18 November 2020 · 2020-11 newsletter
Belated Greetings to Father Kentenich
November 16th was the anniversary of the birth of Father Kentenich. He was born to Katharina Kentenich in his maternal grandparent’s home in Gymnich (which is situated 18 kms south west of Cologne). His grandparents were Matthias and Anna Maria Kentenich.
As a belated birthday gift, I invite you to pray that through his beatification, the mission Father Kentenich was given by God, through Our Blessed Mother, may be fulfilled in today’s world. We pray:
Eternal Triune God, for love of you and your holy Church, Schoenstatt’s founder always strove to do your will and win many hearts for you. Through Mary, the Mother Thrice Admirable and Queen of Schoenstatt, give him what he asks on my behalf and grant that he may soon be raised to the honours of the altar, so that he may work even more fruitfully than while on earth for you and your kingdom. Amen
A Child’s discomfort!!
In spite of the unfavourable circumstances, of his birth, Joseph’s mother, Katharina Kentenich was so proud of her child that she had his picture taken when he was 2 ½ years old, something that was by no means a given in her poor circumstances.
In later years, Father Kentenich explained his unhappy expression in the photo. He did not want to wear the cap, and therefore had cried immediately before the picture was taken.
In addition, he had to sit on an elevated prop without any support and, due to the photographic technology at the time, he had to maintain this uncomfortable posture for some time.
How Joseph felt is expressed in the photo….typically a child showing his displeasure!
(Sr. M. Hermia Schlichtmann during a conversation with Father Kentenich in 1967)
Venerable Sister M. Emilie Engel
Venerable Sister M. Emilie Engel, came as a young woman to Schoenstatt where she met Father Kentenich. She placed herself at the disposal of Schoenstatt and became a founding member of the community of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary.
Like Father Kentenich, Sr. M. Emilie saw her mission as helping present-day people to discover God in everything, to meet him, and in faith, to respond to his fatherly guidance with a ready, “Yes Father”. She exemplified that in the midst of insecurity and fear, a person can find shelter in God. This makes her a wonderful example for us in today’s world.
Many people today joyfully experience that Sister M. Emilie brings light into their life, a light that radiates God’s sheltering and caring nearness and shows the way to him from darkness and fear. In many countries of the world Sr. M. Emilie has become more and more a light that shines forth in people’s lives.
This year when we are celebrating 100 years of women in Schoenstatt, Sr. M. Emilie exemplifies for us someone who lived her womanhood in a truly Christian and authentic way through her commitment to her Covenant of Love and Schoenstatt’s mission.
We give thanks for her life and continue to pray for her canonization:
“Eternal Father, you led Sr. Emilie along the way of simple childlikeness and unselfish motherliness. Trusting in your wise providence, she spoke a loving yes to your plans and wishes even in the most difficult situations. She was deeply sheltered in your fatherly heart and was freed from fear and inner anxiety. In your love and kindness you have shown your power in her. I ask you for the canonization of Sister Emilie to your glory, the honour of the Mother Thrice Admirable and Queen of Schoenstatt, and the blessing of all people. Amen
(From: “Lived Faith in Divine Providence: A Light for Many” – Novena to Sr. M. Emilie)
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