People who leave a mark

Unforgettable encounters around the Original Shrine

Bertha García, España, y Michelle Adriaanse, de Sudáfrica Bertha García, from Spain, and Michelle Adriaanse, from South Africa Bertha García aus Spanien und Michelle Adriaanse, aus Südafrika
Bety, Jaqui, Tobekha Bety, Jaqui, and Tobekha Bety, Jaqui und Tobekha
Peregrinos de Nebraska, Estados Unidos Pilgrims from Nebraska, USA Pilger aus Nebraska, USA
Peregrinos de Puerto Rico Pilgrims from Puerto Rico Pilger aus Puerto Rico

SCHOENSTATT, Aleida Montalvo. After a few peaceful days, Schoenstatt was again filled with pilgrims and visitors from: Puerto Rico, United States, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain. Everyone gathered at the same table with many stories to tell.

Not long ago an article was published on schoenstatt.de about the recent groundbreaking for the new Shrine in Nebraska, U.S.A. A few days later the people from Nebraska asked for photos of the windows in the Original Shrine so that they could begin to make some for their community. Sonnenau (the Girls’ Youth house) housed a family from the United States for many days. They were expected at lunchtime but did not arrive. Several hours later, they arrived at another house close by that also belongs to the Movement and were helped to find their way. They said they had been lost and explained how they were finally able to find the place. During supper they related about the construction process of their Shrine in Nebraska. Since this subject had recently been in the article it was very pleasant to speak with them and to learn about the history from them. They were here for only one day, but it was very worthwhile. Supper was very pleasant, and they cordially invited us to the blessing of their Shrine on October 18, 2007.

Confessions at the table

How nice to have a full table at mealtime! Bertha Garcia (Spain), Jorge and Alicia Albrecht (Mexico), Michelle and Jacqui Adriaanse (South Africa) joined the table of the Sonnenau volunteers. Beata a new volunteer from Hungary also arrived, and although she has been here only a few days, she has already become a part of the family. Bertha often comes for a week of peace and a little rest in this beautiful place of grace.

The Albrecht’s from Mexico City came to Schoenstatt for the first time in the year 2000. This year they returned to celebrate their Golden Anniversary. When they leave Schoenstatt, they will join a pilgrimage in the Holy Land where they will have many companions for their celebration. Upon arriving here, the first thing they did was to look for the new and recently published "Heroes of Fire", from Argentina about the first milestone of Schoenstatt’s history on October 18^th which was the translation of Father Jonathan Niehaus’ book. The news about the book was mentioned briefly in an article written in German (which both of them understand perfectly), and Sister Christine (who is always informed about everything, according to Alicia Albrecht) has already discovered it and asked them to buy it for her!

Michelle and Jacqui, a mother and daughter, were here for a few days and were already very well known in Sonnenau. This was their sixth visit! They took time on July 2^nd to visit Sister Lisann’s tomb and in this way they were with her on her birthday. Their reason for returning each year was: "It is something that cannot be put into words, but when you are here you feel it." When it was time to leave, they happily said: "we will see you in December!" Sonnenau will be waiting for them with open arms to celebrate Christmas.

A small hurricane

On July 3^rd there was a group on pilgrimage from Puerto Rico that spent the afternoon in Schoenstatt. Within a half an hour after arriving, they participated in Holy Mass in the house chapel. After the blessing, they went to the dining room where they were expected, and their presence brightened the house. How nice to hear happy pilgrims excited about being at Schoenstatt, and eager to go to the Original Shrine as soon as possible! Each culture expressed itself in various ways. Some from the Caribbean were very open and their presence was noticeable. They were inquisitive and enthusiastic to learn about everything. The other pilgrims who looked for them at suppertime did not find them, because they had already departed, described their presence like a "small hurricane". They left as quickly as they came to continue on a Marian pilgrimage through Europe.

Sad farewells

After three months of participating in the program for young girls, "Learning about Schoenstatt", under the direction of Sister Luz Maria from Chile, five Ecuadorians bid farewell from what had been their home. Carla, Cristina, Daniela, Angie, Maria José, Diana (Ecuador), Angélica, and Michelle (Brazil) had a wonderful opportunity to learn about all the houses and Shrines in Schoenstatt under the guidance of Sister. Throughout the program they also visited Koblenz, Dachau, Rome, Fulda, and Trier. The first five girls bid farewell this week. Undoubtedly they will be remembered with much affection for the joy they shared. Soon, more volunteers will arrive.

News briefs

There were several retreats last weekend and also during the week at House Marienland on Mount Schoenstatt for mothers, retirees, and professionals. On Saturday afternoon an Illuminated Rosary was prayed in the Adoration Church with about twenty people participating. A group of people from the surrounding area of Schoenstatt comes each time the rosary is prayed this way.

On Monday, July 2^nd, on the Feast of the Visitation of Mary, Sister Mary Dirce, a Brazilian, was buried. She had been at House Sonnenau for some months. She died at the age of 52, as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage. Father Clodoaldo, from Brazil and presently a pastor in Frankfurt, arrived to concelebrate the Funeral Mass. The employees of Sonnenau also participated. Wednesday afternoon a pilgrimage from New York in the U.S.A. arrived at Sonnenau.

In the meantime, while schoenstatt.de took a break because the webmaster, Mr. Brehm, was on vacation, the stream of pilgrims continued. Pilgrimages from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and many individual pilgrims from around the world would come during the remainder of July. The Blessed Mother is waiting for them!

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA/amj