June 18^, 2008: Covenant Day with a double celebration

The entire day of the 18^th was a day of gratitude for the milestone of June 17^th

Misa en la Iglesia de Peregrinos, a cargo del Instituto de Sacerdotes Diocesanos Holy Mass in the Pilgrims’ Church, sponsored by the Institute of Diocesan Priests Heilige Messe in der Pilgerkirche, gestaltet vom Institut der Schönstatt-Diözesanpriester
Chile, Nigeria, Argentina, Brasil, India... presentes Chile, Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, India... present Chile, Nigeria, Argentinien, Brasilien, Indien… sind dabei
Seminaristas de Nigeria Seminarians from Nigeria Studenten der Schönstatt-Patres aus Nigeria
Canciones latinoamericanas Latin American songs Lateinamerikanische Lieder
Un brasilero con la bandera de Argentina, la noche del partido Argentina – Brasil: solo es posible en Schoenstatt A Brazilean holding the flan of Argentina, at the night of the soccer match Argentina – Brazil: that’s only possible in Schoenstatt Ein Brasilianer mit der Fahne Argentiniens, am Abend des Qualifikationsspiels Argentinien-Brasilien: das geht auch nur in Schönstatt Fotos: POS Fischer © 2008 Álbum de fotos – photo album - Fotoalbum

SCHOENSTATT, mkf/Juan Barbisa. The Covenant Day in June, was undoubtedly very special since on its eve, June 17^th, the historic event of the closing of the diocesan process for the beatification Joseph Engling took place in Trier. It was a fundamental step to advance the cause of this young man who Father Kentenich called "The Founding Document lived"…Precisely on the eve of a Covenant Day! The entire day of the 18^th was a day of gratitude for the milestone of June 17^th: a day which also gave the time of a first analysis of the enormous transcendence that this act represents for Schoenstatt.

Joseph Engling was not present on October 18, 1914, when Schoenstatt was founded through the Covenant of Love that Father Kentenich and a group of students sealed with the Blessed Mother in the chapel that is presently know as the "Original Shrine" because he was too young. However he opened his heart without reserve and he made Schoenstatt his life; the notes of his diary and his letters are a pure and profound reflection of the impulses transmitted by the Founder. Father Kentenich never acted alone. Father Alex Menningen revealed this decades ago during a journey of the Gilrs’ Youth: "He had a Joseph Engling at his side at each stage of his life". He demonstrated how many times Father asked: "Who wants to be the new Joseph Engling?.."Father Menningen continued saying: "Today he also needs another Joseph Engling". A Sister of Mary - a girl of 18 at that moment - related on the way back from the event in Trier: "I remember as if it were today that my heart responded: Father…Do you want me to be your Joseph Engling today?"

To live and to die for the Original Shrine.

Joseph died for the Original Shrine, for Schoenstatt. We should live for the Shrine, for Schoenstatt. In the afternoon of June 18, after the Mass at the Pilgrims’ Church and the pilgrimage to the Original Shrine, united with the Schoenstatters throughout the world in the different shrines, wayside shrines and homeshrines, the renewal of the Covenant of Love was carried out surrounding the Original Shrine with flags and jars. This simple but transcendental act was done in a special union with Argentina, where the Schoenstatt Leaders promoted a journey of prayer for the country on this 18^th.

A seminarian from Nigeria sang the short consecration prayer in Ibo, his first language. After burning the papers with the Capital of grace and the blessing, the seven seminarians from this country, who will be ordained as deacons on August 31^st, presented a nice song, which included a dance, to those present; and the Latin Americans, who had a good representation, also sang their songs; in this way they created a family atmosphere at dusk in Schoenstatt. When they left they passed by the tombs of the heroes to leave their offerings and a special tribute for Joseph Engling.

Repercussion of the events in Trier in Argentina, Peru, and beyond...

The articles published of the events that took place in Trier on June 17^th awakened much joy throughout the world. From Tuparenda, Paraguay, the International Leaders' Circle of the Family Federation sent their greetings and their commitment to pray so that the process will continue to develop well in Rome.

Melba Lopez, of the founding generation of Schoenstatt in Corrientes, Argentina wrote: "I read the article again and again since this allowed me to experience this very intense moment; I imagine Joseph Engling, in his great humility and divine service, smiling openly, close to Father. For those of us who are far, it is very important to know the details of the ceremonies that schoenstatt.de transmits. I had read about the closing of the diocesan stage of the process of Joseph Engling so I "prepared" my Home Shrine early. I kept a candle lighted throughout the day of June 17^th, as a way of expressing, along with my accompaniment, a strong desire: May we give testimony to this holiness in his mission within our family."

Inés Petiti wrote from Goya, Argentina: "What was experienced in Trier yesterday was wonderful! Our beloved MTA manifested herself and she merrily manifested herself in her little children. I always remember the question that Father Joseph Kentenich asked about whether "there would be a Joseph Engling in America", and John Pozzobon thought "Is it I". How many Joseph Englings did our Founder spread throughout the world!"

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA