|
Primavera en Schoenstatt: vista de Monte Sión a Monte Schoenstatt Spring in Schoenstatt: view from Mount Sion to Mount Schoenstatt Frühling in Schönstatt: Blick vom Berg Sion auf Berg Schönstatt |
 |
 |
¿Un ovni atterizó en Schoenstatt? ... No, es el techo de la Iglesia de Peregrinos A UFO landed in Schoenstatt? No, it is the roof of the Pilgrims’ Church! Ufo in Schönstatt gelandet? Nein, das ist das Dach der Pilgerkirche! Fotos: Martina Boixader © 2007 |
|
 |
|
26 de marzo: Predica, Mons. Peter Wolf March 26: Sermon, Mons. Dr. Peter Wolf 26. März: Predigt von Mons. Dr. Peter Wolf |
|
 |
|
El Santuario Original The Original Shrine Am Urheiligtum |
|
 |
|
Bendición Blessing Segen |
|
 |
|
Todos quieren entrar... All want to get into the Shrine ... Alle wollen hinein… |
|
 |
|
Regalos historicos Historical gifts Historische Geschenke Fotos: POS Fischer © 2007 |
|
SCHOENSTATT, mkf. It is now a tradition to pray the Rosary on the afternoon of the Feast of the Annunciation in the Pilgrims’ Church, and then there is a procession with lighted candles to the Original Shrine. Although few people attended, the prayer of the rosary and the musical accompaniment were beautiful – this year this event also marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring. And this begins the pilgrimages to Schoenstatt. Monsignor Dr. Peter Wolf led the prayers and gave the homily, just as he did last year.
While in many countries March 25th, or the Feast of the Annunciation, was liturgically commemorated on March 24th or 26th – it was celebrated as the Day of the Unborn, on the 26th a Rosary was prayed in the Pilgrims’ Church for the many intentions of humanity: peace, hunger, family politics, an of course also for life, above all for the life that is most threatened: the beginning and the end of human life. It was a radiant spring day, with sunshine, blue skies, flowers, as if especially made for this beautiful Marian feast. Monsignor Dr. Peter Wolf entered the Pilgrims’ Church along with Father Franz Widmaier, Brother Jacob and two Mexican volunteers. In the homily he spoke about three images about the mystery of the feast: the open Tabernacle of the Original Shrine that shows the scene of the Annunciation, an African picture with the same theme, and an Orthodox icon of Mary.
At the conclusion, about one hundred people went on pilgrimage with lighted candles to the Original Shrine. "Bah, here they sing", shouted a young boy, who was playing soccer in the parking lot of House Wasserburg, as the procession approached. The prayers and the songs could be heard in spite of the noise from the soccer game. In the Original Shrine the Consecration Prayer was renewed, Monsignor Wolf gave the blessing and everyone went through the Shrine, not only because each one received a card with the photo of the tabernacle, but in the first place and especially to congratulate the Blessed Mother on her feast day. In this place where everything began, the place, where the heart of Schoenstatt beats and also that of all Schoenstatters and friends of the Movement. It was also a "small" farewell, because on Tuesday, after the morning Holy Mass, the Shrine was closed for remodeling. The door will open again on Saturday!
The Father and Founder’s Feast Day
The night of March 24th in the Father Kentenich House, during a presentation for the Schoenstatt Family, we found out why the Women’s Federation is so grateful to the Brothers of Mary. Sister M. Pia presented a report about how Father Kentenich’s three feast days were celebrated in Schoenstatt after his return from exile. During the time for congratulations, the Brothers of Mary were always first before the Women’s Federation so then they would receive the gifts that the Brothers of Mary had just given the Father and Founder. A completely original family unity!
There were several gifts that were presented at that time in the auditorium of the Father Kentenich House. The testimonies of Sister M. Annétis, Father Bodo Erhard and of Mrs. Simon, of the Women’s Federation were impressive. That night there was not a single empty seat. The participants of a journey for the Mothers’ Branch were also there listening enthusiastically, as well as some youth who had participated in an encounter after their studies abroad.
A joy for all the Spanish speaking pilgrims: As of March 20th Sister Luz Maria, from Chile, will once again be in Schoenstatt, this time as the leader for the Spanish speaking girls who spend a long time in the houses of the Sisters of Mary in Schoenstatt.
After a brief winter time, spring has returned to Schoenstatt and with this the work on the roof of the Pilgrims’ Church continues – with brief interruptions.
And the first groups of pilgrims will arrive. This week a first pilgrimage from Spain will arrive.
Tranlsation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA