The Original Shrine is usually painted every 2 years. The humidity and the large amount of candles used makes it absolutely necessary.
Due to various works earlier this year it was decided to postpone this task until this summer.
And it was long overdue!!! Those of us who come to the Shrine every day were somehow already used to it, but the imprints of the candles were becoming more and more noticeable. This was especially evident when it was time to remove the different images.
Until now this task had always been carried out by a contractor, but this year it had a special characteristic. Members from the Schoenstatt Institute of Families from the Czech Republic volunteered to come to work in the Shrine.
A work done with love and by numerous hands
Some months ago we began conversations and we determined that the last weekend of August was the most appropriate time to carry out this project.
The Institute of Families offered the House of Families here in Schoenstatt so that they could provide lodging and different volunteers helped to prepare the Shrine so that the work could be carried out.
On Thursday the 22nd, the day of Mary Queen of the Universe, after the Mass in Spanish and two pilgrims who sealed their Covenant of Love, everyone who was there helped to dismantle the altar and to remove the images and the pews from the Shrine so that everything would be ready to begin painting the following day. It was a beautiful “procession” of members of the different communities that entered and left the Shrine carrying in their hands the different objects to leave them in the Sacristy.
It was a unique opportunity. Many wanted to have their picture taken holding the picture of the Blessed Mother or some other of the images.
In addition to painting, the candelabras, windows, bells and other objects were cleaned. Everything was sparkling clean.
On Saturday afternoon everything was reassembled. Again the same “procession” took place, this time from the sacristy to the Sanctuary. A family from Mexico and another one from Spain, who were passing through, were also excited to help in such a beautiful task.
Couples from the Czech Republic tell us about their experience
The following is a testimony of the families who traveled from the Czech Republic.
Veronika and Petr Zborník
(Bohunka) and Hynek Sladký
(Martina) and Marek Pur
Where are you from?
We are from the Czech Republic, members of the Czech delegation of the Schoenstatt Institute of Families. Geographically we are (in alphabetical order) from Jablonec nad Nisou, Liberec and Prague.
What made you travel so far to paint the Original Shrine?
In the spring of this year, our Assistant General Family (now our General Superiors), Cristina and Rafa Muñoz, contacted our Delegation to ask if we would accept the task of painting the Original Shrine. So we asked the members of the delegation and 4 people answered the call (one couple – Veronika and Petr, and two men – Hynek and Marek, whose wives could not attend due to work commitments).
Since the beginning of our delegation (almost 25 years ago) we committed ourselves to work for Mount Nazareth in Schoenstatt. Each year we would send one or two families to Schoenstatt for a week to help with the work around the Nazareth House or the Family House. This commitment has faded over time, but spending time working in Schoenstatt is still part of our delegation’s DNA.
What did it mean to you to participate in this endeavor?
Veronika and Petr:
Contribution to the Capital of Grace. At the same time, we realized how demanding it is to take care of the Original Shrine, what it all represents, and we also had the opportunity to look behind the scenes at the Shrine (what is hidden there, both materially and spiritually). The Shrine is for us a home that must be taken care of by both parties. Our Mother takes care of us and we can help to take care of her Shrine. With our small contribution, we can help her to change the World from the Original Shrine.
Hynek:
I feel great joy that I was able to participate in taking care of the Original Shrine. I feel it is necessary to help in this endeavor. It is a part of my heart. And spending time in Schoenstatt is very pleasant for me.
Marek:
Actually, I was the first to sign up (because we were the first to know about Cristina and Rafa’s request). I discussed it with my wife and it was obvious that I would have to come by myself, because it would be impossible for her to take time off. At the same time, I felt that, if we wanted the delegation members to do something like this, I had to set an example, not stay behind. Gradually, I also realized that it was a unique opportunity to get in touch with our roots, to establish an even deeper connection with our founding place.
It was a very beautiful and profound experience to work for our Mother, to see the Original Shrine without inventory, to read the names written on the back of the altar, to touch the history of our movement, … to meet the people – Father Ignatius (rector of the Original Shrine), Bernadette and Norbert Weweler (sacristans of the Original Shrine) and many others and to work with them. Those were great moments for me. I have never spent so much time in the Original Shrine.
Gratitude
I would like to take this opportunity to thank these brothers and sisters from the Czech Republic and all those who helped in this endeavor.
It was not only the Shrine that was painted. It was a great invitation to renew ourselves in the Shrine’s significance. The example of these families, who offered their time so generously, invites us to say again with greater conviction: “Nothing without you, nothing without us”.
Translation: Maribel Acaron
