On Saturday, August 16, at the Celestial City Shrine in Samborondón, the Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth of Ecuador celebrated a memorable day: the 25th anniversary of the Living Crown current, which began in 2000 in the International Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth. The motto of this meeting is the same one that accompanies the branch this year in Ecuador: “Living Crown, Proclaimer of Hope.”

Approximately 300 girls arrived, driven by a single desire: to be the new generation of the Living Crown. There were: Apostles of Mary, Bearers of the Queen, Allies, and University Students, as well as some former members of the Girls’ Youth, Sisters of Mary, and Youth coordinators (women who help us coordinate the Youth leaders and the different activities of the Youth).

There was a lot of anticipation, because the last time the Living Crown experience had taken place in Ecuador was in 2010, so none of the girls of this generation had experienced it. In addition, a few days earlier we had returned from a pilgrimage to Schoenstatt and Rome, where we participated in the Living Crown Jubilee with 600 girls from different countries, cultures, and languages. United by the same ideal, we were overflowing with joy and a strong desire to be an authentic Living Crown for the Queen.

The new generation takes on the mission

For several weeks, everything was planned with every detail in mind, between the Councils and the team of Girls’ Youth Coordinators. The decoration of the house inside and out was impressive, with colorful garlands and crowns everywhere. We were even able to rent some meter-and-a-half-high RTA letters with lights which became the perfect spot for the photos of the day.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments was recreating the iconic photo of the RTA crown, becoming a Living Crown ourselves. We did this in front of our shrine, where the RTA acronym was already drawn. In a very orderly and joyful manner, the RTA was gradually completed with girls who sang non-stop while waiting for the official photo.

All the youth were part of what would be one of the most memorable moments of the afternoon. Amid laughter, singing, and much joy, the crown took shape and gave way to a new generation. Together, girls and advisors were part of the Blessed Mother’s Living Crown.

This time needs us!

After the photo of the Living Crown, we shared hot dogs, popcorn, and juice; then we moved on to workshops for Apostles, Bearers, Allies, and University Students, prepared especially with their reality in mind, some with crafts and others with testimonies from the girls who were part of the RTA Jubilee in Schoenstatt. The purpose of these workshops was to discover together how to be a Living Crown in daily life, according to the age of the girls.

To conclude, we had a moment of adoration in front of the Shrine, where we received a medal with the RTA, just like at the international jubilee in Schoenstatt. We were also able to sign the Living Crown book while singing joyfully.

As one of the participants said, this day was not only a space for encounter and formation, but also a moment of motivation and encouragement to go out into the world and say: we want to be little Marys, those who courageously and authentically reflect the desires of God and of our Father and Founder.

An Apostle of Mary said that it had been a very beautiful day and that she was now a Living Crown of the Blessed Mother. A new Ally commented to her Family that Schoenstatt was definitely her place, that she had never felt so welcome and happy. And another Movement member also said: our original way of living holiness is to be a Living Crown… This time needs us!

A mission that transcends generations

Many of us were deeply touched by these words of our Father and Founder, which were attached to the little crown that we now wear around our necks, together with our Covenant medal.

“The Mother Thrice Admirable and Queen of Schoenstatt wants to transform us today into little Queens Thrice Admirable. From today onwards, she wants to see us as little Regina ter admirabilis. And perhaps each one will have a little crown that will make us aware that we are little crowned Queens”

(J. K. to the JF of Münster, 8/18/1945, when giving them the RTA crown)

We are your Living Crown! Today, tomorrow, together!

Translation: Maribel Acaron