Juan Zaforas of the movement’s news service told ZENIT that the construction of a Marian shrine at Rome «was the great dream of Schoenstatt’s founder.»
Work on the shrine in Belmonte, on the outskirts of the city, is being completed. The bell tower is already finished. The blessing, planned for Sept. 8, is expected to draw thousands of Schoenstatt members.
Zaforas said that «1,700 people from South and Central America, Australia South Africa and several countries of Europe have already» made reservations for their trip to Rome to attend.
The program includes a prayer vigil in the Vatican Gardens on Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. On Sept. 8, at 4:30 p.m., the chapel will be dedicated to the «Thrice Admirable Mother of Schoenstatt» in Roma-Casalotti. The celebration will be presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope’s vicar for Rome.
On Sept. 9, Schoenstatt members will meet with John Paul II in Castel Gandolfo.
