Merville fleurie – Merville flourishes

The blessing of the new commemorative chapel in Merville breathes the spirit of Joseph Engling and Schoenstatt’ s founding -A new October 18th for France and beyond?

En la municipalidad de Merville: discurso del alcalde, Sr. Juan Rapaille At the Town Hall of Merville: welcome speech delivered by the mayor, Mr. Juan Rapaille Im Rathaus der Stadt Merville: Ansprache von Bürgermeister Juan Rapaille
Vigilia en la iglesia San Pedro, Merville. Testimonio de un matrimonio del Movimiento Compañeros de San Francisco Vigil at St. Peter’s, parish church of Merville. Testimony given by a couple of the Movement “Companions of St. Francis” Vigilfeier in der der Pfarrkirche St. Pierre. Zeugnis eines Ehepaars aus der Bewegung „Gefährten des heiligen Franziskus“
Msgr. Gerárd Defois, obispo de la diócesis de Lille Bishop Gérard Defois, bishop of the diocese of Lille Bischof Gérard Defois von Lille bei seiner Ansprache
Santa Misa: Prédica del P. Nicolás Tiberghien Holy Mass: Sermon given by Fr. Nicolás Tiberghien Heilige Messe am Sonntag: Predigt von Dekan Nicolás Tiberghien
Una multitud internacional en el memorial The memorial, crowded... Eine große internationale Schar von Freunden am Memorial
Nace una Cruz de la Unidad especial... Birth of a special Unity Cross... Ein ganz besonderes Kreuz der Einheit entsteht…
Msgr. François Garnier, arzobispo de Cambrai, en manos la novena a José Engling Archbishop François Garnier of Cambrai; in his hands the Joseph Engling Novena Erzbischof François Garnier von Cambrai bei der Ansprache; in der Hand hält er die Novene zu Josef Engling

FRANCE, mkf. Merville fleurie – Merville flourishes: the small town of about 9,000 inhabitants in Flandre-Lys, forty kilometers from Lille, is in the center of a triangle formed by Armentières – Hazebrouck – Bethune, and is known by this slogan and rightly so. There are flowers everywhere, green spaces, squares, and the houses give the impression that they are competing for the most beautiful floral garden prize. The town, adorned with its neo-Flemish architecture of the 1920’s and rebuilt after its total destruction during the First World War, welcomed a delegation of about 150 people from Germany on June 30th- July 1s for a joint celebration. According to the Bishop of Lille, Gerard Defois, " that in the midst of the wave of violence and hatred spiritual flowers can bloom and grow well under God’s sun". He was referring to Father Joseph Kentenich and Joseph Engling. Some of the Schoenstatters who were present realized that they were witnesses to something greater than the new blessing of a small commemorative site on the edge of the old Lys.

On Saturday, June 30th, shortly before 7:30 p.m., Schoenstatters from all parts of Germany gathered in front of the municipality of Flemish style that was built in 1929 by Louis Cordonnier. Among those present also included Swiss, Belgium, Sisters of Mary from Chile and Burundi, a young girl from Mexico, couples from Spain and Czechoslovakia, some forty traveled by bus from Schoenstatt, the Bishop, Gerard Defois de Lille, Deacon Nicolas Tiberghien from Merville, and representatives from the parish of Merville also attended. The mayor, Jean Rapaille, and members of the city council awaited them in the meeting hall. Everything was done with protocol and at the same time it was cordial and friendly.

