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| Vigilia de la juventud en visperas de la fiesta en Liebfrauenhöhe, Alemania Youth Vigil Night at the eve of the feast at Liebfrauenhöhe, Germany Liturgische Nacht der Jugend am Vorabend des Festes auf der Liebfrauenhöhe |
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| Motiviación Introduction Einstimmung aufs Thema: „Abfahren“ |
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| Tiempo de cantar y rezar Time to sing and pray Zeit zum Singen und Beten |
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| Adoración Adoration Anbetung |
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| Te alabo... I praise you, my Lord Wir sind gekommen, um IHN anzubeten |
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| Quema del capital de gracias The flames consume the sheets of papers with petitions, thanks, joys... Alles, was der Gottesmutter anvertraut und geschenkt wurde… Fotos: Aleida Montalvo © 2007 |
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GERMANY, Aleida Montalvo. The youth from the Diocese of Liebrauenhohe gathered for a vigil to prepare themselves, united in prayer, for the celebration of the Shrine.
Upon entering this Schoenstatt Center in southern Germany and the largest after the Original Schoenstatt, it was noticeable that the youth had taken their time to decorate with candles and traffic signs – a metaphor for the direction of their own lives – to welcome the guests. After registering and introducing everyone in attendance they invited the audience to sit down so the practical things about the vigil could be explained.
United in prayer
Everything began in the Chapel of "Documentation" (a permanent exhibit about the life of Father Joseph Kentenich) with the invitation of leaving all the problems and worries in the hands of Jesus. In this way everyone could be more relaxed and willing to spend a pleasant evening. Then Sara Mohn prayed a prayer, which led everyone to reflect and understand that without spiritual nourishment, it is very difficult to continue on the long road of life. After some songs and time for personal reflection, each youth had the opportunity to participate in an activity of their own choice for example: doubts about marriage, help in making decisions, a workshop about the typical personality of man and of woman, handicraft workshops, ‘corners for conversation’, and many more.
After the activities everyone returned for a time of prayer in the chapel where there was time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. When everyone left the chapel, the gathering place was outside where Tobias Haas and his friends had prepared a brief presentation about what happens when a person is lost: they should not be afraid to ask for directions. Demonstrating that because of our human weakness, without the help of people who are near, or asking for God’s help a person cannot find the right road.
Sheltered in the Shrine
From the outside presentation, they processed and gathered in front of the Shrine. It was a very cold night but the majority stayed. After reading and commenting on the biblical passage of the Wedding of Cana, everyone placed their contributions to the Capital of Grace in the main jar. Then, a bonfire was lit providing some warmth for the youth gathered and the petitions were burned.
Personalized invitation
Christine, one of the Youth leaders, commented that this vigil to prepare for the celebration of the Shrine was a way to attract young people. Every year there is a gathering for all the Schoenstatt Family in Liebfauenhohe. By adding a night of vigil with different activities, it gives the youth an impetus to get involved in the event and participate personally.
Translation:Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA /amj