On the occasion of the “Festival of Encounter” on Saturday, July 4, some 200 people gathered at the Schoenstatt Center in Berlin-Frohnau. For the fourth time, the Schoenstatt Family of Berlin invited people of all nationalities connected to the “Victoria Patris” Shrine.

“I was completely thrilled and surprised by the international diversity and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. My love for the Blessed Mother and the little chapel has been kindled,” said one woman during the international gathering held at the Schoenstatt Center in Berlin-Frohnau.

About 200 people celebrate their faith together

About 200 people from approximately 18 countries, living in Berlin and Brandenburg, gathered at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary to celebrate their faith together, meet one another, and bring the international Schoenstatt community to life. Upon arrival, a special atmosphere was already evident: warmth, openness, and joy at reuniting with friends. A special moment before the start of the festive Mass: each country was represented by a man and a woman who carried their national flag.

The Portuguese-speaking community provided musical accompaniment for Holy Mass

“I was deeply moved when I was able to carry my country’s flag before the Blessed Mother. May she protect my country, my homeland, and my family,” said a woman from Chile. The Portuguese-speaking community added a special touch, delighting everyone with musical performances during Holy Mass and with their cultural presentations in the afternoon. Along with their parish priest, Father Júlio Ferreira, SCJ, and Dr. Father Cleber Sanches, SCJ, parishioners attended from, among other places,

• Brazil,
• Cape Verde,
• Ivory Coast,
• Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau

Two priests from the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus celebrated Holy Mass together with Father Arkadiusz Sosna, who had traveled specifically from Schoenstatt for this celebration, and with the parish priest, Father Witold Wójcik, from Berlin. The latter has been associated with the Schoenstatt Shrine for many years.

A wide network of contacts in Berlin, thanks to Mary

Many of those who came to the Shrine did not come alone. They brought the Pilgrim Mother with them, who, year after year, weaves an ever-wider network of unity in the great city of Berlin. Most of the images of the Pilgrim Mother travel through the parishes of the Polish mission; others visit those of the Filipino and Spanish-speaking missions, as well as some German parishes in Berlin and Brandenburg. Since last year, there have been 20 circles in which the image of the Pilgrim Mother makes its pilgrimage in the Portuguese-speaking parish, as well as three groups specifically for children.

The participants renewed their covenant of love in various languages

For those attending the celebration, it was an important and solemn moment when, after the Eucharistic celebration, everyone made their way to the Shrine with their images of the Pilgrim Mother, their national flags, and the large Pilgrim Image from the Polish mission. There, an international hymn of praise to the Mother of God was sung, and the Covenant of Love was renewed in all languages.

One woman commented: “Foreign groups have so much to offer us, both in terms of faith and warmth.” I’m absolutely thrilled. When the Portuguese-speaking group brought their roses to the Virgin Mary and sang their beautiful songs, it really touched my heart. We can learn so much from them.”

The “missionary children” receive their sending forth from the Shrine

The three “missionary children,” with an average age of about twelve, particularly captivated many. Spontaneous applause broke out when they received a new sending-forth of their Pilgrim Mother images. Together with them, all the Pilgrim Mother images were blessed, as were all those whom the Mother of God, together with her Son, wishes to encounter through this symbol.

The celebration continued in a joyful atmosphere, beginning with an international buffet. The numerous traditional specialties from each country were as diverse as the community itself. At the tables, people chatted, laughed, and forged friendships that transcended national and linguistic boundaries. The great joy of being together was palpable everywhere, especially during the international dances, which encouraged many to join in.

The diversity of the universal Church is evident

This day was marked by the joy of being together and the many new encounters among the participants. The different languages, cultures, and traditions were not experienced as a source of division, but rather as an expression of the richness of the universal Church. What remains is the realization that unity does not mean uniformity, but rather grows where people bring their diversity and feel united in faith in Christ and in the covenant of love with Mary.

One young man said: “I’ve never experienced anything like this in the Church. This enthusiasm moved me. It was simply contagious, and suddenly, faith became so light and joyful. The fantastic communion, the international fellowship, and the beautiful songs. Next time, I’ll definitely participate again.”

The next international gathering will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2027, at the Schoenstatt Center in Berlin-Frohnau.

For more information, visit schoenstatt-berlin.com

Photos: Natascha Neumann, Father Arkadiusz Sosna, Leandro Wan-Dall

Source: schoenstatt.de