At the National Shrine, Father’s Family Home for the World, the Schoenstatt Movement of Ecuador held its National Leaders’ Conference 2024.
Our Route of Hope
Inspired by the motto “Our Road of Hope”, 130 leaders from Guayaquil, Quito and Manta – youth, couples, ladies, priests, Sisters of Mary – discussed in workshops, listened to talks, testimonies and panels that helped to shed light on the response that the Ecuadorian Schoenstatt Family should provide to the realities of the country.
After this rich exchange, the Holy Spirit guided those present to proclaim together: “We are called to give the Covenant of Love as an instrument of hope, to heal the wounds of our country and of the world” (JND Gquil. 2024).
José Miguel Espinosa, from the Boys’ Youth of Quito, recounts: “The conference was a truly enriching experience. I was very impressed to see the strength of the boys’ youth and their potential. It was very nice to see the energy and commitment with which they addressed relevant issues about the current situation of the country and how we can contribute, from where we stand, to generate a positive change. It made me reflect deeply on the role we can play as young people based on our ideals towards a change in the country and in others. I take with me many lessons learned and motivation to continue working so that our Boy’s Youth can continue to grow”.
Kathy and Stahl Suárez, leaders of the Schoenstatt Family League Manta, commented: “Our testimony of the Meeting was to open our eyes to the road ahead, the challenges and the blessings that we hope to reap with the seeds that we are committing to sow in Manta for God and the Blessed Mother. It was like having a wonderful glimpse into the future that allows us to learn from the experiences, vision and commitment of each member of the Movement. It also helped us to trace the way and to propose concrete actions to conquer our Shrine and the growth of our Branches”.
Covenant Kit
Provided with a Covenant Kit, our leaders committed themselves to take the Covenant of Love to as many people as possible, impregnated with the charism of our Father and Founder, with their hand on the pulse of time and their ear on the heart of God.
According to Domenica Mantilla, from the Girls’ Youth of Quito, “to reflect and learn about how I am practicing being a leader in the shadow of the Shrine was a privilege”. She says: “Through the activities, talks and moments of sharing, I was able to give context to the importance of being a leader and the great mission of being an instrument. I feel motivated to give the best of myself to the young women I lead and to bring them closer to Mary through my example”.
For Natalia Cortez, Women’s League Guayaquil, the National Leaders’ Conference was spectacular: “Our Covenant of Love is the most powerful tool and weapon to combat the difficulties we are going through. This conference invited each branch to live more in community, to draw a path together for a better country and, why not, a better world.
Translation: Maribel Acaron