Aware of the desire of many members of our International Schoenstatt Family, the Father Joseph Kentenich Secretariat in Ecuador invited everyone to virtually seal and renew the Childlike Covenant with Father Kentenich as a faithful commitment to his person, charism, and mission.
Live broadcast from Schoenstatt
On April 18, 36 spiritual children of Father Kentenich participated virtually, connecting from 12 countries, to seal and renew the childlike Covenant.
The ceremony was led by Fr. Eduardo Aguirre Cancino, the current postulator for the Cause for the Canonization of Fr. Kentenich. It was broadcast live from the Founders’ chapel, with support from Schoenstatt TV. The emotion and depth with which each person experienced this commitment were palpable, and a spiritual, family-like atmosphere could be felt even through the screens.
Preparation
To prepare for this very special moment, two virtual meetings were held in advance to ignite hearts and renew the commitment to the Schoenstatt mission. Sr. M. Montserrat Darquea and Erika Cedeño, members of the Father Kentenich Secretariat in Ecuador, were in charge of the talks and the entire organization.
To seal the childlike Covenant for the first time, certain conditions had to be met:
- Having participated in a workshop to learn about the life and charism of the founder.
- Participate in two virtual preparation meetings before April 18.
- Visit a Shrine after sealing or renewing the childlike Covenant, to pray and present the letter written to Father Kentenich.
We want to be instruments in the hands of our Mother and Queen
Through the Childlike Covenant, one expresses an inner adherence to Fr. Kentenich’s charism; with this gesture, one commits to continuing his mission.
The covenant with Father is both a personal and a communal act; through this Covenant, healthy bonds are strengthened, nourished by the covenant of Love, and one becomes an ally to live as an apostle in daily life, acquiring the qualities of an instrument: humble, joyful, unpretentious, simple, flexible, trusting, approachable, and truthful.
“With a soul full of gratitude and hope, today I reaffirm my dedication and my commitment,” says Marcela, from Mexico.
Lorena, from Ecuador, shares: “I didn’t think I could renew my covenant, and it has been so beautiful to do so at this stage of my life.”
Germay, from the United States, comments: “My heart is filled with joy; I experienced this renewal together with my two companions and sisters in the Covenant, Luisa and Oneida, from New York. Everything we experienced was wonderful; we will remain united in our renewal of the childlike Covenant.”
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
