Sister M. Christvera Ensle arrived in Argentina as a missionary in 1949. Those who were close to her had to admire her dedication, intelligence, and wisdom. She was a determined, daring woman who was hardly intimidated by difficulties. She was born in Frankfurt on August 21, 1924. She left us on the eve of the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.
Decisive Instrument in Schoenstatt Argentina
The Schoenstatt Movement in Argentina had a very unique instrument in its founding stage and in the prolific development of the years that followed. Sister M. Christvera Ensle arrived in Argentina as a missionary in 1949 precisely to initiate the Schoenstatt Movement where she offered her life and soul to the Work until her strength began to dwindle.
A member of the Institute of Families said: “Sister M. Christvera cradled the Family Work in Argentina”. And the expression, although metaphorical, is accurate: she was the National Advisor of the Family League from 1955 to 1989 and closely guided the foundation and development of the Institute of Families as the first “Mistress of Novices”.
Those who were close to her had to admire her dedication, intelligence, and wisdom. She was like a “walking Schoenstatt encyclopedia”. She transmitted the principles with precision, but she did it with a captivating simplicity.
Her life
Sr. M. Christvera was born in Frankfurt on August 21, 1924. She was a member of the Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth. She joyfully recalled her journey to Schoenstatt with a friend in the spring of 1946. They cycled more than 100 miles through a Germany in ruins because of World War II. During the trip, thanks to a French officer, they obtained a permit that enabled them to ride their bicycles from the American-occupied zone – where they came from – to the French-occupied zone. When they arrived in Schoenstatt, the sisters who knew them were astonished and told Father Kentenich, who at that time was preaching exercises in the Covenant House, what had happened. The young women were able to greet him personally and he congratulated them and gave them a special blessing for their trip back home. This was an example of her character: she was a determined, daring woman who was hardly intimidated by difficulties.
She left us on the eve of the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. Her memory will remain forever in the souls of hundreds and thousands of people whom she served with her characteristic austerity, simplicity, and enthusiasm.
Thank you Sr. M. Christvera! Your dedication is a precious stone in the Queen’s crown.