Builders of an European reconciliation

Mr. Rapaille, the mayor, cordially greeted the Schoenstatt Movement, and he briefly described their spiritual traits. Then he spoke about the "Chapel of Peace on the edge of the old Lys erected by Schoenstatt in honor of the German soldier, Joseph Engling, who offered his life to the Blessed Mother for peace in the world" at this place. He stressed secularism and the strict separation between church and state in France, and with a smile in his voice, he pointed out to Saint Pierre Church – it belongs to the city of Merville and was restored by it – referring to what is possible with good will and good personal friendly relationships. This spirit of good will could be felt as something that was real and favored the atmosphere of this gathering. The words about "brotherly spirit and understanding" said by mayor Rapaille, in reference to the renovation of the commemorative chapel, are not just forms of rhetoric. "Together we want to be builders of European reconciliation," said the mayor. Last year a pair of German builders built the commemorative chapel, from this something else emerged: friendship and mutual understanding…builders of a European reconciliation. Amazingly, this took place in a town that was completely destroyed in World War I. To hear the name of a German soldier pronounced here, with a beautiful French accent and with sincere respect, made hearts beat. Is this how a miracle feels? "We share your desire to establish new, firm, and profound relationships between the people, the countries, the generations," said the mayor. "In the name of all the inhabitants that I represent, I am in favor of continuing the work of solidarity. I am sure that the seed of hope that you have planted, will be converted into the fruit of peace between nations of the world in the future." (Audio: Discourse of Mayor Rapaille) Joseph Engling, did you imagine this in 1918, when you offered your life to the Blessed Mother of Schoenstatt here in Merville as the most beautiful flower of May? Merville fleurit – Merville flourishes.

Peacemaker with the love with which daily life is lived

"Our coming together this night is especially moving. We are united within the framework of two great World Wars of the 20th century. These "Great Wars" witnessed the division of our people, the destruction of our armies, and the massacre of our younger generation," Bishop Gerard Defois ascertained with a tone that captured the special atmosphere of the vigil celebration. About 150 members of the Schoenstatt Movement were joined by a substantial number of people from Merville in the beautiful Church (in which the cornerstone was placed in 1924) with its polychromatic mosaics and tall windows provided unique illumination. The daily newspaper sent a reporter who was a little disconcerted and asked: "What is being celebrated that so many Germans have come?" Journalists from the Catholic Deanery web site; photographers from the press were present the group, Tiberiade, sang songs with profoundly religious lyrics and with melodies that were easy to remember. (Video) Greetings from all over the world broadened the scope of the gathering. For all the French participants, there was a brochure with detailed descriptions about Schoenstatt, Father Kentenich, Joseph Engling, "prototype" and model of a full life from the Covenant of Love. Some more than others – consciously took him as an example, so like him they gave their all for Schoenstatt and attached themselves to Father Kentenich. "The first name that one hears after Father Kentenich, when one learns about Schoenstatt is Joseph Engling," says Aleida Montalvo from Mexico. Hans and Gertrud Zier from the Council of Family Federation in Germany -motor and soul of all the celebration – gave a brief summary in German. Then in French, they spoke about Schoenstatt, Joseph Engling, about outstanding spiritual children of the founder, how Schoenstatt has spread throughout the world, about the branches, and the initiatives. A couple from the Movement of the Companions of Saint Francis stressed characteristics that they have in common with the Schoenstatt Movement, especially in reference to pilgrims and the commitment for peace.

Kathe Becker’s testimony was moving. Her deceased husband, Georg, built the commemorative chapel. She tells how Joseph Engling was her role model and he helped on dangerous roads to build Schoenstatt and the Family Federation in the former GDR. "It is worthwhile to live for a Movement for which someone has died," said Mr. Matt about his relationship with Joseph Engling. Because Joseph died for Schoenstatt, I want to live for Schoenstatt. His wife smiling added, she also "owes" her husband to Joseph Engling; she met him through him! In his opening address, Father Joachim Schmiedl recalled the many commemorative places for Joseph Engling throughout the world and his "efficient activity from heaven in the hearts of many youth." He especially expressed gratitude to Paul Hannappel who for decades has and continues to be a symbolic current of Engling.

