The history of the Schoenstatt Shrine in Madurai
Father Shajan Manickathan who lived four years in Madurai and who experienced the Shrine writes about the history of the Schoenstatt Shrine in Madurai:
The Hindu city Madurai
The city of Madurai is well-known for its rich Hindu tradition and culture. In the heart of the city, it has a gigantic Hindu temple and it stands as a beacon for its well-established Hindu cultural heritage which goes back to centuries. Each Maduraite and every tourist proudly praises about the marvels of this architectural wonder and it is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Meenakshi.
Madurai becomes the choicest city of Mary
In this temple city of Madurai a magnificent dwelling place is erected for the Mother Thrice Admirable (MTA). It is our joy to see that the Queen of Schoenstatt has chosen this place as her dwelling place. She is enthroned here and showers her blessings to all. As an adaptation to the temple cultural background of Madurai, we have used natural stones for the outside walls of the Shrine. This is one of the peculiarities and decoration for this majestic looking Shrine in Madurai.
A gift of the great Jubilee Year 2000
The first official initiative to build the shrine began by the Indian Schoenstatt Fathers in 1996. We prepared spiritually and materially for a long time for this venture. The community wanted to give a place for our MTA from where she could build up Schoenstatt in India. The temple city of Madurai was chosen as her seat. Fr. Stephan Arockiam was in charge of the accomplishment of this first Shrine.
Fr Thamburaj was her insturment
Since we knew about the spirituality of Shrine, it was a longing of many to have a Shrine dedicated to the MTA in Madurai. It was a long cherished wish of the first Rector of our students Fr Thamburaj, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Madurai and his students that there should be a dwelling place for the MTA in Madurai.
The little beginning
The first formation house in Tamil Nadu for the beginners in priestly formation, St. John`s Schoenstatt Seminary was built in 1994. Adjacent to this house, in the Year 1997, the second formation house for the philosophy students, Kentenich Kalloori was put up. Much before the formation houses were built, a way-side Shrine for the Blessed Mother of Schoenstatt was erected at the entrance of the Campus in May 1990. The students and the Fathers used to gather over there for prayer services, dreamt of and prayed for the future Shrine. This way-side Shrine was considered as a pre-runner of the real Shrine.
Grace begins to flow
Along with the formation houses, the Pilgrim Mother Movement began to take its roots and spread over all in Tamil Nadu under the dynamic leadership of late Fr Thamburaj. From the point of view of priestly formation and for the development of the Schoenstatt Movement, it became an urgent necessity to have the Shrine and the lively presence of the MTA in the Campus. The small Indian Fathers Community wanted that the MTA makes this place as her home and get enthroned here. As a major divine gift of the great Jubilee Year 2000, this first Schoenstatt Shrine of the Fathers in India was blessed open by his Excellency Bishop Antony Pappusamy, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Madurai.
The Shrine conquers hearts
The Shrine is used by the students of the Campus for their daily prayers and it is a blessing for them that they get the priestly formation at the shadow of the Shrine. The daily personal presence of the students and Fathers in the Campus keep the spirit of the Shrine lively. Free, firm priestly personalities are formed through their attachment to the Shrine and MTA. Pilgrim Shrines are blessed and sent out from the Shrine. Regular meetings of the Movement and prayer services of the Pilgrim Mother Rosary Campaign are being organized at the Shrine. Our Shrine is a haven of peace and tranquility for many who pay visit to it. A common impression shared by many who have experienced our Shrine is that the picture of MTA is very fascinating and she keeps looking each one very personally.
Mary rules Indian hearts
In the Indian tradition, women enjoy themselves a high regard in the society and are considered like deity. In certain Indian languages people address woman as mother. There exists in the society an inborn respect towards women. So it is very natural that the Blessed Mother is accepted as our beloved heavenly Mother. She occupies undoubtedly an important role in the hearts of the Faithful in India and will rule and transform many hearts for Jesus. May she remain as the Queen of our hearts for years to come!
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