(mkf) From every corner of Mount Schoenstatt Schoenstatters carrying lit candles gathered on this brisk October evening. On the way, a pumpkin with a Father Symbol carved in it lit the way. In the procession included participants from the October Week and many Schoenstatters from the Vallendar area and from around the world: India, Mexico, Kongo, Burundi, USA, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, England, Scotland, Australia, Russian, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Philippines ... Of course the goal was to meet at the Original Shrine in the valley where the first Covenant of Love was sealed on October 18, 1914 between the Blessed Mother, Fr. Kentenich and the boys. The 85 year covenant history came together in an atmosphere of joy around the Original Shrine with an International flavor in the presence of the flags from many countries as well as in the people from around the world who were present.

People filled in the area around the Original Shrine, with many standing in the park next to the shrine or by the heroes graves. Gratitude was expressed to our Covenant Queen for this October Week, for our International Schoenstatt Family, and for the Father Symbol in the Founder Chapel: "This is the place where our Movement began. It is the source of grace for our family. Every daughter shrine, home shrine, pilgrim shrine and heart shrine is bound to this Original Shrine - bound with our Mother and Queen and our Father and Founder."

My Queen, My Mother ...

All were invited to renew the covenant of love by praying the little dedication prayer: "My Queen, My Mother...." Everyone present united in the covenant renewal with all who in the past, present and future have sealed their covenant of love. During the time of exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, all were invited to pray for a fruitful Holy Year - 2000.

At the end, all were invited to gather around the fire where the contributions to the Capital of Grace (written on little slips of paper) were burned. Fr. Fleischlin shared an idea that had come up - to send a fax from Schoenstatt to the Blessed Mother in the shrine in Bellavista. The fax shared our gratitude for the celebration of May 31st and the joy that we could crown our MTA as Queen of the New Pentecost.

Covenant Fire

The fire burned brightly (adding a little warmth to the Autumn chill of the evening). Schoenstatters from around the world tried to squeeze into the Original Shrine to greet our covenant Queen for a few moments. Outside, a group of youth began to sing South American Schoenstatt songs. One woman beamed: "I know that song from Bellavista." Two young woman spontaneously began to dance.