A small, wise king...

Epiphany: The Great Gathering at the "Ten Minutes by the Manger"

Entrada de los reyes Entrance of the Kings Einzug der Könige Foto: Scherer © 2008
Diez minutos junto al pesebre Ten minutes by the crib Zehn Minuten an der Krippe Foto: POS Fischer © 2008
Coro de las Hermanas de Maria Choir of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Chor der Schönstätter Marienschwestern
6 de enero en la Iglesia de la Adoración January 6 in the Adoration Church Am 6. Januar in der Anbetungskirche
Momento de las estrellas Moment of the stars Die Sterne werden zur Krippe gebracht
Momentos personales Personal encounter Eine ganz persönliche Begegnung
Fotos: © 2008

SCHOENSTATT, mkf. "See, a star is arisen...", rings a traditional song about the Three Kings. No decree called them from afar, no financial reward, and no promise for a better job. They simply followed a star, which had aroused their longing to search for the child and his mother. Such a star has radiated over Schoenstatt since December 26^th. On Epiphany, the star had shown especially bright due to the increasing number of people who flocked to the manger throughout the day.

On January 6^th, Schoenstatters and families, who are receiving the visit of the Pilgrim MTA, travelled by bus from Gelsenkirchen to Schoenstatt to participate in the service. In the days preceding, more and more buses had arrived: coming from Niederrhein, Essen, Borken. The visitors from Gelsenkirchen were intrigued with the beautiful Epiphany Mass in the Pilgrim’s Church. The three kings – ‘queens’ actually, truly came from afar, all the way from Chile – and attracted everyone’s attention with their splendid vestments. They were certainly the best-dressed kings ever to be present in Schoenstatt! "The way the children were included was absolutely sensational," commented Gabriele Sudermann from Dinslaken, who came with the group from Gelsenskirchen. "And the adults were blessed with the event as well."

Childlike Faith

Melissa Ann Schmid, businesswoman from Colorado, USA and current intern working in the Press Office, played flute for the "10 Minutes by the Manger" services for two afternoons. She is enthusiastic and, at the same time, deeply moved: "We are called to have faith like a child. Oftentimes, life is so complicated and hectic. It is easy to loose track of what is important: simplicity, humility, a joyful spirit, a curious mind, an open heart. All of these attributes were present at the manger scene in the Adoration Church. Hundreds of people flocked to the scene to witness the children re-enact the night of Our Lord’s birth. They attentively watched as the children sang and danced to the sweet music of piano, flute, guitar, and recorder. The children’s laughter echoed off the walls of the church and warmed every heart in the audience. Watching the children in their innocence, one recalls that God invites everyone, regardless of the mistakes we have made or the regrets we may have or any baggage we carry, to come to Him. As was clearly stated by a very young yet quite wise 5-year old, the ringing of the bells reminds us throughout the day that: Jesus is here, Jesus is here! The ‚10 Minutes by the Manger’ rejuvenated the childlike faith within the hearts of all who were present."

Under the star

"You have to see it for yourself," remarked a colleague from Patris-Publishing to an acquaintance. "It looks like a deserted base camp – after the tanks have moved out!" He was referring to the parking lot in the field in front of the Pater-Kentenich-House after the crowd of vehicles cleared out. In the end, nothing was left in the field but mud... However, the efforts in the barn proved to be a huge success. Instead of finding cows in the barn, visitors discovered a warm invitation that extended through January 8^th to come inside and enjoy a variety of cookies and tee – thanks to many contributors. Conversations, meeting new people, and shared memories of previous visits to Schoenstatt, as well as continuous inquiries about further activities echoed throughout the barn: many appreciated having the option to linger in such a welcoming place either before or after the visit to the Manger.

On January 6^th, a choir of Schoenstatt Marian Sisters performed a number of Christmas carols by the manger, which was comparable to the events of December 30^th. The church was packed to the rims. The beautiful kings from Chile paraded festively in, which created a more brilliant environment than usual. "The atmosphere is quite profound," commented one visitor. "One notices that everything has come together, and a deep level of harmony is present."

By now, there is a full program that has come about from the "10 Minutes", such as attractions in the Pater-Kentenich-House and visitations of mangers in the surrounding area, as well as further away, which would otherwise not be conceivable without the "10 Minutes". At the same time, it has become a definite part of many retreat programs, a must-see and a must-experience event. Jesus invites all to come!

My child by the manger

And mixed in with all the merry, cheerful, joyful sights, sounds and smells of stars, songs and tee are perhaps the altogether hushed, personal moments, when something about the little child in the manger touches the heart. What will the small boy retain in his memory as he takes a long pause to look at the Baby Jesus in the manger... Or the man, who holds a paper with an outline of a star tight in his hand for a long time before scribbling a name on it and laying it carefully in the manger; what will he remember? And the young woman, who has tears in her eyes as she takes a photo of her child looking in awe at the manger scene... will she recall how her child looks like a precious angel?

It is because of such moments as these, the moments in which God rains down His graces, that the Schoenstatt community invites the people to come at Christmastime year after year and spend 10 minutes by the manger.

• Audio
• More AV material of the "Ten Minutes"

Translation: Melissa Ann Schmid, USA