We are going to knock on every door

Family Missions in San Javier y Traiguén, Chile

La entrada de los salcedotes Entrance procession Einzug der Priester
El Coro Choir Chor
Una de las peticiones Petitions Fürbitten
Un grupo de misioneros durante el Canto final de la Misa. A group of missionaries during the closing song of the Mass Eine Gruppe von Missionaren beim Schlusslied
Una reunión de preparación de los papás misioneros... A meeting of preparation Bei einem der vielen Vorbereitungstreffen Foto: Andrés Ghiringhelli © 2009

CHILE, rcm. On January 18th at the noon Mass near the Shrine of Los Pinos, sixteen families were in charge of the Covenant Mass and sending forth of the Family Missions, which will begin on Saturday the 24th and will continue until February 1st.

This is the second year the Missions are held in San Javier, located around186 miles south of Santiago, and where nine couples (seven from Los Pinos and two from Agua Santa) and ninety Missionary Children-Youth will go. Father Patricio Rodríguez will be accompanying them. At Traiguén 496 miles away, south of Santiago, Fathr Miguel Kast will be going along with seven couples and ninety Missionary Children-Youth, after which he will depart for Spain bidding farewell to his fruitful apostolic work developed in Viña del Mar.

House by house with the Blessed Mother

For some time, the two communities have been preparing for Missions 2009; couples and the youth will coordinate the work of the missions in order to

• Minister to new youth and integrate new families
• Collect food at the super markets and to conduct fundraising activities
• Work with the youth and children in each area, etc..

The work that will be developed in each place has been coordinated with the pastors, who have asked them visit and to evaluate the work that was done last year to see if it has borne fruit. They will also visit new homes.

Home visits will be made with the picture of the Blessed Mother. She will open the doors. They bring a picture of the Blessed Mother placed in a triptych that includes a prayer, inviting them to pray as a family, and it will be left at each home that welcomes them.

Bearers of Jesus and Mary in today’s world

Father Mario Romero presided at the Eucharist, Father Roberto and Father Patricio concelebrated along with him. The missionaries were in charge of the songs, readings, petitions, collection, and the distribution of communion.

After the Mass, Father Patricio invited all the young missionaries who were present at this Mass to come forward. Many came to the front of the altar, several are out of town for vacation. From this place, close to the Schoenstatt Shrine, they were sent forth as Missionary Families to be loyal instruments and bearers of Jesus and Mary in today’s world. In his homily Father Mario said: "No one talks about having an empty heart, because in the first place, our duty as missionaries is to fill ourselves with Christ and the Gospel."

The three priests extended their arms and sent them forth with a blessing. In his spirit, they want to depart to take the Lord and his Mother to many homes of Traiguén and San Javier.

On this Covenant Day, the Eucharist ended with the Hymn of the Missions, "We will knock on every door" and with the burning of the Capital of Grace.

Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, TX, USA/amj