On July 13, 2024, the Schoenstatt Family of Berlin invited people from different countries living in this multicultural capital to the Second International Day of Encounter. On the eve of the final match of the European Football Championship – the Eurocup – held in the national capital, the Mother of God intervened to bring the different nations and cultures together and connect them with each other.
“What kindness among the people!” a Polish woman aptly described what she experienced that summer day at the Berlin-Frohnau Shrine.
21 countries represented
Some of the two hundred visitors already knew Schoenstatt in their home countries and, therefore, felt at home with the Blessed Mother in the Berlin Shrine. Some were visiting the Schoenstatt Center for the first time. This day allowed them to get to know each other. Twenty-one countries were represented: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Ivory Coast, Great Britain, Italy, Cameroon, Cuba, Madagascar, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Rwanda, Taiwan, Czech Republic, USA and Vietnam.
All were welcomed in their national language. The joy of internationality is especially evident when the respective national flags are brought to the front amidst applause and cheers.
Three Sisters of Mary traveled from Schoenstatt, Vallendar, to Berlin, especially for this feast day. For many, their presence is a beautiful sign of attachment to the place of origin of the Movement and the Original Shrine.
Participation of the Polish mission
This year, in particular, the Polish mission was involved in organizing the feast and the liturgy. Three priests celebrated Holy Mass: Father Arkadiusz Sosna, member of the General Council of the Schoenstatt Fathers and co-responsible for the International Coordination of the Schoenstatt Movement; Father Przemyslaw Kawecki, SDB, from the Polish community of Berlin-Mitte, and Chaplain Witold Wójcik, from the parish of St. Francis, to which the Schoenstatt Center belongs.
In his homily, Fr. Arkadiusz recalled the open door of the Shrine, which always invites us to visit Mary. “She, the Queen of all peoples, is always there for us and welcomes us all,” Fr. Arkadiusz said. “We can accept one another because she accepts each of us. Together, we love and honor the Mother of God and seal a Covenant of Love with her.”
At the end of the sermon, he encouraged his listeners: “The good God needs us, our weakness, to accomplish great things. Christ also wants to take shape through us, but he needs our consent: Here I am. Let it be done according to your word.
Therefore, at the end of the liturgical celebration, they were invited to allow themselves to be carried by the Blessed Mother’s “yes” and to renew the Covenant of Love.
Dances and songs in praise of Mary
A colorful procession with the cross and national flags departed for the Schoenstatt Shrine. The Auxiliary Pilgrim MTA of the Polish mission – decorated with flowers in the national colors of red and white – was carried along the procession.
After some Filipino children and youth dances, songs of praise to the Blessed Mother were sung in Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish. The many Pilgrim MTA’s that had been brought were blessed and re-sent.
International delicacies
Many people brought delicious dishes that were typical of their countries. This way, internationality can be “savored” with good conversations and joyful friendliness.
The Schoenstatt Shrine was filled with people praying throughout the day. With the many candles lit, the Blessed Mother is literally surrounded by a sea of light. The afternoon focused on sharing life with the Pilgrim Mother. Experiences were shared with short testimonies.
“For me, the day is really a day of living faith, and I am very grateful and happy that Mary has shown me the way to the Schoenstatt Movement,” says Stefanie Z., from Berlin. Singing and dancing, accompanied by the frequent phrase, “Thank you very much. We are already looking forward to the next meeting,” brought the celebration to an end.
More information
Next year’s date is already set: July 19, 2025.
Website of the Berlin Schoenstatt Center: schoenstatt-berlin.com
Source: schoenstatt.de
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
