Doors open to her; Hearts open to her...

Commissioning Service of 47 Pilgrim MTA pictures in the Cathedral of Gitega, Burundi

Un misionero de la Campaña llevó la  Tercera Auxiliar Internacional a Gitega; a la derecha  la Hna. Virginie A missionary of the Campaign brought the Third International Auxiliar to Gitega; right: Sr. Virginie Ein Missionar der Pilgernden Gottesmutter brachte die Dritte Internationale Auxiliar nach Gitega; rechts Schw. Virginie
El parroco (der.) con unos misioneros de la Campaña The parish priest (right) with some missionaries of the Campaign Der Pfarrer der Pfarrei (rechts) mit einigen Aposteln der Pilgermutter beim Treffen in Gitega Fotos: Seitzer © 2008

BURUNDI, Sr. M. Virginie. The Pilgrim MTA travels almost everywhere in Burundi in order to bring Jesus to everyone whose homes and hearts open to her. Currently, 1,280 Pilgrim MTAs circulate among 19,200 families with the help of dedicated missionaries who carry the pictures from one house to the next.

Mary works great miracles in the families. She strengthens the spiritual prayer life, the mutual understanding, friendship and communal help among neighbors, the spirit of sharing, and the support of the poor and sick. On February 10^th, 47 Pilgrim MTAs were blessed and entrusted to missionaries in the Cathedral of the Gitega Archdiocese in Mushasha.

The priest of Mushasha’s Cathedral, Archdiocese of Gitega, had accepted the Rosary Campaign in his parish with great joy. He had completely understood that it is an excellent ministry for families. His parish will celebrate its 75^th Jubilee this year. For him, the Campaign is a gift from Mary for the parish’s jubilee. He made every effort to encourage his parishioners to come to the meeting and engage in the talks and explanations of the Rosary Campaign. Sister Virginie drove to Gitega two times to attend the preparation meetings. The priest wanted the Campaign to start on the First Sunday of Lent, so the families can journey through the Jubilee Year together with Mary. She will then renew the families. On February 10^th, 2008, 47 Pilgrim MTAs were officially sent forth with their missionaries from the Gitega Cathedral. It was an unforgettable event, and the priest was full of joy. He remarked that he would be entirely happy if all of his parishioners understand this Campaign and invite Mary into their families. Because, he continued, currently, there is a stream of unauthentic apparitions that lead many people from the region off kilter. He finds that the Rosary Campaign from Schoenstatt is well organized and depicts a healthy love to Mary.

A Great Covenant of Love Arbor in May and June – thanks to Mary

Through the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign, the connection to the Shrine is also greatly strengthened. In Burundi, the rich and the poor open their doors wide to encounter Jesus and Mary in their homes. Further proof of the Campaign’s impact on the people is the fact that more than 1,000 people, who have either participated as missionaries or have received a visit from the Pilgrim MTA in their homes, are currently preparing to make their Covenants of Love with Mary in May and June of 2008.

Translation: Melissa Schmid, USA