In mid-August, families, especially married couples of various nationalities and age groups, gathered at the House of the Families in Schoenstatt-Vallendar, Germany. During Ora et labora week, they helped for a day, several days, or even a whole week to spruce up the House. The tasks were varied: among other things, windows were cleaned, new tablecloths were laid, and there was hammering and digging.

International and fully booked

The House of the Families which has long been described as “international,” truly lived up to its name from August 8 to 14: Slovakian and Czech couples carried out a major work project, and many German couples and families, as well as Polish, Austrian, and Argentinean helpers, also participated in the project.

Interest in the Ora et labora days was so great that advertising for them had to be stopped a few weeks before the work assignments began, as the house was already fully booked at that point.

Ora et labora

In addition to the very practical goal of sprucing up the house and its surroundings, there was a spiritual program in keeping with the Benedictine idea of “prayer and work.” The hammering and painting involved in redesigning the foyer and cafeteria, as well as the cutting and clearing of paths through the adjacent forest, and the cleaning of countless window panes, were punctuated by church services, evening prayers for children, and reflections for adults, and framed by midday prayers.

But there was also plenty of time for fellowship and the joy of working together, as one participant summed up at the end: “I really liked that we felt here that we are working together for families.”

Family-friendly

To enable families to participate in this volunteer week, it was, of course, possible to bring children along. Many of them were happy to help, especially with setting up the playground. A special highlight was the lawn mower tractor, which allowed many young participants to live out their dream of becoming a tractor driver. In addition, there was a visit to the swimming pool, as well as various games, such as duck fishing. On Sunday, there was even a family outing to the Ehrenbreitstein adventure playground. Some of the older children spoiled their parents with freshly baked cakes, as well as an alcohol-free cocktail bar on one of the evenings.

See you again next year!

After the Ora et labora week, there is another Ora et labora week: And so, the search for the next date is already underway. If you want to make a note of it, you will soon find it at www.hausderfamilie.info.

Source: schoenstatt.de