The highlight was the talk (PDF) given by Bishop Defois, who described Joseph Engling as a peacemaker, like the Founder, Father Joseph Kentenich. "In the midst of the blasts of hatred and delirium of war, your founders were apostles of prayer to the Blessed Mother and personal sacrifices in the name of Christ...In regard to the spirituality of Joseph Kentenich: peace in society like unity in the Church is the fruit of the concentrated presence before God, in such a way man becomes an instrument of His love for men and of His peace that He gives all men... Joseph did not win peace by engaging in war, in responding to evil with evil and violence, but with the heart as he instilled love in his daily living through the nature of his prayer, which lifted him up to the peace of God. He was neither a diplomat, nor an army general, but was merely one young man amongst other young men, close to God for the good of his friends. In this way, he received God’s grace to become a bearer of peace and reconciliation. And as a result of his determination, we are gathered here this evening as bearers of peace and reconciliation." (The vigil can be heard in its entirety) At the conclusion of the Vigil, a young girl from the parish team was commissioned with a Pilgrim MTA. Earlier, it had been said: Joseph Engling has become a citizen of Merville, so has the Mother Thrice Admirable and Queen of Schoenstatt.

Then at the Norte Dame School and the School of Our Lady, the German guests were welcomed with a unique experience of French hospitality. The tables that were arranged with affection held an authentic French meal, which consisted of four courses, accompanied by a long period of time with many meetings and conversations. Close to midnight, the fireworks display illuminated the way to the guesthouse of the diocese; a sign of heaven and earth celebrating this day? Joseph Engling would you have imagined that one day the inhabitants of Merville would honor you as "their" Joseph Engling?

To create a world of peace and of brotherly love among the people

The Holy Mass for the Parish and Schoenstatt should have been held along with the blessing of the commemorative chapel, outdoors, on the grounds of the Costenbole Family farm. Except, the weather was uncertain and the heavy rains had softened all the grounds, which led to the decision at mid-week to celebrate the Mass in the parish church. So, the French-German community gathered again in this Church, this time for the Sunday Mass, in which the memory of Joseph Engling flowed very organically. The main celebrant was Deacon Nicolas Tiberghien along with him were French priests, and German Schoenstatt Fathers: Father Schmiedl, Father Boll, Father Barmettler, and Pastor Vonlanthen, all who speak French fluently. Father Penner and Father Nothen arrived just before Mass started. They undertook the trip on Sunday, as well as other Schoenstatters, who came to church on Sunday.

The parish choir provided a festive musical framework with Gregorian chant and beautiful ecclesial French songs. Just like the previous night, there were fliers in the Church inviting people to the blessing ceremony of the "Chapelle", the chapel, Joseph Engling had become a citizen of Merville, as was said the previous night. Suddenly many Schoenstatters have also become citizens of Merville. The Church, the faces, all is familiar. The gracious hospitality of the French: The Readings and the Gospel were also read in German, the petitions were made in both languages, and the homily was translated. One felt welcomed, sheltered, as a friend not a guest. Father Tiberghien continued his homily with the Gospel of the day and he pointed out the value of following Christ.

"The gospel shows us, that in order to be courageous as Jesus was, first of all one has to completely reject one way, and that is he way of violence. When Jacob and John asked for fire to fall from the skies on the Samaritans who did not open their houses to Jesus and his apostles, Jesus strongly condemns them. It is such a temptation to pull down all that is a road block for my wishes, my ideas, and it would sometimes be so much easier. But this is not the gospel way, and Jesus rejects it completely." He put Joseph Engling into play and he showed how he had the courage of living everyday sanctity.

"Today we can say, that the life of Joseph, his trials and his sacrifices were not in vain." Father Tiberghien ended his homily, which was also a testimony: "They bear fruit in abundance, and Schoenstatt and our get-together today are a testimony this. We cannot copy all that Joseph experienced during the time of WWI, where things were completely chaotic. Nevertheless, his example, his faith to become similar to Christ in service of the others can help us in our vocations to create a world of peace and friendship among people today."

