The Silence and Prayer Groups Covenant of Love FJK, whose mission is to bring the Schoenstatt Family closer to the Movement’s third point of contact, Father Joseph Kentenich, and to contribute to the Capital of Grace for his prompt canonization, have organized an international virtual meeting that took place on March 15th, celebrating their eighth anniversary.

This “current of life” was born in Ecuador and today is present in 22 countries. It values Father Kentenich’s contribution to the Church by means of his pedagogy and pastoral theology and awakens keen interest in his charisma and mission.

The aforementioned meeting was chaired by Erika Cedeño, who is the international coordinator of this initiative, with the special participation of Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, president of the General Presidium of the Schoenstatt Movement; Sr. María Julia Agüero, in charge of the Fr. Kentenich Secretariat in Argentina; and Fr. Eduardo Aguirre, postulator of the cause of canonization of Fr. Joseph Kentenich.

Fr. Alexandre: We are all Schoenstatt

Fr. Alexandre provided details concerning the progress of the We are all Schoenstatt campaign, emphasizing the sense of belonging and unity that the Schoenstatt Family is called upon to cultivate. This campaign invites each member to become actively involved in the Movement’s activities, reflecting diversity and integration.

Although in Schoenstatt little is said publicly about financial matters, in order to clearly emphasize Schoenstatt’s spiritual and social mission, the economic aspect is also important. And the campaign We are all Schoenstatt focuses on both aspects: the spiritual-community aspect and the financial aspect.

Invitation to feel responsible for international Schoenstatt

The financial goal of this initiative is that we all recognize our shared responsibility for Schoenstatt’s mission, also at the international level. The objective is to raise €250,000 to promote the ideals of the Movement in three areas:

• Maintaining the Original Shrine, source of grace. The shrine has an annual deficit of €30,000.

• To collaborate with the independent investigation of Fr. Kentenich, which will help Bishop Ackermann, of Trier, to make a responsible decision on the progress of the cause for the canonization of Fr. Kentenich (see more on the subject below, in the contribution of Fr. Eduardo Aguirre).

• Schoenstatt International, based in Schoenstatt, Vallendar, which has been given a mandate by the General Presidency to coordinate international activities and projects, especially communication, with the aim of promoting the integration of the Movement as a family.

At the moment, it has raised about €31,000. All communities are invited to join the campaign. All contributions are necessary and welcome, regardless of the amount.

Fr. Alexandre also mentioned that the Original Shrine was declared a Jubilee Temple in this Year of Hope by the Bishop of Trier, and he emphasized the importance of keeping the faith and the community’s commitment alive, inviting people to participate actively in the Jubilee celebrations and to transmit the spirit of hope through concrete and solidary actions.

Sr. María Julia: Standing in divine victoriousness, the fourth milestone of Schoenstatt’s history

Sister María Julia, for her part, offered a historical overview of the fourth milestone of Schoenstatt, which marks the reinstatement of Father Kentenich in the spirit of divine victoriousness. December of this year marks the 60th anniversary of this moment of transcendence for Schoenstatt. The sister explained the significance of this anniversary, highlighting the key moments and the legacy it has left for the community over the decades.

At the same time, she explained how Fr. Kentenich’s secretariats have been fundamental in the organization of commemorative activities, detailing the coordinated work and planning behind events that seek to strengthen the identity and cohesion of the groups.

To conclude, Sister María Julia called for the legacy of the Groups of Silence and Prayer to be continued with enthusiasm and responsibility, inviting the community to reflect on the road travelled and the challenges ahead.

Fr. Eduardo Aguirre: Update on the Kentenich Cause

Fr. Eduardo Aguirre, postulator of the cause for the canonization of Father Kentenich, reported on the progress of the investigations into Father’s personality and charisma. He highlighted the work of the independent commission in charge of the study, which has been analyzing historical documents for almost two years. The professor in charge, a lay expert in German Church history, has shown great interest in the Schoenstatt Movement because of its relevance before and after the Second Vatican Council. Although there are no concrete reports on his work, there is a genuine interest in the cause of Schoenstatt’s founder.

He also commented that one of the most important advances is the publication of study editions, especially the critical edition of the Epistola Perlonga, which “will be the first time that it will be available to everyone”. This publication is of great importance because it “unfolds essential elements of the charism” and it is hoped that it will generate further studies. In parallel, work has been done on the documentation of the decrees and on the prohibitions imposed on Father Kentenich and the Sisters of Mary, revealing a story with “a lot of suspense, almost like a novel”.

The accusations against Father Kentenich, since 2020, have prompted greater unity in the Schoenstatt Family and have strengthened the investigation. A Swiss jurist, not a Schoenstatter, recently published an article criticizing the lack of foundation in von Teuffenbach’s accusations and the role of the media in the “rapid condemnation of people, without proof of the truth of the case, and without trial or verdict” [1].

Fr. Aguirre concluded with a request that the Kentenich cause not be limited to his possible canonization, but that it also inspire a deepening of his charism: “The important thing is not that Father Kentenich quickly reach the altars, but to understand the treasure that God has entrusted to us and to continue to believe with great strength in our mission.”

Finally, the speaker encouraged the community to continue with their spiritual work: “Our dedication in these groups of silence and prayer is the great contribution that Schoenstatt needs at this time.”

Contact the group via this link: bit.ly/alianzapjk

Translation: Maribel Acaron

[1] Review of the article: https://www.exaudi.org/the-investigation-of-sexual-abuse-in-the-church-and-the-seriousness-of-false-accusations-the-kentenich-case/