Our life is full of miracles

Pilgrimage of families from the Diocese of Wurzburg, with their Bishop, Dr. Friedhelm Hofmann

Que canten los niños... Let the children sing... Kinder singen zur Begrüßung...
Mons. Friedhelm Hofmann: Prédica Bishop Friedhelm Hofmann: Sermon Bischof Dr. Friedhelm Hofmann: Predigt
Catequesis para la juventud Catechesis for the youth Jugendkatechese
Bendición en el Santuario Original Blessing in the Original Shrine Segen im Urheiligtum
Cierre de la peregrinación Closing of the Pilgrimage Abschluss der Wallfahrt am Urheiligtum
Fotos: POS Fischer © 2007 Albúm de fotos – photo album – Fotoalbum

SCHOENSTATT, mkf. There are miracles that almost eclipse the miracle of the wedding feast of Cana, miracles that happen among us. One couple that reconciled after a fight: it is a miracle! When the youth do not feel accepted by their parents and in spite of this they seek to dialogue: it is a miracle! When someone opens up to others to make the closeness of God tangible: it is a miracle! One single person who is transformed: is a miracle! It is a miracle that eclipses the wedding feast of Cana. In the middle of Bishop Friedhelm Hofmann’s homily during the annual pilgrimage of the Diocese of Wurzburg, one or another of the more than 1,100 pilgrims looked around with a question mark on their face: Is it me, are we the witnesses of the miracle of Cana today? Is this the place where water is transformed into wine? Am I in the midst of a miracle?

Can there be a life full of miracles? "Yes", said the Bishop from Wurzburg, "is the promise that God has made, which becomes a reality when we come close to Mary. She, like no one else! She knows about the mystery of God’s favoritism for us. And she tells us: Do not wait any longer, wake up! Do what he tells you. Fill the jars with the water of your availability. God will give you the wine of irrevocable nearness."

On May 1^st, a radiant day of sunshine, more than 1,100 pilgrims arrived to Schoenstatt in 22 buses. They came from different places in the Diocese of Wurzburg, along with pilgrims from Magunci, Worms and many surrounding areas. For the first time this year there were not enough seats in the Pilgrims’ Church. It was a tidal wave of people that arrived. Many of the visitors had been in the Original Shrine before, but for others, according to the comments that were heard, it was their first encounter with this place of grace. A young girl explained, "This is ‘ours’, that’s it. You arrive here and everything is ‘ours’, nothing is foreign." A middle aged couple studied the program carefully. "There are Sisters here in the valley, but there also Sisters on the mountain. It seems that the more ‘humble’ ones- the ones who work- are down here, and the other ones- the hierarchy- are above!"

It is great that you are here

The solemn procession began at 10:30 a.m. Children processed with flowers, men and women with Pilgrim MTAs in their arms or carrying jars of all shapes and colors, priests came, and finally the bishop advanced to the altar. Father Josef Teutlein, who was moderator, welcomed the pilgrims from the different locations. He invited all of the children to gather around the altar and they in turn greeted Bishop Hofmann with a joyful song. "It is great that you are here. Let us dance, jump for joy, let us praise God our Lord!" Returning to the scene of the jars and the wedding feast of Cana, the Bishop welcomed them to the celebration of the wedding feast in Cana, here and now.

The pilgrims experienced a wonderful Eucharistic celebration. Lead by a dynamic youth band that was formed spontaneously, everything was harmonious from the beginning to the last surprise, when, to the tune of "Emmanuel" all the youth stood up and waved their arms to the beat of the music. Wow! Is this that sort of pilgrimage that is associated with old-fashionedness ? Nothing could be further from this! Or is it a miracle? What was felt this Sunday in the Pilgrims’ Church is a young and dynamic Church, a wonderful Church. At the end of the Mass, Father Josef Treutlein presented Bishop Hofmann with the text of a prayer written by the Schoenstatt Movement to accompany him with his prayer for the constitution of parish communities in the usually hard process of structural reform, this made him very happy.

We do not need to hide

During the afternoon a wide-ranging program was provided for the pilgrims: workshops for couples which were prepared and led by two active couples, Mr. and Mrs. Fresch and Mr. and Mrs. Roth. There was a trip to the Shrine of the Families, visits to the Father Kentenich House, a meditation in the Adoration Church, an introduction to Schoenstatt, a visit to the Adoration Sisters, the blessing of families in the Original Shrine and much more. The youth had their own program which began with a catechesis similar to the one used for World Youth Day. It was led by Bishop Hofmann and he also answered questions. Through his use of very personal testimonies, he communicated to the youth that they should not hide because they fear those who question everything. The Gospel provides us with the answers.

He inspired them to take time to grow in a personal relationship with God, not to talk about Him, but rather, to talk with Him. To have a well founded knowledge of the faith, in order to become a good apologist for the Catholic faith. In the lively exchange that emerged a lot of time was spent on the subject of religious teachings. The bishop heard the complaint of the youth that so much time is lost because "more is taught about Islam than about Jesus." To explain further, one 9^th grade youth, who was interested in knowing "more about Jesus" during class time was answered by the teacher that the subject of Jesus belongs only in elementary school and that in secondary there are more important subjects. The bishop supported and encouraged the student to persevere. "No, Jesus and the Catholic faith should not be relegated to elementary school", he explained. He then told the youth, "In a tranquil manner, you can be a little more daring and also question those who do not believe. Furthermore, take time to pray, especially pray the rosary, hold on to it! But more than anything take time to be happy with God."

Blessing in the Original Shrine

Throughout the afternoon families were blessed in the Original Shrine. They could also go as individuals, spiritually carrying their family with them. Some of the pilgrims who usually come were surprised by the posters, "Enter on the right, exit on the left…Do you have to get in line to enter the Original Shrine? This was not done before. When we come there is always space, and now we have to stand in line?" Yes! A day full of miracles for the Blessed Mother, demonstrated by the huge number in attendance, similar to that found at the most visited Shrines in other countries!

In conclusion the moment of the most miraculous thing was captured on video. After kneeling for a while in the Original Shrine, Bishop Hofmann joined the line of pilgrims imploring the blessing in the Original Shrine also for him, his family and his diocese.

The pilgrimage again gathered to participate in an original celebration for the Month of Mary prepared by Father Treutlein. The pilgrims were drawn, once again, to the subject of the jars. The children had symbolically filled these jars with loyalty, love, and forgiveness The crowd traveled in procession, carrying the jars to the Original Shrine where the Covenant of Love was renewed. As a final point, they burned the offerings from the Capital of Grace jars in a fire bowl. This is the way the day ended, full of miracles! The 1,100 people left for their homes, eagerly awaiting the sometimes "hidden" miracles of daily life.

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlinge, TX, USA / Christi Jentz, Milwaukee, USA

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