“Kaze, Kaze!” – “Welcome!” That’s how the pilgrims from the Burundian and Rwandan communities living in Hannover, Germany, were greeted in Kirundi upon their arrival in Schoenstatt. They participated in the celebrations during the weekend of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 6–7.
For the second time, Father Nestor Ndayongeje organized this pilgrimage together with members of the community. Many of them were already familiar with Schoenstatt from their home country. At this international pilgrimage site, they found a little piece of home.
Last year, 35 pilgrims from this community visited Schoenstatt. Now there are nearly 50 people, including little Mattheo Muzaneza, who is one year old and, carried on his mother’s back, walked the pilgrimage route from the bus to the Original Shrine.
It is here, before the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt, that they offered up their thanks, concerns, petitions, and “contributions to the capital of grace” that they had brought with them. Songs in Kirundi echoed for quite some time. Their souls found their place.
The network of Shrines unites people and sustains them
After lunch at Sonnenau House, there was a guided tour of the Original Schoenstatt Shrine. Sister Barbara-Maria Kullmann explained how this small chapel became a place of grace, a model replicated in many places around the world.
When a net was displayed to illustrate the concept, Laurette Muzaneza spontaneously placed her baby in it. Little Mattheo looked, in wonder, at the many friendly faces holding up the net.
The sister explained that the Pilgrim Mother is also connected to the network of Shrines. She explained the meaning of the Apostolate and invited everyone to reflect together on who they would like to welcome Mary and Jesus into their home.
A place of grace and of the Covenant of Love with Mary
In the late afternoon, Fr. Nestor celebrated Holy Mass with the pilgrims at the Original Shrine. The joy continued after Mass with joyful singing and dancing in front of the Shrine.
For the evening blessing, everyone gathered once again at the Original Shrine. It marked the beginning of a time of adoration, praise, and the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At the same time, there was an opportunity to learn even more about the Covenant of Love and the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate.
The pilgrims remained seated together for quite some time that night. Many expressed interest in receiving a visit from the Pilgrim Mother and in staying in touch with one another. Several people also wished to seal the Covenant of Love. Éric Nkengurutse encouraged them to seal their Covenant. He himself renewed his Covenant of Love, which he had made in Burundi.
Corpus Christi Solemnity on Mount Schoenstatt
On Sunday, the pilgrims participated in the celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ on Mount Schoenstatt. Before the solemn Holy Mass, they visited the grave of Father Joseph Kentenich, to whom they feel a special connection.
Some members of the group participated in the Corpus Christi procession as flag bearers, megaphone bearers, or prayer leaders. Three young people carried images of the Pilgrim Mother in preparation for sending them to their communities. During the procession, the pilgrims from the communities in Burundi and Rwanda sang a song in Kirundi.
Covenant of Love and sending forth of the Pilgrim Mother at the Original Shrine
During a simple celebration at the Original Shrine, something happened that deeply moved everyone’s hearts: 14 people sealed the Covenant of Love with the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt. Everyone signed the Covenant book, which was placed on the altar. Two people solemnly renewed their Covenant of Love. They had sealed it at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Burundi and now wished to reaffirm it at its place of origin.
Next, the three images of the Pilgrim Mother were blessed and sent off with the French words: “She is the great missionary; she will work miracles.”
What makes them all happy: “Now we remain in the Covenant of Love and, especially, united through the Pilgrim Mother.”
Happy about this blessed stay in Schoenstatt, they returned home.
One of the pilgrims later wrote, filled with gratitude: “We felt very welcome in Schoenstatt. The entire pilgrimage was a great spiritual enrichment for us. —The celebration of the Covenant of Love, as well as the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate—all of it moved us deeply. —Perhaps next year we’ll come on pilgrimage with an even larger group. —We’re taking many beautiful memories home with us.”
Source: pilgerheiligtum.de
