I give my all for Schoenstatt

Behind the Scenes at the 2014 Conference

Las copias, al último momento... Last minute copies Noch warme Kopien...
La Auxiliar con las „tarjetas de gracias“ The Auxiliary with the “grace cards” Die Auxiliar mit den “Gnadenkarten”
Cássio en su tarea importante Cassio during his important work Cássio bei seiner Arbeit – lebensnotwendig!
Servidores Helpers Helfer
En la oficina de la Conferencia At the Conference Office Im Konferenz-Sekretariat
Votación Voting Abstimmung Fotos: Leal, Schick © 2009

2014 CONFERENCE, Cássio Leal. Great works are born in the tiny details. Similarly, a group of volunteers from various countries offered their contributions to help the 2014 Conference to fulfil its aims during a historical moment for the Schoenstatt Family.

Together with the representatives from 32 countries who attended the 2014 Conference, many volunteers also answered the MTA’s call during the very intensive week in Schoenstatt from 1 to 7 February, a historical moment that marked the life of the International Schoenstatt Family gathered in the shadow of the Original Shrine as well as Schoenstatters from all around the world who followed the events from all corners of the earth through their prayers and contributions to the Capital of Grace.

The current of grace returns to its original place

The current of grace returns to its original place. From the small group of young seminarians directed by a priest, Schoenstatt has become a great work spread out over five continents. "A dream dreamt alone is just a dream but the dream dreamt together becomes reality." In almost 100 years of the Covenant of Love, it is obvious that Fr. Kentenich did not dream about the accomplishment of the Schoenstatt Work alone. It was through the selflessness and commitment of many people that the founder’s "favourite idea" became such a great reality. The representatives from all around the world also want to celebrate the centenary of the Movement – by dreaming together of something great and transform it into a celebration that emphasises what Schoenstatt represents for the Church and the world!

Doing what they could to guarantee the success of the Conference, many volunteers from North and South America, Europe and Africa also came to Schoenstatt and worked day and night behind the scenes, preparing photocopies, translations, texts and a multitude of other tasks. Simultaneous translations in German, English and Spanish transformed the Conference into a Pentecostal moment in which everyone understood one another and could work together in preparation for the great 2014 jubilee. Sometimes, Italian, Portuguese and French could also be heard, which required even greater collaboration among the translation booths. The interpreters and translators were necessary and they worked professionally.

The commitment of taking the riches shared during these Cenacle days to each country

The meeting by the representatives of the many countries into which Schoenstatt has reached was undoubtedly a moment of grace that touched everyone as they exchanged experiences and testimonies, learned more about the realities of each place and shared the same ideal of being a part of the same family around the Shrine and in the Covenant of Love. Without having to worry about culture, language or continent, everybody felt at home through mutual respect, reflecting our founder’s words: "it seems somewhat superfluous to welcome you here because we are at home and when we are at home, everyone is always welcome." The volunteers who helped everyday with the simplest of tasks, such as serving coffee, also felt that they were part of this large family.

Although there was so much work to do, in the end everyone was able to say and celebrate that it had all been worthwhile.

For me it was wonderful to participate as a volunteer during the Conference and, in this way, contribute with my grain of sand towards the success of this historic event. What remains now is the commitment of taking the riches were shared during these cenacle days in Schoenstatt to each country. In the same way as the Apostles were sent out to spread the Good News, we also have an enormous mission to accomplish – to be living shrines because we are the 2014 Generation!

Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Johannesburg, South Africa