seen when it was time to bless the drawing as well as in the initial work of the team, launching the publicity in the newspaper and the distribution of the lottery within the groups.

During each encounter of the beautiful apostolate the spiritual side also reigned, beginning and ending each meeting with the consecration prayer and a blessing for the successful outcome of this great endeavor, knowing that we were only weak instruments and that the Blessed Mother and Jesus were the center and support of all the work.

After Father Antonio drew the number of the "winner of the auto", the children of the lottery and of the movement drew the winning numbers of the 11 prizes (from the 2^nd to the 12^th prizes). In this way they also happily participated in the process.

Amidst the turmoil - Mass for children

While the clamor about the lottery was taking place at the entrance gate to Tuparenda, Father Tommy celebrated the Mass for the children with the story about the little princess, and he can be seen at the altar surrounded by the children the Our Father.

It is a reflection of the union of the natural and supernatural that was experienced on a Sunday morning in Tuparenda, which continues to struggle to forge the new man in the heart of America: Paraguay.

Do you want to win an auto?...Become a correspondent for Schoenstatt.de

Three persons who bought their issue of Ultima Hora with a ticket for the lottery of the Schoenstatt Movement on Thursday, October 26^th, respectively acquired a motor bike, a living room set with a sofa bed, and a washing machine – this is how the article of the afore mentioned newspaper began. At the same time, it was great for the lottery team –it was an overwhelming happiness – that the three motor bikes and the auto were won by members of the Schoenstatt Family. But they had one worry: how could they worthily celebrate the winner of the auto, who is a very well known person even in circles outside of Paraguay, who is always aware of the latest news…what if on this special occasion that person does not answer his cellular phone?" And he still doesn’t know...because we could not locate him on his cellular!, commented the members of the lottery team to the Schoenstatt Press Office in Germany. Because the winner…is a correspondent of Schoenstatt.de in Ciudad del Este!

By now he is aware of the news. And what was his first comment when he received congratulations from Schoenstatt, Germany? "Could you publish the following: Do you want to win an auto?... Become a correspondent for Schoenstatt.de"…

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA