Queen of Unity

Nine-Week Novena

June 20 – August 22, 2021

Opening Prayer:

In Spirit I kneel before your picture, Thrice Admirable, strong and gentle Mother,

united with all who have consecrated themselves to you and are ready to die for your realm.

We want to mirror ourselves in your image and seal our covenant of love anew. Make us, your instruments,

like you in everything and through us build Schoenstatt everywhere (Heavenwards).

 

Week 5 – United in Spite of differences

(July 18 – 24, 2021)

In the coming days, our attention is directed to the sensibilities and differences which make unity difficult. Cautious with our own nature, we admit our preconceived notions, and take courage to open our heart. Aware of human weaknesses, we stand in reverence before the history of all and in responsibility before the future which we are called to build together.

The same holds true for religious communities: What you do in order to draw a religious community together in a family like way means more than letting one or the other member get a formal education. You must see the cultural problems of our age before you. We must take precautions. Our nature is diseased. It was ill in the past but not to the extent to which it is today (Fr. Kentenich, Forming the New Person, 1951).

 In smallness, we bring our weaknesses to the Queen of Unity, as a gift of love.

 

Closing Prayer:

We pray from the Heavenwards, the Prayer for the International

… accept our humble veneration and look on

our readiness to go to battle.

We present to you the nations living here

who share with us the fate of exile.

Be their+ Mother and their Queen! May they return home transformed—a firm guarantee

for peace among the nations++ and for unity in

the City of God on earth.

 

Through our striving we want to replace the

love and faithfulness they deny you

through their flight from the cross of Christ.

We want to live for you and your work alone.

 

Rule over us as pleases God and make us

the salt and leaven of the world.

Let us become one heart and one soul as

Our Lord implored during his earthly life

 

and despite each individual way remain

united, dedicating ourselves to the Father

as an ideal kingdom and overcoming all

barriers of nationality even when hate

infests the masses of the nations.

 

Increase the numbers and depth of our family

and use us as your instruments forever.

May we fulfill the great mission which you

have implored for us in accordance with

the Father’s will.  Amen.