After Mass everyone was invited to the commemorative chapel and many, so many came that the caravan of automobiles and people approaching the commemorative chapel from both directions almost stopped the traffic. The mayor, Jean Rapille and Father Tieberghien were there to represent the political and clerical sphere of the community of Merville, Schoenstatters, and the French gathered in the small square in front of the commemorative chapel. Throughout the length of the road, there were men from the community who were directing traffic that continued on one lane. Many curious looks were directed at the small and recently renovated "Chapelle" below. Then there was the signing of the document, the burying of the document, and the installation of the Unity Cross close to the relief of the MTA, the blessing, talks, and greetings. The cross in the shape of the Unity Cross, which was to be placed in the commemorative chapel by the French within a few days, according to the instructions of the German foreman and mason, was an expression of everyone’s participation. On this morning, work was focused on the well- prepared special concrete allowing everyone to place a stone. We recalled a phrase from the blessing of the Shrine at Belmonte. "It has become a "Chapelle", our commemorative chapel for everyone..."

About 2:00 p.m. the event ended with a toast and aperitif in the barn of the Constenoble Family farm, with cordial words of appreciation and almost a feeling of pain at bidding farewell. Could you ever travel past Merville again without stopping at Merville? "Now you have friends here," the mayor said as a farewell. Friends come again.

A seed of holiness on French ground

It is a one-hour drive from Merville to the Shrine of Unity. This also was precisely the return route to Germany, and this celebration did not end without a visit to the neighboring Diocese of Cambrai. Archbishop Francois Garnier gladly took the time to express his gratitude in the Shrine with the Schoenstatt Family and friends from the surrounding area. Amidst greetings from different countries and the "Theatrical Work of the Covenant" by a youth group from Amiche (who were participating in a vocations workshop on an that weekend at Schoenstatt Hall) they all began to sing and pray together in the Shrine. "Joseph Engling brings us here, where he fell, said Archbishop Garnier. "A seed of holiness had fallen on French soil to bring about peace." He stressed how much Joseph Engling had trust in the Blessed Mother by using the "good old" novena of Joseph Engling to describe some of his traits. He assured the youth that the example of Joseph Engling is an effective tool for thinking about their vocations. He first wanted to give his life to God." said Archbishop Garnier and he cited the prayer from the novena of Merville, the offering of Joseph Engling’s life. "What do we remember about this twenty-year old youth who died over there across the street? His companions remembered him, and he continued to be their friend in spite of the teasing and vexations". Archbishop Garnier related how Joseph told a companion who rescued the wounded and dead: "Stay, my friend, I will go in you place!" "The comrade, who fought here, as an enemy of the French, became a friend, whose memory is kept by Schoenstatt in this place. In the madness and horrors of war today, there is a luminous sign that here is someone who gave his life for peace". According to Archbishop Garnier, each of us is responsible for peace in our own places: at work, in the family, in the parish, and in the diocese. "I pray that all the friends of Schoenstatt, who with the sign given here, will always remind us that we are all responsible for peace in this war torn world." He still had two petitions for Joseph Engling, in following his example, may all of his Schoenstatt comrades on French soil spread the Schoenstatt seed among other soldiers, and please, give us another Sister of Mary for the Unity Shrine.

In closing, everyone prayed the Our Father and received the blessing of the Archbishop. There was still time to have a drink and to converse for a short time. Archbishop Garnier received the gift of a stack of "Profilskizzen" (a series of workbooks about Schoenstatt and Father Kentenich’s charisms), which were translated into French. Earlier, in Merville, copies of these had been distributed among French friends.

A final farewell is said to the Blessed Mother in the Unity Shrine. It is time to depart. Merville fleurit – Merville continues to flourish.

• Monseñor Gérard Defois (PDF) English
• Hans Zier at the Town Hall (PDF)
• Video Vigil
• Video Commemorative chapel
• More Audio-/Video Material
• Town of Merville on the Internet
• Catholic web page Flandre-Lys with Photos and information about the blessing of the commemorative chapel.

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