A heart for a heart, a rose for a rose

The Challenge of February 13^th – Gilbert Schimmel’s mission continues

Herencia Legacy Erbe Foto: Jentz © 2007

USA, Christi Jentz. Another February 13^th – anniversary of Gilbert Schimmel’s death - has passed, and we celebrated Gilbert Schimmel Day on February 15. Schoenstatt likes to recall examples of divine providence in their history. In reviewing notes for this day, I found a little example of this providence in the happenings of the pioneer couples with Father Kentenich. So here’s a short history review as it pertains to February 13. Cushioned between Feb 13^th and February 15^th is feast of St Valentines Day. I am not so sure about the rest of the world but in the United States, the rose is the flower most associated with this day. It seemed fitting to include the references to this symbol as well.

"Feb 2, 1956 Candle Mass day, was the chosen hour for this solemn consecration. Our ‘SECOND JOSEPH ENGLING for America’, Gilbert Schimmel was among this chosen group! At the suggestion of Mr. John Horning, the altar in the Shrine was decorated with an abundance of red roses. Inspired by the beauty of the flowers, Father interpreted the roses as a symbol of the exchange of hearts with Our Lady. His favorite saying in this context was: ‘a heart for a heart, a rose for a rose’. Whenever new couples joined the Group and made their Covenant, they received a red rose from the hands of our Founder. In the remaining months of the year 1956 and in 1957 Father, on every 18^th at 5:30 in the morning, gave a short meditation on the rose and its meaning".

Excerpt from a small book by the Milwaukee Pioneer Schoenstatt couples about the rose talks printed in 1972.

What is my personal cross?

"The final foundation for the year of grace was the covenant of love with Mary. It was clear to the couples that Father Kentenich expected much from this covenant. For instance, he made a simple but telling request at the Monday night meeting on February 13, 1956- only 11 days after the covenant. He asked that the talk of February 2 be read out loud from the notes made at the covenant celebration. More importantly, it was a chance for the meaning of the covenant to sink in again:

A rose for a rose,
a heart for a heart,
a sacrifice for a sacrifice.

It was in this context - especially in the covenant of love as a "sacrifice for a sacrifice"- that Father Kentenich planted a crucial seed. It was the simple question: "What is my personal cross".

Gilbert Schimmel, The End Crowns the Work by Father Jonathan Niehaus, 1996

A seed must fall to the ground

Now we jump ahead 10 years to February 13, 1966. Father has recently left Milwaukee, his exile has victoriously ended. A fledgling group of Schoenstatters gather on a cold, windy and rainy February 13th in order day to erect the Schimmel Cross on the new International Schoenstatt grounds. What had they learned in the ten years since Father Kentenich’s challenge in 1956, is. captured in the prayer they offered. The theme of "a seed must fall to the ground’ is re-echoed once again:

"Heavenly Father… Look benignly on the cross we have made to honor the memory of your servant Gilbert Schimmel. While alive, he carried his cross patiently and gladly in the service of our Mother Thrice Admirable and Queen of Schoenstatt, for the honor and the glory of your and her Son. In the spirit of his Covenant of Love, he desired to walk in the footsteps of Joseph Engling to the end, and to offer himself as victim for the success of Schoenstatt here in America. You have already graciously accepted the offer and we all are indebted to him. Grant, heavenly Father, that this cross will not be forgotten by us. Let it serve as a reminder of his supreme sacrifice for Schoenstatt: as an appeal also to us that nothing great accomplished without the shedding of blood. The seed must fall into the ground and die if it is to bear fruit. We ask you, then, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of our Covenant Mother and Queen, in the presence of all who are in the Schoenstatt heaven, to bless this cross and to give the grace of magnanimity and abounding love to all who come here to pray.

Amen.

Ski weather

Now we jump ahead 51 years. February 13, 2007, is not turning out to be particularly noteworthy. Where I live however, our heavenly Father has deemed to send us a beautiful winter snowstorm that some might a call a blizzard. We haven’t had much snow this season, now we have plenty. That is winter in Wisconsin! Plans change when this happens. For our family, it meant that we wouldn’t be able to make a pilgrimage to the International Center this day. Fortunately, the Schimmel Cross is planted firmly in the ground, a visit will happen another day. Snow is a "cross" for many, that is true. But what would an avid outdoor man like Gilbert think of this day? Along with Pope John Paul II he might cheer—ski weather! We would try and shovel out the Schimmel gravesite on February 15th but additionally we want to take advantage of the excellent ski conditions, knowing that Gilbert might have done the same. For those in the frosty climates- enjoy the winter as best you can. The seeds will sprout again in the springtime!