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Festival de la Juventud en la Republica Checa Youth Festival in the Czech Republic Jugendfestival in Tschechien |
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El Santuario “Bethlehem” en Rokole The “Bethlehem” Shrine in rokole Das “Bethlehem”-Heiligtum in Rokole |
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Capilla en la Casa Provincial de las Hermanas de Maria House Chapel in the Province House of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Hauskapelle im Provinzhaus der Schönstätter Marienschwestern |
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Actuación Skit Auftritt |
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Viva Schoenstatt! Viva Schoenstatt! Viva Schoenstatt! Fotos: Polivka © 2006 |
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CZECH REPUBLIC, Father Ladislav Stefek. A traditional youth festival was held at House "Marina Zahrada" from October 26th to the 29th. About 80 youth between the ages of 15 – 19 spent a couple of days in community at the house, which belongs to the Schoenstatt Women’s Federation.
One of the highlights of thefestival was an afternoon visit by a small group from Saint Joseph Parish from Wurzburg, Germany. The Czech youth had stayed there before the World Youth Day of 2005.
These youth encounters have taken place since 1995, and each one has a theme. This year it was: "Stop! Listen", and the students explored the question whether virtual communication is a waste of time or a source of love." The program was very varied, with Holy Mass celebrated each day and the students taking an active part in the liturgies.
There was also a motivational talk about the theme and several workshops, on activities including soccer, dance and handicrafts.
Visit from Wurzburg
The youth celebration began on the afternoon of October 26th with the celebration of Holy Mass and a round of presentations. The special event on Friday was a concert put on by a band which presented religious songs.
On Saturday, a newly ordained priest came to present a conference about the theme: "How to recognize which music is good and which is bad?"
During the afternoon. the group from Saint Joseph’s, accompanied by their pastor, Father Josef Treutlein, arrived.
Since the two groups met The Czech youths had met during the program before the World Youth Day of 2005, a beautiful relationship was established, and that relationship continues to be cultivated and helps the young people bond.
A pilgrimage on foot to Bethlehem
During the afternoon, the youth made a short pilgrimage on foot to Rokole, where the Schoenstatt Bethlehem Shrine is located. They participated in the Holy Mass celebrated in the chapel of the Provincial House of the Sisters of Mary, along with the group from Wurzburg.
After the Holy Mass, they all spent some time in Eucharistic Adoration, and then the Sisters of Mary hosted the youth for tea and pastries.
On Sunday, they bid farewell with a solemn Holy Mass. The youth manifested the hope and the desire to return next year.
"We are grateful to the Blessed Mother for giving us this celebration of faith", one of them remarked.
About 40 youth, 20 and older, took part in a similar celebration from September 28th to October 1.
Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA / Judy Harlow, Milwaukee, WI, USA