That Charisma Fire Has to Change the Heart, the Family and the Environment in Which We Live

Encountering the Holy Father: Pilgrimage from Argentina to Aparecida

Benedicto XVI saludo al pueblo Benedict XVI greetings the people Benedict XVI grüßt die vielen Menschen aus ganz Lateinamerika Fotos: Pressefotos CELAM © 2007
Jovenes de Brasil llevaron una Auxiliar al encuentro del Papa con la juventud Youth from Brazil carried the Auxiliary to the meeting of the Pope with the youth Jugendliche aus Brasilien bringen die Auxiliar zur Begegnung des Papstes mit der Jugend
Schoenstatt se hace presente Schoenstatt is present Schönstatt ist da und zeigt: wir sind mittendrin in der Kirche Fotos: Rampazzo © 2007 Album de fotos – photo album – Fotoalbum Fotos oficiales

BRAZIL/ARGENTINA. In the different articles and press releases referring to the visit of the Holy Father to Brazil, always highlighted anew is the presence of pilgrims from the entire continent and especially from the neighboring country, Argentina. One of the groups from Argentina which went on pilgrimage there was the Schoenstatt Movement. We spoke with Father Guillermo Mario Cassone who organized this pilgrimage.

• Father Guillermo Mario, how was the group which went on pilgrimage composed and how was the program of their visit?

Father Guillermo Mario: The group was composed of 40 persons who represented 10 of the dioceses from Argentina and from the various forms of membership in Schoenstatt: pilgrims, Rosary Campaign coordinators, mothers’ branch, couples, Vocational Circle, Father Kentenich Secretariat, Don Joao Vice-postulation, Adoration Circle, Women’s and Mothers’ Federations, a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary, and a Schoenstatt Father. We were very happy to be accompanied throughout the whole trip by Joao Luiz Pozzobon, Don Joao’s grandson, and 4 novices from the Schoenstatt Fathers: a Brazilian, a Chilean, an Argentinian, and a Paraguayan.

We stopped at the Shrine of Jaraguá in San Pablo and we visited the Shrines in Atibaia and Vila Mariana. We celebrated the Holy Eucharist at all three places. We arrived on the 8^th, feast day of the Virgin of Luján and we returned on the 14^th.

On the first day, when the Pope arrived, we visited the Cathedral of San Pablo, the tomb of Friar Galvao and we also visited several areas of the enormous city, San Pablo. The group was very happy and a beautiful family spirit developed among us. We experienced the protection of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph and we also enjoyed the constant presence of Father Kentenich and Don Joao with whose help we were able to practice "the law of the open door" in order to get to all of those places and to overcome the security barriers.

We had with us as a gift for the Holy Father, the "footsteps" of Don Joao (1,850,000 Rosaries prayed by the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign from all over the continent and which will be given to the Holy Father). The two intentions for these Rosaries were for the 5^th Conference and for the beatification of Don Joao.

An experience of Church and of Schoenstatt as an active member of the Church

• From the visit to Aparecida on the occasion of the visit of the Holy Father, what are you and the pilgrims taking home with you, to your daily life?

Father Guillermo Mario: In the first place, an experience of Church and of Schoenstatt as an active member of the Church. Secondly, that that charisma fire which has to change the heart, the family and the environment in which we live. Thirdly, we have to be disciples and missionaries, not keeping for ourselves but sharing that light with a creative and daring attitude.

• What was the high point of that pilgrimage for you…..what impacted you most?

Father Guillermo Mario: It was the encounter with the Pope in the setting of the Eucharist in a very popular Marian Shrine and on a Friday, also in the Mass, the canonization of the son of the Brazilian Church, Friar Galvao.

• How was the experience of Aparecida? Of the Shrine, the place?

Father Guillermo Mario: It was an experience of the faith of the people in the intercession of Mary, of Her as the Mother of the people, precisely coinciding with the celebration of Mother’s Day in Brazil. The ornamental setting due to the architecture, the decoration, the many posters and banners and the festive music helped everyone experience and become contagious with Christian joyfulness.

• How was the experience of the meetings with the Pope?

Father Guillermo Mario: The first meeting was in Pacaembu Stadium with 40,000 youths in a festive atmosphere which was noisy and enthusiastic. The music, the artistic expression of the dances, the applauding and the shouts in this stadium are imprinted in our memory and surely in the Pope as well. His message was direct and precise to the youth, responding to the messages of five youths who presented serious topics and problems which concern them. (One of the youths who participated is writing about his experience and will share it in the next press office publication).

The second meeting was in the Campo de Marte with the Mass of canonization of the first saint born in Brazil, Friar Antonio de Sant’ Ana Galvao where the Pope highlighted the value of sanctity as an legacy for all and each Christian. He thus made an appeal for living the commandment of love with a pure, generous and solidary life. He also highlighted the importance of Marian devotion as a way to sanctity in the life of this saint.

The third was in the Shrine of Aparecida opening the 5^th Episcopal Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean with a Mass invoking the Holy Spirit and the great petition for a new Pentecost for the Church and the continent…..that it identify more with Christ as disciples and motivate it toward evangelization as missionaries.

That all feel personally greeted by the Pope

• How was the encounter with the Pope for the pilgrims? Were they able to see him and greet him?

Father Guillermo Mario: For many it was a powerful experience. All were able to see him since he came in the popemobile to many sections. In those moments, we identified with the Pilgrim Virgin and the Schoenstatt banners because he paused, looked and gave his blessing. I had the grace of personally greeting him twice and shaking his hand. On the first occasion I only said "Schoenstatt." He paused, looked at me and smiled. The second time I again said "Schoenstatt, we are praying for you." He responded, "thank you very much." Later I said "good bye" and he nodded. This dialog was in German. Both times I was able to shake his hand. At that moment I felt as if I represented the whole of Schoensatt. Therefore, I share this experience and want everyone to feel personally greeted by the Pope.

• Were there other special encounters with other pilgrims, with Schoenstatters?

Father Guillermo Mario: There were many encounters with Schoenstatters from different areas of Brazil, especially with many Brazilian youths (there were many) and with brothers and sisters from Paraguay and Chile. We also greeted pilgrims from Argentina and from many other countries while we waited for the Pope.

• What is Schoenstatt’s contribution to the concerns and restlessness expressed by the Pope?

Father Guillermo Mario: I think our contribution is to participate in the charisma received by Father Kentenich and opening it up for the whole Church…..more and more each day and highlighting the family pastoral approach, the pastoral approach for youths, Marian spirituality, the missionary commitment, solidarity actions and the projection of the charisma into culture, education, politics, communication media, economics and employment. Here, the Pilgrim Virgin is our key which opens hearts and opportunities to make the charisma of Schoenstatt known.

Translation: Carlos Cantú La Feria, Texas USA 052507