A new Shrine is growing…
Blessing of the Foundation Stone of the Cor Unum in Patre Shrine, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Bendición de la piedra fundamental del futuro Santuario de San Antonio, Texas, Estados Unidos Blessing of the corner stone of the future Shrine in San Antonio, Texas, USA Grundsteinlegung des Heiligtums in San Antonio, Texas, USA |
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Durante la celebración During the celebration Bei der Feier |
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Rito Rite Ritus der Segnung |
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La piedra fundamental The corner stone Der Grundstein |
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Diaconos y padres Deacons and fathers Diakone und Priester Fotos: Huerta © 2008 |
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USA, Pilar and Julian Huerta. On May 31st, Feast of Mary’s Visitation and anniversary of Schoenstatt’s third milestone, 200 members of the Texas family gathered at Mount Schoenstatt, San Antonio, for the blessing of the foundation stone for the new Shrine to be dedicated on October 18, 2008, the anniversary of Schoenstatt founding in 1914. On the same day, the new Schoenstatt Shrine in Jacarezinho, Brazil, will be dedicated.
The outdoor Mass, held in a beautiful wooded area, was concelebrated by Schoenstatt Fathers, Fr. Christian Christiansen and Fr. Jesus Ferras. Deacons Tony Ludolph and Joe Jorgensen assisted in the Mass. The music was provided by Maria Apac-Smith who has composed many beautiful Schoenstatt hymns.
Founding Generation
After the homily, the Schoenstatt Family of Texas representing eight dioceses, as well as all the branches and communities of Schoenstatt made an Act of Dedication as Founding Generation of the Cor Unum in Patre Shrine. Ten Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary participated in the ceremony. The architect and contractor were also present.
Before the end of the Mass, the foundation stone was blessed and the official document of the Shrine was signed. Documents were placed into the capsule of the foundation stone by the institutes, the federation courses, by all the branches of each diocese and the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign. It was indeed an affirmation of the grace of unity that Mary, the Mother and Queen has bestowed on the Texas family. On this beautiful and joyous grace-filled day those present expressed gratitude and the readiness to embrace the mission of cor unum in Patre (One heart in the Father). After the final hymn, applause and spontaneous jubilant shouts rang out: "Viva, Nuestra Mater, Tres Veces Admirable!", "Viva, Schoenstatt!", "Que Viva el Santuario!"
The next blessing of a corner stone for a new Shrine will be celebrated on June 14, in Croatia. The country’s first shrine will be dedicated on August 22, 2009.