God is with us

Almost 11,000 people participated in the "Ten Minutes Close to the Manger" in Schoenstatt

Quiero ser Maria... I want to be Mary... Ich möchte die Maria sein…
Pastorcitos Little shepherds Kleine Hirten in Aktion
Junto al pesebre At the crib An der Krippe
Un „movimiento“ navideño Christmas crowds Bewegte Weihnachten
En la granja At the stable Im Stall Fotos: POS Fischer © 2007 Álbum de fotos – photo álbum – Fotoalbum Video/Audio

SCHOENSTATT, MKF. "Lady of Christmas Eve, Mother of Light, Queen of Peace, Cause of our joy: may Jesus be born in my heart once again on this night. But for everyone: for my home, for my city, for my country, for the whole world. An above all, fundamentally, may Jesus be born again for the glory of the Father…" This prayer of Cardinal Pironio was prayed 27 times close to the manger in Schoenstatt. Stars and bells were given to the children, and twenty seven times they dressed as shepherds, sheep, little stars, little donkeys, kings, Mary and Joseph 27. "Heaven touched the Earth" was sung 27 times, Silent Night was sung 56 times: the 9th season of the "Ten Minutes Close to the Manger closed with the participation of almost 11,000 people in this Christmas apostolate, between December 26 and January 8.

"The number of visitors is the same as in the last two or three years", commented Sister Anne-Meike Bruck, coordinator of the team of Sisters and volunteers in charge of the "Ten Minutes". Among them are people from the branches, including professionals, mothers, divorced or separated women, youth, relatives of the Sisters, guests in the Schoenstatt Houses, a volunteer of the Press Office, and many who spontaneously collaborated with enormous joy.

The number of visitors did not vary but the age of the people in the audience did. "There were many more young couples, and many more children", said Sister Anne-Meike, who participated in each one of the 27 presentations. "It was noticeable that many returned from the presentation very quietly, thoughtful, as if touched by the mystery of Christmas", she added.

Less people participated successively, as it had happened before, while many arrived for the first time and then returned some days later with friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbors, or their children's friends! They participated, they were happy, enriched, and they became apostles of the 10 minutes…a typical Schoenstatt process, that can be observed close to the manger.

"It is like a healing", said a lady from Dusseldorf, which is two hours away from Schoenstatt. She attended with her daughter, a 20-year old student. "One feels close to God…" God is with us.

I want to be Mary

"This should be on TV!" a lady from Koblenz affirmed. In fact, there was interest on the part of a regional station, which unfortunately did not become a reality because officials at the station indicated they received a message, saying that publicity was not wanted because they wanted to keep Christmas calm.

What a mistake … for nine years, the "Christmas calm" gave way to a bustling Christmas.

The children were running with faces radiant, with joy to sing, dance and to ring their little bells for the Child Jesus. Children, with all their spontaneity and natural childishness, allowed themselves to be touched by the Child in the manger. With that natural faith, the children infected the adults.

No, no it not a calm Christmas for those who untiringly offered tea and cookies in the farmhouse, to those who sang and played until they are were tired, like Tomás Garzón, who has memorized all the German songs.

"It is the most beautiful Christmas that I could imagine! Sister Anne-Meike said. Perhaps in the eternal Christmas in heaven, there are hundreds of children playing the little bells and waving stars to the tune of "Silent Night…".

During the earthly Christmas at Schoenstatt, there are children who arrive an hour ahead of time in an effort to secure their favorite role. Among the little girls, there is one role that is the favorite of all of them.

"I want to be Mary", says a little blonde girl, who has tears in her eyes. "I have already been here three times and I was never able to be Mary" This time she could. She brought the Child Jesus with a gleam in her eyes and tenderness very much like the Blessed Mother at her Christmas…

Little bells for the 10 minutes

The Sisters of Mary greatly appreciate the collaboration of everyone, especially Max Weiss and Edka who donated a large amount of cookies.

Sister Anne-Meike is still worried, noting more little bells, the ones the children like so much, are needed to accompany the songs. Schoenstatters from the whole world, are asked to bring little bells to Schoenstatt so that soon, just 11 months and a few days from now, the Christmas bells will ring again, "May Jesus be born again in my heart on this night. But for everyone: for my home for my city, for my country, for the whole world. And above all, fundamentally, may Jesus be born again for the glory of the Father…"

Translation: Celina Garza/, Harlingen, TX, USA / Judy Harlowe, Milwaukee, WI, USA