The construction of a new Shrine of the Mother and Queen touches the heart of the Schoenstatt Family in a special way. A broad smile lights up the faces of Schoenstatters all over Brazil when the soon-to-be-built Tabor of Mercy Shrine is mentioned. Located in the diocese of Florianópolis, it will be the first Schoenstatt Daughter Shrine in the state of Santa Catarina, with an inauguration planned for July 20, 2025.
On March 15th, 700 people participated in the blessing of the cornerstone in the municipality of Biguaçu.
State Meeting of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate
Sister M. Vera Debald, adviser to the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate in the state, tells us that, on the day of the blessing of the cornerstone, the State Coordinators’ Meeting also took place. There were representatives from all over the state of Santa Catarina, who were “full of expectations”, the sister tells us. The program included Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and spiritual formation, led by Father Vitor Possetti, vice-postulator of the cause for beatification of John Louis Pozzobon.
“In his presentation, Father Vitor praised the life of the Servant of God, his dedication and love for so many families, his role as father and friend to the poor, his great missionary zeal and his bond with the Shrine through the Covenant of Love with the Mother and Queen”, recalls Sister M. Vera.
Children and young people called to be witnesses of hope
The coordinators, grouped according to diocese, evaluated the life of the Apostolate in this Holy Year and the progress made in the conquest of offerings for the Mother and Queen in the 75th jubilee. The Sister emphasizes that, in all the dioceses, “a great effort is being made to introduce the image of the Pilgrim Mother to children and young people during catechesis, in altar server groups, in youth groups and in schools”. Some who have already implemented it shared positive experiences from their parishes.
Bishop Onécimo shares his experience
The most eagerly awaited moment was the Holy Mass with the blessing of the cornerstone of the shrine, whose walls are already well advanced in construction. The mass was presided over by Monsignor Onécimo Alberton, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Florianópolis, who during the celebration and in the homily shared his experience with the Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt when he was a parish priest.
The bishop related that, at the Covenant of Love renewal masses, he always needed to make more room both for the faithful and to place the images of the Pilgrim Mother. He encouraged all those present to continue in the conquest and bond with the Shrine.
Some political authorities were also present at this celebration, such as the mayor, Salmir da Silva, and the deputy mayor, Alexandre Martins de Souza, along with some councillors. Mr. Antônio Luiz Fuchter, who donated the land, was represented by his daughter, Adriana Fuchter. Also present were representatives of the construction company working on the Shrine and other collaborators who are making it possible for the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt to have her dwelling place and center of growth in sanctity.
The blessing of the Cornerstone
At the end of the celebration, everyone formed a procession to the construction site, carrying the document signed by the authorities and representatives of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement, which was sealed by the Bishop.
Sister M. Vera describes: “To the tune of Ave Maria and with little angels welcoming us, everyone approached and entered the construction area of the Shrine to witness the blessing and laying of the cornerstone”. Then Monsignor Onécimo blessed the cornerstone and all those present. “They were moments of great enthusiasm and gratitude as we looked at the miracle of the Shrine’s construction being realized after so many years of waiting.”
To conclude, people placed pieces of paper with their names and intentions between the bricks of the Shrine’s walls and received a small brick with the logo of the Tabor of Mercy Shrine as a souvenir of this day.
Source: Schoenstatt Brazil – schoenstatt.org.br
Translation: Maribel Acaron
