August 27, 2022

The Joy of Witnessing to Christ

Sister M. Franciane Castelani
Brasil

Meeting of altar servers

For many years the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary have been involved in vocation ministry (SAV) in the Diocese of Bragança Paulista/SP, to which the city of Atibaia belongs—the city where the headquarters of the second province of Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Brazil is located.

Currently, the SAV team is sponsoring meetings of altar servers from all of the parishes of the diocese, Bragança Paulista/SP. The purpose of each day of recollection is to facilitate contact with the different charisms and vocations of the Church.

The fourth of these days took place at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Atibaia.

Almost 2,000 Mass servers attended a very blessed day at the shrine. The cooperation with the sisters was very positive, both with regard to the organizing team and with regard to accommodations, catering, and the vocation stand of the sisters.

Twenty-four seminarians, 16 priests, and the bishop of the diocese, Bishop Sérgio Aparecido Colombo, participated in the day. After Holy Mass they processed with the altar servers to the shrine to receive the plenary indulgence that has been granted to this shrine which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. The procession to the shrine looked like a procession of angels: Everyone was in their liturgical attire.

Under the motto “Witnesses to the Living Christ,” children, youth, and young adults had the opportunity to reflect upon their vocation. There were opportunities for common prayer: the Rosary, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. But there was also a joyful time with a painting contest, a treasure hunt, and a quiz, depending on the age group of the participants.

From 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary were present and had many opportunities to witness to the beautiful vocation of being Mary today through smiles, conversations and sharing of experiences!