THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED – HOW AND WHY I DID THIS

 

As you stand here today, I am sure you are wondering “WHY?” Believe me, many times I have wondered the same thing. Well let me respond first with, “It started with a picture.” 

 

 The image of Our Blessed Mother from Schoenstatt really started it all. It is through her intercession, ever present and looking down upon us that led me to where I am today. And through her intercession, I have come to realize that this is part of a greater plan – God’s plan for me and for my home.

 

 It is Divine Providence which has ordained this place, and I am merely an instrument in achieving it. I have been led, and where that road will lead continues to unfold. Yet I am at peace in the knowledge that it is God who leads; I merely follow along that road less travelled.

 

This condo, this home, this place is not just a museum or a collection of beautiful art. It is a “Home Shrine”, a holy place, a place where the divine is especially active in a particular way. It is foremost a “Schoenstatt Shrine”, a place where God is active through Mary as a mother and educator in a practical, tangible way as our covenant partner. It is an actual extension of the original shrine in Schoenstatt, Germany. 

 

 The charism provided by the  Schoenstatt movement to the Church is to form us in holiness and “wholeness” and to lead us to Christ and through Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, to the Father. In this covenant relationship there is an exchange of gifts. We offer contributions to the capital of grace, and our Blessed Mother educates us and fulfills our desires in return.

 

In Schoenstatt, Germany Mary is called the Mother Thrice Admirable (MTA). This title reflects the particular graces which are given there. 

 

 Additionally, when we make our Schoenstatt Covenant of Love with our MTA and consecrate our home to her as an extension of her Original Shrine in Germany, we choose a particular name for our home shrine. The title of my home Shrine is Mary's Castle of Light, where our MTA is honored especially under her title as Mother of Mercy. 

 

 God is Love, and Mercy is love's response in the face of sin, suffering and death. Mercy is the face of love in a fallen world, Mercy is the strength to combat evil and the compassion to suffer with and for another. The cause of all creation is God's merciful love - it is His ultimate act of Mercy, which brings all created being out of nothingness. 

 

 As Mother of God, Mary is hence Mother of Mercy. It is her Castle of Light only because she is first Mother of Mercy, who suffers with and for a fallen humanity, with and for her children. Per Crucem ad Lucem (Through the Cross to the Light)!

 

All things are created out of nothingness by God’s Infinite Mercy through the second person of the Trinity—The Word. The Word is the Father’s idea (mental word of Himself). Everything is created through, with, and in the Word. All is a participation in the Word. All creatures, all people, and all science and art are little words that finitely reflect the Word (that is they reflect truth, goodness, and beauty). 

 

 This is why, reflected in my home shrine, is the integration of theology, philosophy, science and the arts. All creation and knowledge is related and is a finite aspect of the infinite Word – The Truth. Around you are saints, popes and doctors of the Church; from philosophers (Aristotle, Plato, Socrates) to Galileo, DaVinci, Shakespeare, Mozart and Homer – all of who have something to reveal about the Word. Jesus is the Word Incarnate – the Word made flesh – Mercy incarnate, thus Mary is the Mother of the Word and thus the Mother of Mercy.

 

The angels are the highest in the natural order of creation. They too, are created by God’s Mercy, through the Word. We are made equal with the angels through Grace. Along with the many angel statues throughout, most of the art you see has angels in it as well. This reflects the importance of angels in Catholic tradition. Likewise, honoring the angels here allows for special angelic activity. You are encouraged to ask the angels for help as their intercession is powerful before God!

 

When you visit you will receive an information packet that lists each piece of Home Shrine artwork as well as an explanation of what it is. The historical and religious significance of each piece is also included. 

 

 Churches throughout the world inspired the art that you see – especially churches in Rome. It was also inspired by the Renaissance artist Bernini. Try to pick out the several religious events being acted out in the placement of the paintings and statues. Your first hint is St. Michael. Each piece is strategically placed for a specific purpose and will naturally lead to the next.

 

While travelling down this road, I have come to realize that my Home Shrine was built for the entire community as a gift of God’s Mercy, not for myself alone. Therefore, I welcome you to this holy place. I welcome you to this Community Shrine. I welcome you to “Our Lady’s Home” where ALL are welcome! 

 

Our MTA has moved with me from place to place since 1998, where with great devotion I have set up her throne of grace in each place to which she has called me. It is not by accident that you are here today; Mary has invited you. She is your Mother, and wants to help you, to comfort you, to lead you and to love you. Love her in return. Please leave your intentions with our Mother, who will take them to her Son. She thanks you for coming; and like myself, wishes to lead you down the road less travelled; the road to the Father. Trust her, let her, and enjoy your journey. 

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 “Enter into the Mystery.”