Received by the Family Branch

What is the Group Commitment? Gladys and Pequi Flores from Paraguay explain

PARAGUAY, Gladys and Pequi Flores. Several questions have arrived at schoenstatt.de from readers from several quadrants asking, "What is the group commitment?" mentioned in many articles by the Family Movement from Paraguay. Considering the enthusiasm and seriousness they express, it must be something very important for the couples who are pretty new to Schoenstatt and already burn with the charism of the Founder. Gladys and Pequi Flores share their experiences of being in such group since October 20^th.

The Family branch receives us. With this attractive motto, Saturday, October 20^th was made "Group commitment day" at the Tupãrenda Shrine. This is a beautiful ceremony where the Movement publicly receives new groups from the previous year and integrates them into the Family Branches: Sunflowers of Faith and Life, Torch, Tupãsy Rekavo, Father’s Heirs, Tupãsy Memby, Tupãsy Vera', Walking with Mary, Mary’s Miracle, Door of Love, the Candlemas, Itá Tupãsy Poty, and Mary’s Hope; twelve groups that begin to walk together as communities by being educated and learning together. What a beautiful and gratifying job the leaders have! Presenting the annual fruit borne through the effort and dedication to the task of guiding and consolidating the group to the Family.

"Today we wish to present the newest group… formed by…"

The lead married couple of each group explained the background and meaning of their chosen name. Meanwhile another married couple proudly exhibited the symbol, which best represented that moment, and the leaders happy with all the activity approached Father Antonio Cosp with the phrase: "Father, today we want to present the new group… formed for…." As they were naming the couples, each married couple stepped forward while receiving a hearty welcome from the affectionate applause of those present. To the question posed by Father Antonio: " Why have you chosen the Schoenstatt way?" The married couples answered: "We believe God has called us together as a community for education and mutual learning….We commit to the group and with each one of its members, so today we may call each one brother or sister; I am here for you and you for me…. ."

Schoenstatt is a great family and we are part of her

Then came the moment to present their group prayer to the Blessed Mother in the Shrine – a very solemn moment. They would be incorporated into the Family by their commitment before hundreds of witnesses of what "their" prayer expressed in different parts: pardon, praise, petition, intentions, etcetera while singing, My Queen, My Mother, the offerings to the Capital of Grace, sacrifices, petitions, difficult or happy times gathered throughout these many months of preparation, were burnt.

When the rite was over it seemed we would now have to step off the pedestal of holy happiness we had mounted in the beginning. However, the "Covenant Level" - those married couples who have already sealed their Covenants of Love - had prepared another great surprise in front of the Pilgrim House. In addition to the warm welcome of affectionate applause, each group received the gift of a cedar tree to be planted somewhere on the grounds of Tupãrendo to kindle their attachment to the Shrine. If watered and cared for our attachment to the source of graces will stay alive and strong, if we have careless times or drought, our weak attachment will be noticed. Hopefully over the years, we will see our little trees grow strong and healthy.

Schoenstatt is a great Family. We have a mother, Mary, a father, Father Joseph Kentenich, and a house, Tupãrenda. To all married couples, we wish with all our hearts for them to find in our Movement the path, which God shows to us as husbands and parents. As citizens of this country needing "new men," we say to all, "WELCOME!"

Translation: amj, USA