Pilgrims from all corners of the city flocked to Mulgoa last month to take part in the annual celebration of Our Lady.
More than 900 people attended this year’s Marian Pilgrimage Day at Mount Schoenstatt, on Sunday 17 May. The motto of the day was “Mary, Light of our Hope”.
Shirley Hall opened the day in prayer and Sr M. Elizabeth Foley gave a warm welcome to everyone including four bus groups and other parish and culture groups.
More than 900 pilgrims attended from all over Sydney. Image: Supplied
Bishop Tony Percy, an auxiliary Bishop of the Sydney Archdiocese, concelebrated Holy Mass with Fr Pawel Barszczewski OP, Fr Peter Kruk OP and Fr Sheldon Burke CRS. Beforehand all four were kept busy with a steady stream of people seeking confession.
The flag procession at the start of Holy Mass was a magnificent view. This really highlighted the international character not only of Schoenstatt but also of the many different cultures of the pilgrims present on the day. The choir from Mary Immaculate Parish, Bossley Park, provided outstanding music for the Holy Mass and did a great job in learning a few of the Schoenstatt hymns.
One of the main highlights of the annual Marian Pilgrimage each year is the sending out of new Pilgrim Mothers. This year, six new coordinators were presented with a Pilgrim Mother Shrine, which will now travel from home to home, bringing the blessings from the Shrine at Mount Schoenstatt to many more homes and families. In addition, hundreds of existing coordinators also renewed their commitment, were blessed and sent out by Bishop Percy. The bishop expressed his surprise and joy at the number of coordinators that came forward commenting: “This is nearly half the congregation!”
Various international food stalls were set up and ready to serve lunch following Mass. There was such a beautiful, joyful community atmosphere amongst the crowd. Many people gathered in small or larger groups around the grounds to eat lunch or went shopping in the Pilgrim Centre.
Six new coordinators were presented with a Pilgrim Mother Shrine. Image: Supplied
The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Jubilee stall was very busy throughout the afternoon with many people taking the opportunity to buy a souvenir or other article to take home to remember the day. The notice boards and banners also offered a great chance to get into conversation with the sisters and ask questions. The Shrine too was well visited in the afternoon with many people taking time out for a moment of silent prayer.
At 2pm, approximately 300 people gathered in the valley in front of the Home of Light to begin the Eucharistic procession. Pilgrims followed behind the Blessed Sacrament, praying and meditating upon the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. In between each decade Fr Pawel gave a blessing. Alternatively, those who were unable to take part in the procession were given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which was also very well attended.
To end the beautiful day there was a short devotion and final benediction. Then there was a formal thank you to all those present, benefactors, sponsors, priests and most especially the team of volunteers who organised the day. The amazing efforts of the volunteer team in setting up the stage, altar, flowers, chairs, tents, sun umbrellas and food stalls added to the festive ambiance.
The motto of this year’s pilgrimage was “Mary, Light of our Hope”. Image: Supplied
The next major function at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, will be the centenary celebration of the Sisters Community, which will be held on Sunday 13 September with Archbishop Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney, being the main celebrant.
More details regarding the jubilee celebrations can be found here.
The Marian Pilgrimage is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer and Formation. Visit Synodality to learn more.
