When we approached the 50th anniversary of the death of our founder Father Joseph Kentenich in 2018, we reflected upon what we could offer as a regional
Schoenstatt Family in Valais, Switzerland
to make our founder even better known to the local people.
Learning more
Angela Schwestermann from the Schoenstatt Family League and Sister M. Rina developed three events that gave insight into the life of Father Kentenich. The method was simple and straightforward. With pictures, stories and many examples, we tried to bring the person of our father and founder closer to those present. After the third event about 20 people had the wish to learn more about him. The series continued, year after year, until the end of 2024.
Affinity and Admiration
In the course of these years, the participants’ affinity, admiration and relationship with Father Kentenich grew. They experienced the greatness of his person. However, they also experienced that HIS life provides answers to many of today’s questions and challenges. Father Kentenich became a personal companion for them, giving them security in questions of faith and life. He taught them how to be successful human beings without ignoring the sometimes harsh realities of everyday life.
A support in a wide variety of questions
The participants became “hungry” for more! They discovered also how Father Kentenich provides answers to questions concerning people today. In addition, the visitors to the event experienced how much he was a real support to them and gave them security in a wide variety of questions.
A heart for millions
Without further ado, we decided to continue the series “Meeting Father Kentenich.” The first evening was another success. We organized the evening based on testimonies about the person of Father Kentenich and texts by him. In terms of content, it was about how much our founder has become an image of the Heavenly Father for many people and remains so from eternity.
Once, when Father Kentenich had given a priest much time for personal discussion, the priest–full of gratitude–asked him as he left, “Father, do you have a wish I can pray for?” He received the answer,
“Pray I can take millions of people into my heart!”!
From eternity he does that.
A bridge to God – also us
The inspiring exchange showed that the person of Father Kentenich can be a bridge to God the Father. We came to the conclusion: It is up to us now to become such a “father figure” for the people around us, so they can find their way more easily to God our Father.