Father Symbol's Pilgrimage
The Beginning
The father symbol was sent out to visit all national Schoenstatt families around the world on the 8th July 2009, the 99th anniversary of Fr. Kentenich’s ordination. “This symbol represents the loving care and leadership of God the Father in our history and invites all to come to the jubilee 2014 at the Original Shrine…” (Father Heinrich Walter).
A Gift from Father Kentenich
On the 15th October 1967 Father Kentenich gave a father symbol for the Original Shrine. A similar symbol, has already found its place in many of the shrines around the world. As it was not possible to place the father symbol directly at that time in the Original Shrine, Father Kentenich gave it to the Schoenstatt family of the Trier diocese for safe-keeping.
World Pilgrimage
In the meantime the father symbol has travelled through 36 countries and in this jubilee year 2014 will travel throughout Germany then go to the Czech Republic. From there it will go to Switzerland then to Croatia, then to Ireland, then to Scotland and from there return home to Schoenstatt where it will visit the houses and communities here. The world pilgrimage will end its journey on 29th September 2014 when it will be taken by the diocese of Trier to the Goldsmiths for repair, ready in time for our jubilee celebrations in October.
This symbol was greatly welcomed in all the countries it has visited so far. There were extra meetings, celebrations, prayer times, processions all helping to explain the meaning of the symbol. The symbol unites us with the Original Shrine and unites us as Schoenstatt Movement. It also points out that with Christ we can pray to God as “Our Father” and should recognize the loving child of our heavenly Father in every human being. Many will also remember the fatherly goodness which Father Kentenich radiated.
Impressions 2013
Father Eye from SICO2014 on Vimeo.