On November 1, 2, and 3, 2024, Monterrey witnessed an event longed for by all the Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth in Mexico: the National Journey that is celebrated every two years, this time entitled “Discovering the Essential.” This encounter gathered around 200 young women from different states of the republic, including: Chiapas, Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Iguala, Monclova, Querétaro, Taxco, Guadalajara, San Luis Potosí and of course, Monterrey– all sharing the desire to become better bearers of the CHIIP ideal (As Immaculate Daughter Instrument of the Father) and to be living crowns for the Church of today.
A spirit of unity
The day began with the inauguration of a museum whose exhibit included a replica of the Shrine, as well as works that represented the different fundamental symbols of Schoenstatt and the Girls’ Youth in an original way. Some of them were: the covenant medal, the lily scepter, the RTA crown, among others. There was an exhibit of works made by all the national youth in which they expressed what the Girls’ Youth means in their lives, in addition to the presentation of a creative and original capital of grace that all the girls filled with gratitude, gifts, and petitions for the Blessed Mother throughout the weekend.
Moments of celebration and reflection
One of the most awaited moments for all the participants was the “Marian Festival,” in which each state presented with dance, choreography or performance one of the songs of the Girls’ Youth of Mexico, creating an atmosphere of great joy and unity.
Throughout the weekend, very special moments were experienced: the celebration of three covenants of love, seven conquests of the Azucena Scepter, and 65 conquests of the RTA crown with which the Azucena Scepter is crowned. In addition, the youth were part of a solemn act where all together as national Girls’ Youth crowned a large-scale reproduction of the Lily Scepter, thus reaffirming the commitment of all the youth with the Blessed Mother. At the end, everyone sang the hymn of the Girls’ Youth. This reinforced their unity and identity as women who long to be little Marys in today’s world.
During the conference, profound topics were discussed that invited everyone to live and defend the truth, listening to the voice of God in conscience and taking self-education seriously; to re-actualize the Schoenstatt mission on a daily basis and to go out to encounter the world with much firmness and loyalty. The call to follow the Blessed Mother’s example and to deepen the Covenant of Love, crowning it with their own lives, was also deepened.
A new motto
To culminate the day, the new motto which will frame the line of formation for the next two years of the Girls’ Youth of Mexico was presented: “Faithful Heiress, Victorious in Truth.”
Maria Vega, from the Queretaro Girls’ Youth, shares her experience:
“For me, this national journey was a journey of much learning. I learned that we should be authentic in today’s world, not to be afraid to take God to the world and to have a deeper attachment to the Blessed Mother and God.
What I enjoyed most about this journey was to see so many girls happy to be together thanks to the Blessed Mother. Singing the hymn together was one of the most beautiful things of the journey. I enjoyed every topic, every dynamic, every meal, every game etc. I enjoyed sharing and meeting more girls from other states, girls who share the same ideals and have the same love for the Blessed Mother and God. I leave with my heart full of joy for having a great weekend with all the Girls’ Youth from Mexico. Thanks to the Blessed Mother and to God for the attachment with the Girls’ Youth I have and for learning more and feeling more loved by all the girls.
This National Conference was not only a space for encounter and formation. It was also a forum that motivated and gave impetus to go out into the world with the courage needed to live the authenticity of each one that reflects God. This event, which was prepared with much love was fruitful. It sent the girls out, as heirs of an ideal, with renewed energy and commitment to carry forward Mary’s mission and with responsibility for the next 100 years of Schoenstatt. “