published: 2007-12-28 | |
Everyone can come to youFor the tenth time: Ten Minutes at the crib |
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SCHOENSTATT, mkf. For the tenth time, a caravan of cars moved slowly up the bumpy route that leads to Mount Schoenstatt. For the tenth time, the usually calm Mount Schoenstatt filled with hundreds of families with children from babies to teenagers. For the tenth time the great manger in the Adoration church is like a magnet attracting hundreds of people everyday. For the tenth time, the church sounded with little bells, flutes, guitars, and the voices of children and adults. For the tenth time, the message is heard; they come to you, Jesus, child of the manger… This message, together with the prayer of the Cardinal Pironio to the Lady of Christmas night, is what remains from the first edition of the " Ten minutes at the manger". But this year it is sung. Kathy Kanewske, from Austin, Texas, USA, the composer for the Heavenwards, Always CD (www.edensgate.net), has added music to the poems, which speak of the unconditional invitation of the Child Jesus, of which the "10 Minutes" that Schoenstatt has offered these last ten years are meant to be an earthly reflection. "All can come to Jesus, Child in the manger, large and small, poor or rich, shepherds and kings, angels and sheep, the wise and simple, saints and sinners, and me too." I listened to the choir in the manger; it was so beautiful!"I listened to the choir in the manger; it was so beautiful," said Irene Bareiro, of the Mother’s Federation from Asunción, Paraguay who was here visiting relatives in Germany; she came to Schoenstatt on December 27, along with her German sister-in-law participating in the "10 Minutes." "It’s so beautiful to see so many children enjoying being in church," said Irene’s sister-in-law. On the 26th of December, holiday in Germany, and traditional opening of the "ten minutes", snow and ice made that not as many people as in other years came. Nevertheless, the church was filled. This year, "10 Minutes" begins with a type catechesis regarding Mary’s role in the history of salvation that later gives place for several entrance processions - Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds, kings - ; according to the how many children present, they are accompanied by children dressed as sheep and little stars. The children perform a simple nativity play, and accompany the songs with bells and stars. There were deep moments when feeling the nearness of God’s presence filled the atmosphere: when people were invited to write the names of their loved ones on paper stars to be brought to the manger, and when, to Kathy Kanewske's beautiful music, these words were sung repeatedly, " Everyone can come to you…." After the "10 Minutes" –which is really forty minutes including the time for singing Christmas carols -, was already the time for those who had come for the second shift. Meanwhile in the former barn and in the cafeteria of Sister Astrid, life is celebrated with tea, cookies, chatting, and many surprise meetings. There are various families that proudly appear as "jubilee families" who were there since 1997. Two daughters, 16 and 21 yrs. old, of a Polish family, "until recently they still wanted to dress up as either a star or sheep, simply because it was part of their Christmas," they said. This year they didn’t want to miss out, "although only to sing." Moments of peace and prayer are lived at the tomb of Father, and later when only a few remain for prayer in front of the manger…. There is much pain, many questions, much fear, and much gratitude that in those moments is delivered to the Child Jesus…. Because all can come to Him. "Ten minutes by the manger" are offerend daily until January 8, 2008. Translation: amj, USA |
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Last Update: 28.12.2007