A Shrine Which Would Be A Home for the Uprooted Person in the Big City

The Tabor of Mary Shrine in the Belgrano R Area of Buenos Aires Is 45 Years Old

Símbolo del capital de gracias Symbol of the Capital of Grace Symbol für die Beiträge zum Gnadenkapital
La Hna. M. Cristvera Sister M. Cristvera Schw. M. Cristvera
Globos… Balloons… Luftabllons über dem Heiligtum Fotos: Graciela Greco © 2008

ARGENTINA, Graciela Greco. The Tabor of Mary Shrine located in the Belgrano R area celebrated its 45^th anniversary on October 18^th. It is the first Shrine in the city of Buenos Aires. Father Javier Arteaga, Director of the Schoenstatt Movement in Argentina, pointed out in his homily that it was a triple feast day: feast days of the Covenant of Love, of the Shrine, and of the Schoenstatt Family in Buenos Aires.

The Tabor of Mary Shrine is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Buenos Aires which are characterized by grand old houses, beautiful gardens and abundant trees. It is a very tranquil residential area which the Blessed Mother chose for her children already in 1949 when the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary took up residence in the house on 3632 Echeverría Street. It was to be their headquarters in Argentina until they would be able to acquire the definite property for their Province House and especially for the first Shrine in Argentina.

Among the preparations for this great event was the idea of making more known this hidden treasure of the city. That is how the idea came about of handing out to everyone small pamphlets which contained the drawing of a heart and within the heart which I offer Her, I can include that which I am grateful for and that which I am petitioning the Mother Thrice Admirable for. The people were invited to fill out these cards, to visit the Blessed Mother, and to deposit them in a container which is in the form of an acrylic transparent Shrine. The container is about 50 centimeters in height and is in one of the corners of the interior of the Shrine. Among those who collaborated the most to make this initiative possible were the missionary taxicab drivers of the Blessed Mother. This apostolate was born in this Shrine.

How good it is to be here!

During the previous months, many persons arrived with longings and expectations. It must be noted that it is a very much visited Shrine. Many people come to pray throughout the day. A conference of the Family in Belgrano took place on August 29^th. It was an historical conference to further value the treasure of this Shrine which was wished for by the Father and Founder from his exile. The week before, one of the most read newspapers in the country published in one of its supplements the history, course and mission of the Shrine. This also brought many more persons.

From early-on, the arrival of pilgrims was unending. The children visited the Blessed Mother to petition and to give thanks…..to express to her their love and to enjoy – some for the first time – the comforting experience of a home. How good it is to be here!

The first Holy Mass was at 3:00 P.M. About 120 persons attended, especially coordinators of the Pilgrim MTA and older people who would not be able to attend the evening Mass.

The legacy…..

In the afternoon, two pilgrimage processions from two neighboring parishes arrived together at the Shrine. After situating the processional crosses and the images of the MTA they had been carrying, the people were seated in the garden which surrounds the Shrine and anxiously awaited the surprises promised by the organizers of this event.

First was the moving testimony of Sr. M. Cristvera who was a part of the first groups of Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary which Father Kentenich himself sent to Argentina. She spoke of the beginnings in Belgrano and of the life they lived at that time. She recalled the Father and Founder coming through the house on Echeverría Street. She also spoke about how Father from his exile in Milwaukee had learned of the intention to build in the house of Belgrano a small replica of the Shrine – like the one in the nearby San Bonifacio Church –. He let them know that they should build there a true Daughter Shrine which would be a home for the uprooted person of the big city.

Happy Covenant Day! Happy Shrine Day! Happy Family of Buenos Aires Day!

Later in the afternoon, balloons were released – one for each year – with messages for whoever would receive them. Various Movement representatives were gathered. Joyful applause followed the release of the balloons as they drifted into the beautiful blue sky which Blessed Mother had blessed them with. It was a sunny day. The weather could not have been better for enjoying such a day.

At the beginning of the Holy Mass, there was not one empty seat and many who were not able to enter the grounds participated from the street from where they could see the Shrine perfectly since only some wrought iron bars and hedges block the view.

In his homily, Fr. Javier highlighted the greatness of the first Covenant of Love which was sealed by Father Kentenich and the seminarians. It was accepted by the Blessed Mother and gave birth to the Shrine which is the source of grace and foundation for the Schoenstatt Family. Therefore, he opened and ended the celebration wishing us: Happy Covenant Day! Happy Shrine Day! Happy Family of Buenos Aires Day!

In conclusion, historical photos were projected on the screen and then the birthday cake candles were blown out. Happy Birthday was sung and the Mothers’ Branch handed out to everyone present a piece of cake with a message from the Father and Founder. The people were greeting each other and engaged in friendly conversations. They were very happy to share a family festivity, a feast of feasts.

Even in the days and weeks which followed, the people continued coming. They were attracted by the echoes which resulted with the festival of this anniversary.

Translation: Carlos Cantú Schoenstatt Family Federation La Feria, TX USA 110508