Chosen by name and surname

Mission Rome: first Covenant of Love of the Italian Boys’ Youth

La Juventud Masculina, la Juventud Femenina, misioneros, amigos, la Hna Fernanda, el Padre Ludovico: todos juntos en el Santuario The Boys’ Youth, the Girls’ Youth, missionaries, friends, Sister Fernanda, Fr. Ludovico: all together in the Shrine Mannesjugend, Mädchenjugend, Missionare, Freunde, Schwester Fernanda, Pater Ludovico: alle miteinander im Heiligtum
Los misioneros de Argentina y Paraguay The missionaries from Argentina and Paraguay Die jungen Missionare aus Argentinien und Paraguay
El primer grupo de la JM en Italia The first group of the Schoenstatt Boys’ Youth in Italy Die erste Gruppe der SMJ in Italien Fotos: Gonzalo Crespo © 2007

ITALY, Gonzalo Crespo. Rome – land of saints, martyrs, and the heart of our Church- for the three youth from Argentina and Paraguay who departed for Rome two months ago to help found the Boys’ Youth in Italy, it was no longer the same…On Saturday, October 27^th, Mary was surely smiling and full of joy. In the simplicity of her small Shrine, five Italian youth sealed the Covenant of Love at her feet…It was the first Boys’ Youth Covenant in Rome!!! Fabricio, Ginno, Angelo, Francesco and Máximo were aware that they form a part of Shoenstatt history by consecrating themselves to the great Queen in the Shrine of Belmonte. Undoubtedly She has chosen each one by name and surname.

The shrine was decorated for the first time as never before with red, white, and green, their national colors. At their sides there were lighted torches...although the hearts of the five young men only wanted to look into to her eyes and say, "Yes, I am here to be your instrument," were more aflame. How many times has the smallest thing been the greatest…Being the first, the founders, to whom She now has entrusted the task of taking Schoenstatt to the heart of the Church, We, the three missionaries, some youth from Spain, the Priests, Schoenstatt Sisters, and the first group of Girls’ Youth were present to witness the moment of their giving of self. We were few, which reminds of us of October 18, 1914, when the first courageous ones sealed a covenant that would be the start of a great work. Yes, they were few, but their giving of self was great and Mary trusted them. None of us were alone. At the moment of offertory, along with the wine and the bread, the Capital of Grace, and both Italian and Movement flags, a panel bearing all the email sent to the boys from different parts of our Movement was also offered. It was truly impressive for them and for us to see how this great family was supporting these five new allies.

The Girls’ Youth was present!

They say that behind every great man there is a great woman… this was no exception, the Girls’ Youth was outstanding. They were in Germany twenty days ago visiting the Original Shrine. During this trip they went on pilgrimage through Schoenstatt praying for these boys and carrying their Covenant medals. After the celebration, each one received a card with a picture showing Father Kentenich’s tomb covered by the Italian flag with the medals for the boys on it. They were also given a photo album with brief comments containing a bit of humor relating to the recent history of the groups of Boys’ Youth. And this was not all: after the celebration, an agape meal had been prepared only for those who had a special credit card that was given so only certain people could attend…it was the MATERCARD!!! The funds were obviously the contributions to the Capital of Grace. These details not only gave joy; rather, they also reflected the feeling of family that we have in Schoenstatt.

MISSION ROME…experiencing the return current

The desire of founding Schoenstatt in Rome was born in the bosom of the Boys’ Youth from Argentina and Paraguay. Three missionaries, two Argentineans, Gonzalo and Santiago, and Cabi from Paraguay, were sent by their Branches beyond their respective borders and beyond the sea to take Mary to the youth.

We have given one year of our life for Schoenstatt, for Christ. On the 31^st of May in 1949 at the Bellavista Shrine, our Founder said, "Holy tasks fall on weak shoulders." God has called us just as all others to be his hands, to be his instruments…we happily gave our Yes.

We always carry our Pilgrim MTA on the train, the metro, tram, bus etc… We never let her go: she is the great missionary, she will work miracles. She takes in the looks of the curious and she conquers them.

Here in Rome we accompany the first Schoenstatt youth Fathers Ludovico, Gerardo (the pastor), Martin, and Felipe with their work of founding the Movement. In the parish entrusted to the Fathers, we also work, above all, with children, with catechesis, and which we only want to leave one thing: the joy of being Christians! On Sunday afternoons we also have an International Mass for University youth that is organized by the Boys’ and Girls’ Youth in one of the main churches in the historic center of this great city.

Italian? None of us spoke it before coming, but it is beginning to flow more and more after some study and by chatting.

Step by step, in prayer, listening to the voice of God who guides our actions, the mission is taking shape. There are not 150 or more as in the missions of our countries, but day by day we want our t-shirts to be damp with perspiration and not keep anything to ourselves.

Thank you for all you prayers and support! We remain united in the mission of the Father… "AVE IMPERATRIX MORITURI TE SALUTAN."

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