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Fr.
Joseph Kentenich
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With
Mary
Father Joseph Kentenich was born
in Gymnich near Cologne, Germany
on November 18, 1885. As a youth
he recognized his calling to become
a priest.
Nothing moved him more than his
concern that the reality of God
be recognized in the world and
that the freedom and dignity of
every person be respected.
In
Mary, the Mother of God, he saw
the example for each person's
relationship to God. In everything
that he undertook he felt called
to form this "new "
Marian person.
First
he worked as a teacher and educator
in the Pallottine House of Studies
in Schoenstatt, Vallendar. An
extrodinary bond of trust developed
between him and his students.
They made his love for Our Lady
their own and learned to see Mary
as a bridge to God.
October
18, 1914 became a milestone in
Schoenstatt's history. Alert to
the signs of the time and listening
keenly in order to perceive the
special wishes of God, Father
Kentenich—together with a
small group of students—entered
into a COVENANT OF LOVE WITH OUR
LADY in the chapel at Schoenstatt.
This was the beginning and the
lasting foundation of today's
worldwide development of the Schoenstatt
Movement.
For
the People
After 1914 the circle of those
who knew Father Kentenich expanded
extensively. He became the founder
of several communities for priests,
families, men, women and youths.
SCHOENSTATT developed into a movement
of religious and moral renewal,
the chapel became a place of PILGRIMAGE,
a SHRINE, where large numbers
of pilgrims experience Mary as
a mother and educator.
— Here they receive the grace
of a spiritual home,
— of inner transformation
—
apostolate.
Through life's trials they learn
to accept God's way of education
as an opportunity to sanctify
everyday life and to assume responsibility
for others.
Throughout his life, Father Kentenich
received the special grace of
sharing in the cross of Jesus
Christ. During the time of persecution
under National Socilism, he spent
more than three years in prison
and concentration camp.
From 1951-1965 he was separated
from his work by decree of the
Church. He considered this type
of personal imitation of christ
as understood, and in the midst
of all the trials, he himself
became a FATHER for many. He saw
everything, including the cross,
as an expresion of the merciful,
fatherly love of God.
For
the Church
Through his life and suffering
Father Kentenich wanted to serve
the Church he loved.
At the end of the Second Vatican
Council he was received in audience
by Pope Paul VI, who epressed
recognition of his life and work.
Again, Father Kentenich placed
himself and the Schoenstatt Movement
at the service of the Church.
On Sunday, September 15, 1968,
feast of the Seven Sorrows of
Our Lady, immediately after the
holy sacrifice of the Mass, he
placed his life into the hands
of God forever. He died renonwed
for his sanctity.
The process for the beatification
of Father Joseph Kentenich was
opened on February 10, 1975. Each
year, thousands come to his final
resting place in the Church of
the Trinity on Mount Schoenstatt.
Confidently, they bring their
concerns or their thanksgiving
for help that they have received. |
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©2002-2003
Schoenstatt Lamar. All Rights Reserved.
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