By Sally LeRoy

 

In Arizona we were blessed to celebrate the crowning of the Queen of the Three Graces on Saturday, November 19, 2016. This is also the birthday of Father Joseph Kentenich, the founder of Schoenstatt. The procession was lovely! The Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. John Ebbesmier, the Pastor of St. Joachim and St. Anne parish, was glorious.  He also officiated the crowning our Pilgrim Mother “Queen of the Three Graces on the Move!”

We completed our joyful morning by stating that we receive these when:  1) we, as missionaries take our Pilgrim Mothers to others, such as nursing homes, hospitals, people in need of her visit. When we do that, we all have the feeling of “being at home with her at our side.”  2) we let the Blessed Mother work and transform our hearts, that is, the grace of inner transformation, and 3) when we share the joy of Mary’s presence in our lives with others, that is the grace of apostolic fruitfulness.

 

We are grateful to Fr. John for saying “yes” to celebrating our special Holy Mass and for his meaningful homily.  A word of thanks also to all missionaries, for recognizing our gift and taking the Pilgrim Mother to those in need.  We are called to be witnesses in the world and go forth with her to those who are at our side.  Also, a word of gratitude to all those who helped, Barb, Steve and Jessica – whose music touched our hearts! To Mary Alvin, for doing the first reading, Jeremiah and Mark, who did an excellent job as altar servers. Thanks also to all the procession participants, each and everyone who took part in our celebration!!

 

Finally, we lifted a prayer for the repose of the soul of Deacon Bob Meyers. He was with the national convention last year at the crowning ceremony.

 

Following the Mass, approximately 20 of us met at Mercer’s Restaurant for fellowship, fun and food.