Shrine for Shrine

Groundbreaking for the second Shrine in Texas, USA

Santa Misa: P. Jonathan Niehaus y Diácono Tony Ludolph Holy Mass, Father Jonathan Niehaus and Deacon Tony Ludolph Heilige Messe: P. Jonathan Niehaus und Diakon Tony Ludolph
Bendición Prayer and blessing Segensgebet
Hna. Daniela Rensing, asesora de la rama de familias Sr. Daniela Rensing, Movement Sister for the Family Branch breaking ground  Schw. Daniela Rensing beim ersten Spatenstich
Hna. Corelia Bechold, asesora de la Rama de Madres, leyendo un texto del Padre Kentenich Sr. Corelia Bechold, Movement Sister for the Mothers Branch sharing words of the Founder Schw. Corelia Bechold liest Worte von Pater Kentenich Fotos: Valente Macías © 2008

USA, Julian and Pilar Huerta. On February 23, 2008, groundbreaking took place for the second Schoenstatt Daughter Shrine in Texas, USA which is to be dedicated on October 18, 2008. A joyful family spirit permeated the celebration. Father Jonathan Niehaus was the celebrant for the Holy Mass. The architectural drawings, the Father Eye Symbol, the Unity Cross for the altar and a placard with the name and mission of the coming Shrine were offered in the presentation of the gifts.

After the Mass, the approximately 175 persons walked across the meadow in a rosary procession to the beautiful wooded site for the Shrine. Father Jonathan blessed the site and said the Prayer of Blessing. All present recited the prayer written by Father Kentenich for the groundbreaking of the Exile Shrine in Milwaukee, May 18, 1954. The shovel from the groundbreaking for the Cor Mariae Shrine in Nebraska which was dedicated in November 2007 was used. Father Jonathan, representing the Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers, was the first to turn the ground. He had with him some soil from the site of the Nebraska Shrine which he placed and turned into the soil. Deacon Tony Ludolph was second with the shovel. Seven sisters from the Confidentia Shrine, representing the Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, broke ground next—Sr. Gabriela Mashiska, Provincial Superior; the two movement sisters, Sr. Corelia and Sr. Daniela; then

Sr. Anne Mary, Sr. Catherine, Sr. Maria, and Sr. Mary Kay. The architect, Francisco Gonzalez, and Danny Specia, contractor were next to turn the soil. The leaders of the San Antonio family—Mothers Federation, Family Federation, Diocesan/District Leaders of the Family and Mothers Leagues, several boys representing the Boys Youth Branch, a representative of the Board of Directors and of the Rosary Campaign all excitedly took their turn to break ground. The Texas family from several dioceses representing the Institute of the Families, Women’s League, Family Federation and the Rosary Campaign turned the soil and then everyone in attendance was invited to take the shovel and turn the ground. A reception was held afterward. "We will live in the graces of this longed-for-day as we proceed with the construction of our Mother’s Shrine and continue our striving to build a strong spiritual foundation for the Shrine through our contributions to the capital of grace", this was the inspiration that went with the participants.

A gift in thanksgiving

The name of the coming Shrine will be Cor Unum in Patre. It will be built in the Archdiocese of San Antonio on a beautiful 52-acre Texas hill country property named Mount Schoenstatt. The new Shrine is offered as gift to our Mother Thrice Admirable by the Texas Schoenstatt Family in thanksgiving for the Golden Jubilee of the Confidentia Shrine in Lamar, Texas which will be celebrated on October 18, 2009. It is also given with the petition for the canonization of our Founder, Father Joseph Kentenich. The dedication of the new Shrine will open the Jubilee Year of the Confidentia Shrine. Heart for Heart, Gift for Gift, Shrine for Shrine!

• Website of the Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio with updates on the construction of the coming Shrine: www.mountschoenstatt.org.