Joy spreads throughout the region, hundreds of illuminated faces, shining eyes, and hearts beating strongly… the great Jubilee has arrived. On September 10, the Blessed Mother welcomes the “little Pozzobons” who arrive at the Tabor Shrine in Santa Maria, Brazil, filled with love and gratitude for that September 10, 75 years ago, when she decided to leave the Shrine and go out to meet the families, carried on the shoulders of poor João.
The first meeting of the International Family is during dinner, in front of Mother’s house, that is, in a giant dining room set up in the courtyard of the Marian Center. Conversations mix and, although the languages are different, everyone understands each other in their love for the Mother and Queen, the Shrine, Fr. Kentenich, Pozzobon, and in their responsibility for the mission begun by Pozzobon.
The Club Dores is filled with joy
Next, the large Family fills the Club Dores sports Gym, solemnly decorated for the jubilee celebration. Greetings in various languages precede the entrance of the flags of the 25 countries represented here, from all continents, waving to the sound of the song: “We go with you, Father, your Covenant is our mission. We are your Family.”
The first to enter are the representatives from the Philippines, who traveled more than 18,000 kilometers to reach the Congress. They are followed by each country, Burundi, Germany, India, Luxembourg, Italy, and others, each welcomed as if it were the only one. Finally, the international organizing team of this event is introduced, and everyone greets them.
“You are the arms of Pozzobon”
Excited applause breaks out, and the hymn of the Pilgrim Mother is sung in all languages as the Queen of the feast, the Mother and Queen, makes her entrance. She arrives in a replica of the Original Pilgrim Mother and is led by Humberto and João Pozzobon, son and grandson of the Venerable little donkey of Mary.
Mayor Rodrigo Décimo then welcomes those present, introducing the city as everyone’s home during these festive days. The Word of the Lord is welcomed with the Holy Year hymn and a deacon proclaims the Gospel, Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” Fr. Alexandre Awi, president of the Schoenstatt International Presidium, gives the official welcome on behalf of the Schoenstatt Movement, reminding us that we are here to celebrate 75 years of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate and expressing his gratitude for all the sacrifices offered in favor of this mission: “You are the extended arms of Pozzobon, the instruments of the Mother of God. Thank you for bringing Schoenstatt to the whole world, taking the Gospel everywhere,” says the priest, relating it to the Gospel reading. Amid applause, he declares open the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Apostolate of the Pilgrim Mother.
Mary is the light of hope
Next, a group presents an artistic dramatization of the beginnings of Schoenstatt, the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate, and a summary of the life of João Luiz Pozzobon. All of this is accompanied by a choir and musicians who resound with Schoenstatt songs. At the end, everyone stands up to applaud them. Fr. João Eudes came from the Archdiocese of Natal, Brazil, especially for this celebration: “For me, it is truly a sign of hope, because the Mother of God wants to establish herself in our hearts so that we can go out into the world as a sign of hope in God’s love.”
A reflection on Mary as a light of hope continues with an invitation for everyone to light a candle, and the luminous procession travels through the streets, illuminating the night, to the Shrine. Atilio and Claudia Ferraro, who are part of the international team organizing the gathering, say that “it is a dream come true to be here, to celebrate 75 years and, tonight, to see Mr. João represented by his son, Mr. Humberto Pozzobon, and his grandson. It is a joy, and we hope to return soon for the beatification.”
She performed and will perform miracles
At the Shrine, fireworks were set off, spilling many colors across the sky, announcing that the joy of the earth resonates in the heart of God. “It is exciting to see 25 countries with their flags,” says Gilvanilda Vilar Carvalho Bulhões, who is also part of the core team for the event. She adds, “And to know that, from a simple and humble initiative of Venerable Pozzobon, today we see this greatness on the five continents. It is Venerable Pozzobon uniting everyone in a single goal: to save families with this great Apostolate.”
In front of the Shrines, with the waving of flags and the rhythm of the songs, everyone greeted the great Mother and Queen, renewed the Covenant of Love, and accompanied the sending of the Auxiliary Pilgrim Mothers to the United States, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, and Brazil. The images are blessed by Fr. Alexandre and given to his Missionaries with the words: “She is the great Missionary!” To which the response is: “She will work miracles.”
Yes, what we experienced tonight is clear proof of the great miracles that God works through this simple image, which leaves the Shrine to travel the world.
But the festivities are just beginning… so, after the evening blessing, everyone retired to rest, with hearts happy and open to receive the great graces of these days, to share their experiences and learn from each other how to continue this great Apostolate, evangelizing families and transforming the world in Christ, in this time that needs lights of hope.
Photos: Guilherme Brum / Prefeitura Municipal de Santa Maria
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
