We want to show her how much we love her

Intense time of activities during Father Muzquiz' visit to Costa Rica

Bautismo de cinco bebes de matrimonios de los grupos de familias Baptism of five babies from family groups Taufe von fünf Babys aus den Familiengruppen
Dos „Cruzados“ reciben el „Manto de María” Two little cruzaders receive “Mary’s Mantle” Zwei kleine “Kreuzritter” erhalten den “Mantel der Gottesmutter”
Encuentro en torno de la ermita Meeting at the wayside shrine Treffen am Bildstock, Vorläufer des Heiligtums
Jardineros de la Mater The MTA’s gardeners Gärtner der Gottesmutter am Werk
Acto de fundación de los Madrugadores en Costa Rica Founding of the Dawnbreakers in Costa Rica Konstituierung der “Madrugadores” in Costa Rica Fotos: Michelle Ramirez © 2007

COSTA Rica, Michelle Ramirez. Costa Rica experienced an intense time of activities, meetings and celebrations during the visit of their spiritual advisor, Father Guillermo Muzquiz from Mexico.

The rapid growth in the Family Branch as well as in the Schoenstatt Family in general, "caused long waiting lines" to celebrate covenants, Baptisms, foundings, retreats and sharing, pilgrimages, blessings and much more when Father Guillermo arrived to the land of the "Ticas" and immediately had a very full agenda.

He was present at the 4^th "Marriage Strengthening" that was organized by the Family Branch of Costa Rica. Twenty-six couples arrived to the spiritual training center of St. Benedict full of hope and with great expectations of having a unique experience in their marriage. And Mission Accomplished! It was a weekend full of blessings and of new marriages "Strengthened" in Faith and in their love as a couple.

Founding of the Dawnbreakers in Costa Rica

Another great surprise was the unexpected massive encounter of the "The Dawnbreakers", a community that was recently formed in Costa Rica. At dawn, about 5:00 a.m., 95 men, assisted by Father Ronnie Solano, the Pastor of the Church of Saint Rafael of Escazú, impressed Father Guillermo. "All that is happening in Costa Rica…it is not by accident...here we see the work of the Divine hand…", Father Guillermo commented, very much impressed. The Founding Document was signed, in a sublime act in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament which was exposed and with the picture of the Blessed Mother. The sun rises very early in Costa Rica, that is how dawn breaks in a tropical climate, and for that reason 5:00 a.m. is the perfect time when the sky changes from darkness to light.

And what a light these men take to their work, their homes and their families!!!

The youth are growing

During one of the meetings, the Boys’ Youth presented "The Mantle" to two new Crusaders of Mary, Federico Rojas Freer and to Marcelo Monuriol Ramirez. Their course companions were there to support them when they received the much desired symbol. The Girls’ Youth discovered their "Personal Ideal" during a workshop presented by Father Muzquiz.

Baptism of five Schoenstatt babies

The highlight before leaving the land of the "Ticos", was the Baptism of 5 Schoenstatt babies! "We waited for Father with much emotion, thank God he is here again, (he only comes 4 time a year), we wanted him to baptize our children", commented Anita Vega, of the "Seeds for the Future" Group. "It is incredible to see how we are growing…Father’s children are multiplying."

Of course the Sunday visit to the Wayside Shrine of the Blessed Mother, on the grounds of the future shrine, had to take place; last Sunday Group 9 of the Couples wore the red t-shirt that identifies them and they sang and prayed the Rosary. Little by little we are conquering them, commented Daniela de Mesalles, of Group 11, "we have come to plant flowers for the Blessed Mother, with our children and husbands, together as a family, with shovels and tools, we want to show her how much we love and need her in our homes…"

And the Blessed Mother demonstrates how much she loves the people of Costa Rica.

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA