… and Schoenstatt in the Wide World
What does hot chocolate have to do with Schoenstatt in the wide world? Very much – at least in the café on Mount Schoenstatt…
I have been working at the mission headquarters in Schoenstatt for many years. I am always fascinated by the international nature of our Sisters family, and whenever I have the opportunity, I draw attention to our commitment on all continents. My experience is that many people are impressed and like to come in contact with Schoenstatt worldwide.
Place of encounter from near and far
In my second task – in the café on Mount Schoenstatt – I have this opportunity every day. In addition to the regulars, who are usually from the region, pilgrims come from all over the world. They visit the tomb of Father Kentenich in the Adoration Church, perhaps also the Father Kentenich House, and fortify themselves with coffee and cake in the café. Not only do they buy one or two souvenirs from Schoenstatt, but they also enjoy the opportunity to ask questions about our sisters, Father Kentenich and Schoenstatt in general.
South American guests are almost part of everyday life, but visitors come from many other nations. Some are accompanied by a sister from our international pilgrimage team. Especially it touched me, when some time ago – on a normal working day! – pilgrims from all continents all found their way at the same time to the cafe.
Happy Encounters
It gives me great pleasure that visitors from many countries find their way to the café – even if the communication is often a bit bumpy or consists of a mixture of languages. The main thing is, the “heart language” is right – true benevolence and interest in other cultures allow one to experience a family atmosphere.
- Thus three priests came from Brazil, who also wanted to get to know Schoenstatt during a stay in Germany, accompanied by a man from Portugal. It resulted in a stimulating conversation. The missionary newsletter “Schoenstatt in the Wide World” was at hand, and the guests were happy when I showed them the title photo with a sister in a boat on the Amazon. They learned how many shrines there are in Brazil and worldwide. And the Portuguese man was happy to take down the addresses of the Schoenstatt shrines in his home country.
- Rarer are pilgrims from Africa. But it turns out that two priests from Uganda and South Africa meet here. I tell them about our work in Burundi – and –look– a Burundian sister just walks by, and I quickly call her in. So the priest from Uganda receives an answer to his specific questions about the pilgrim shrine project in Burundi.
- A woman from Argentina, who does not understand German, buys several CDs with talks by Father Kentenich. At my surprised questions, she explains that she likes to hear his voice.
Experience the world in Schoenstatt
Some visitors are in the Schoenstatt for the first time and take the opportunity to ask more about Schoenstatt in the café and perhaps to learn something they have always wanted to ask a sister. Our internationality is a popular topic, and again and again comes the question: “Sister, were you already in the mission?” And my answer? “No – I do not need to fly abroad, because here in Schoenstatt I experience the whole world through fellow sisters and pilgrims from many countries!”