On Saturday, August 31st, the First National Encounter of Women took place in the National Shrine in Guayaquil, geared to all the Schoenstatt women of Ecuador, inspired by the motto: “Woman, Source of Hope” and the symbolism of the tree of womanly greatness used by the Founder.

The great objective was to bring us together as Catholic women to make an even more significant contribution in our country’s present challenging times, in the light of Schoenstatt’s charism. It was also an opportunity for everyone to get a better knowledge of the different vocations of the branches and communities of our women’s column.

About 175 women from Guayaquil, Quito and Manta, belonging to the Girls’ Youth, the Women’s Apostolic League, the Mothers’ Branch, the Institute of Sisters of Mary, the Institute of Our Lady of Schoenstatt and the Apostolic Women’s Federation attended this meeting.

Women’s Ideals and Realities: Insights and Responses

In the morning, we began with a panel about “The thinking of the Church and Father Kentenich on the ideal of the woman”. Motivated by what Fr. Kentenich said in the pedagogical conference of 1934:

“the woman has to get to know and cultivate her pluses,

she must be proud of her identity, of her greatness and beauty”.

Three of a woman’s pluses were chosen: the maternal, the attachments and the spiritual.

The 2nd block focused on the “Reality of Women in Ecuador”. This topic was presented through a live “newscast” with videos and interviews, which covered important topics such as: aspirational change in women, employability, violence against women, political participation, legal security and human rights.

In the afternoon, “Our Response: Called to be a source of hope” was addressed through a discussion that included two audiovisual testimonies in the field of education and health by Gladys Lindao and Bella Maldonado, respectively. We also had three guests: María Alejandra Muñoz, Martha Cecilia Villafuerte and Liz Valarezo, who gave valuable and impactful testimonies in the political, social and communication fields.

Vocations and Commitments at Schoenstatt Women’s Expo

Next, we visited the Schoenstatt Women’s Column Expo where the participants were able to learn about the different vocations and ideals of each branch and community, along with their history, through photos, posters and messages.

Finally, the conclusions and final reflection were given by Sister M. Flavia, who motivated the participants to make a personal commitment that each one deposited in the hands of Father Kentenich at his monument on the way to the Shrine.

The Encounter culminated with the celebration of Holy Mass on the esplanade of the Shrine, presided by Fr. Eduardo Auza, during which a Guayacan tree was presented to be planted in the Garden next to the Shrine. As a souvenir, each participant received a small guayacan tree.

_{Translation: Maribel Acaron | Photos: Schoenstatt Ecuador}