Nation of God, heart of Chaco

A wayside shrine in Mariscal Estigarribia: "Whatever is lacking is invented"

Durante la construcción During the construction Beim Bau des Bildstocks
Monseñor Lucio Alfert con pobladores Bishop Lucio Alfert with residents Bischof Lucio Alfert mit Leuten aus dem Ort
Mons. Lucio Alfert Bishop Lucio Alfert Bischof Lucio Alfert
Celebración Celebration Feierstunde zur Einweihung
Paisaje chaceño Chaco Landscape Hier im Chaco will Maria wirken Fotos: Revista Tuparenda/Estela Franco © 2007

PARAGUAY, Margarita de Britez. A Wayside Shrine for the Blessed Mother of Schoenstatt was erected to the right of the doors of the 6^th Division of Infantry in Mariscal Estigarribia, heart of Chaco. As soon as he assumed his post, the commander of this military unit, General Eduardo Britez, began to make plans for the Blessed Mother’s Wayside Shrine. At first he thought and he told Father Antonio Cosp, Director of the Movement in Paraguay, that he would build the biggest wayside shrine, to which Father asked, Why the largest?

In Chaco, every undertaking costs much more. However, he began the construction, with the resources that were available, with the military motto: "whatever is lacking is invented". The creativity, the inventiveness, and above all, the hand of the Mother of Schoenstatt were manifested. The materials were obtained and the laborers carried out their work with spontaneous and fervent love, the kind of love that is felt when a house is built for the Mother.

Each part of the wayside shrine was completed as if there had been a detailed plan by the best architect. The colors match every detail of her picture, as if they had been carefully chosen from a wide range of colors; however, everything was the fruit of her providence.

The blessing of the wayside shrine took place within the framework of a military ceremony, with a parade of the troops in the presence of the officials and their relatives. The military band played religious songs which enhanced the solemnity. The presence of Monsignro Lucio Albert, a German, touched those present with his narration, about his childhood, the first picture before which he said his prayers, was the Blessed Mother of Schoenstatt. It is the one I found last year in Schoenstatt!!!!

Have a good trip, my Child!

The officials and soldiers, who take care of the security of the country, are sheltered beneath her mantle. It was touching to see the military chauffeurs, as they blessed themselves on their way. The soldiers endure many sacrifices, deprivations and loneliness while guarding the most distant borders of the country. We entrust them to our mother, so that she will guard, shelter and protect each one of those soldiers on their noble mission.

Her presence transcends her home at the 6^th Infantry Division, since the people, who cross the Chaco through the international route, greet her and they bless themselves before her picture. It is like when a mother blesses you and says Have a good trip, Son!

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA