From 4-6 July, 11 families with 22 adults and 34 children gathered at Mulgoa to take part in our annual Family Weekend. The highlight of the weekend was that two families made their Covenant of Love. This beautiful ceremony was blessed by Fr. Pawel Barszczewski OP, with the support of Sr. M. Elizabeth Foley ISSM and Sr. M. Olivia Lukaszewicz ISSM, in the presence of the other families attending the weekend.
Two families who made the Covenant of Love during the annual Schoenstatt Families Weekend at Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, in July 2025. Image: Supplied
Insightful sessions were held during the weekend. There were education and discussion sessions, group prayers at the Shrine, opportunity for reconciliation and Holy Mass. The children had their own programme during the mornings, including a pilgrimage to the Sr. M. Bonitas Wayside Shrine on the property. On Saturday afternoon, the families became creative as each family designed and painted their own family shield. It was amazing what talent was forthcoming.
Talent was also displayed on Saturday evening when various items from the different families or family members entertained the group. We had children play their musical instruments, others shared jokes or displayed their skills at juggling and solving problems.
The highlight of this night was when one family acted out a song from Snow White.
It was a delight to see the five children in this family work together to render this song in action. Needless to say, the evening finished around the bonfire with toasted marshmallows, damper and apples, with a sing-a-long to accompany the high spirits.
Participants during the annual Schoenstatt Families Weekend at Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, in July 2025. Image: Supplied
For the adult programme, the group viewed a YouTube video where Ida Stokes, who is a member of the Schoenstatt Movement in Western Australia, spoke on the “Meaning and the Purpose of the Jubilee Year”. She reminded us of our Schoenstatt motto for this year, “United in the Covenant, Pilgrims of Hope.” Ida, in her inspiring talk reminded us to confidently and joyfully move together towards a new destination.
It was a thought-provoking talk in which she challenged us to reflect on how we can shine Christ’s light in an increasingly secular and cynical world.
Sr. M. Elizabeth tied in the topic of Our Lady’s Mission from the Shrine beautifully by reminding us that Mary’s mission is to be a pilgrim of Hope with us, bringing Christ to us and bringing us to Christ.
We were reminded of the three graces we are blessed with in the Shrine: a home, transformation, and apostolic zeal.
We, as members of the Schoenstatt movement, are encouraged to help fulfil Christ’s mission, just as Mary did, sharing Christ with the rest of the world, bearing Him to all we meet, renewing the world in Christ.
Bernard and Jane Toutounji of the Schoenstatt Family Branch – a group fostering formation, fellowship and support to families in faith and life – presented the topic of Schoenstatt’s toolbox for pedagogy. Three key themes around the Schoenstatt teaching were identified:
- education and formation
- self-knowledge and growth and
- freedom and personal journey.
We are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, with willing hearts, moving together towards the eternal destination of our pilgrimage, heaven.
The pedagogy of Schoenstatt was compared to a toolbox with so many tools to choose from. We were reminded of the 3 things needed to support our learning and growth:
- The support of a religious community,
- The support of clear knowledge and
- The support of outstanding personal example.
Participants during the annual Schoenstatt Families Weekend at Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, in July 2025. Image: Supplied
We were encouraged to draw on all of these and they were likened to the 3 legs of a stool – all three are needed to remain balanced and stable.
Finally, Sr. M. Elizabeth presented the topic, Walking with Fr. Joseph Kentenich, founder of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement.
We were reminded that Fr. Kentenich is our guide, our father and our teacher; and we were challenged to reflect on the role we play as parents, as guides, and as teachers to our children.
Parents are to take on the role of messengers, ambassadors, and instruments of God, modelling our family life on that of the Holy Family. Couples were given time to read about and share thoughts with their spouses on an excerpt from On Monday Evenings, written by Fr. Kentenich, encouraging the married couples to love each other as Christ loved us, giving of our lives to each other.
The weekend concluded with a devotion in the Shrine after which we burnt our offerings to the Capital of Grace, gathered during the weekend and then followed by afternoon tea at The Rock Lookout, a short drive from the Shrine.
The weather was beautiful, and the sun shone down on us, reminding us of the light Christ is to us, and the light we are called to be – Lights of Hope, Pilgrims of Hope.
Participants during the annual Schoenstatt Families Weekend at Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, in July 2025. Image: Supplied
Parishes are invited to consider starting a Schoenstatt family group for their local families. Those interested in learning more about starting or being involved in a family group can email families@schoenstatt.org. More details can also be found on www.schoenstatt.org.au
This article was originally published in the 18 July 2025 national newsletter of Schoenstatt Australia. Reproduced with permission.
