The celebration of Pentecost brought a special gift to many Portuguese-speaking immigrants living in Europe. During this time of grace, the Portuguese-speaking Family League of Europe was officially born!
The story dates back to 2012, when a Brazilian family living in Germany visited the Original Shrine in Vallendar and decided to invite other families to gather at this place of grace. Since then, a small group of families has met annually in the shadow of the Shrine. Gradually, the group grew, and 13 years later, on March 26, 2025, the International Coordination of Schoenstatt issued a letter officially recognizing it as the Portuguese-speaking Family League of Europe.
The League comprises Brazilian families residing in various countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Austria, and the Netherlands. This is the first time a Family League group has formed beyond the borders of a single country and taken on a continental dimension, based on the shared language of its members.
Under the light of Pentecost
At the third edition of the Pentecost Family Meeting, held at Marienau House in Vallendar from June 7–9, 2025, the official establishment of the Portuguese-speaking Family League of Europe was announced to the 37 participating couples and their children.
“It was a great joy. We’ve been working for a long time so that our contribution and collaboration would be recognized and accepted by the general coordination of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement. Today, recognized as a Family League, we are aware of the great and ambitious mission of contributing to the re-evangelization of the Old Continent through our presence and active work in our communities,” explained Joseane Tarantino from the group “Pilgrims with Mary,” living in Mainz, Germany.
The meeting brought together 137 people at the Original Shrine, including 53 young people and children. It was marked by many moments of spirituality and reflection on the mission of families in today’s process of evangelization and sanctification.
Religious and cultural activities
Activities were organized for all ages, including lectures on the meaning of being a member of the Family League, a moment of adoration, and a Blessed Sacrament vigil for couples. Some couples sealed the Covenant of Love and received their Home Shrines pictures. A rosary made of flowers was prayed by the youth for the children, followed by a moment of adoration. The traditional Brazilian June festival brought joy to the families and helped recall the festive atmosphere of Saint John’s Day. A square dance contest and a bingo game added to the fun.
On Pentecost Sunday, after Holy Mass, the first couple to be consecrated as members of the Portuguese-speaking Family League of Europe was honored at the Original Shrine: Douglas and Vivian Moser, originally from Curitiba, now living in Madrid, Spain.
Father Antonio Bracht commissioned a Pilgrim Mother image for the Manosso family, who live on the border between Germany, France, and Switzerland.
If you live in Europe or know any Portuguese-speaking couple interested in joining the Family League, please get in touch with us through the website: ligadefamiliasbr.de
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
