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| Jornada de iniciación en Tuparenda: 150 matrimonios comienzan en nuevos grupos de la Obra Familiar Start-up retreat in Tuparenda: 150 couples starting in new groups of the Schoenstatt Family Movement Einführungstagung in Tuparenda: 150 Ehepaare beginnen in neuen Gruppen der Schönstatt-Familienbewegung |
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| Pentecostés en Tuparenda Pentecost in Tuparenda Pfingsten in Tuparenda Fotos: Vera © 2007 |
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PARAGUAY, Father Antonio Cops. On the eve of the 48th birthday of the Movement in Paraguay, 150 couples went to Tuparenda on May 26th to constitute their groups and meet their "parents", the leaders. There were nine groups from the Archdiocese of Asunción, four from San Lorenzo and one from Caacupe.
In this, the third general encounter, Father Antonio Cosp spoke to them about the way of life that Mary gives us. First, she conquers us. For some the offering of Jesus is enough: "disciple, here is your Mother." Others softly experience her love. Others feel it with unusual force. Like a youth of a dissipated life, who wanted to conquer a girl from the Girls’ Youth, and who offered to go to Tuparenda to visit the place. The girl, who was very apostolic, could not refuse. For the boy, going to the Shrine only meant going to a beautiful place of nature. However, when he entered the shrine he felt a sword pierced his heart and filled him with interior warmth. When he left, his entire life had changed. He was filled with joy and purpose.
Pentecost in Tuparenda
The large celebrations are experienced in a special way in the Schoenstatt Shrine. Many pilgrims come to be nourished by the Word of God and of the Living Bread brought down from heaven.
Extinguishing the Easter Candle caused a particular sadness. Everyone was blessed with the sacred oils as a sign of the unction that was received at our Baptism and Confirmation. Just as the holy water purified us and submerged us again in the mystery of Christ, the oil spoke to us of the closeness of the Holy Spirit that infuses in us the necessary strength to struggle for sanctity.
Then, each person lit a candle and took the light to their families and our nation.
It is an invitation: Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. the contact with Jesus in the Eucharist and with Mary present in the Shrine, gives us the wisdom and strength to live a week with Jesus in our heart.
Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA /amj