Mary was the focal point of all celebrations that took place at Mt Schoenstatt on Sunday, 18 May as part of Schoenstatt’s annual Marian Pilgrimage. In line with the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, the motto of this year’s pilgrimage rang, “With Mary – Pilgrims of Hope!”.
An estimated 900 people braved the cool temperatures and threatening clouds to participate in Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, concelebrated by Rev Fr Pawel Barszczewski OP, as well as deacons Rev Jerome D’Rozario and Rev Wilfredo Limjap, and seminarians from the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney.
A moment for reconciliation and reflection
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was available to pilgrims throughout the day, and manytook the opportunity to go to confession.
Schoenstatt is one of the three nominated pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Parramatta as part of the Jubilee Year, and those who went to confession fulfilled the requirements for a plenary indulgence.
New Pilgrim Mothers
One of the biggest highlights of the annual Marian Pilgrimage each year is the commissioning of new Pilgrim Mothers, a tradition that has taken place for over 40 years. .
This year, eight new coordinators were named and presented with their ‘Pilgrim Mother’ – small representations of the Mother Thrice Admirable icon from the Schoenstatt movement.
The coordinators and their Pilgrim Mothers will now travel from home to home, bringing the light, hope and graces of her Son, Jesus Christ, into the lives of those who receive her, similar to Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, bringing the presence of Christ with her.
Hundreds of existing coordinators also attended the celebration to renew their annual commitment and to be sent out once again to their existing circles.
Bishop Vincent was visibly surprised and expressed joy at the sheer number of those part of the wider Schoenstatt community sharing in the same love and devotion of Our Lady, who in Schoenstatt is honoured as the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt.
Pilgrims pray and reflect at Mt Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa for 24 Hours of the Lord on March 28. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Food, faith and friendship
Several food stalls offered various cuisines on the day, ensuring pilgrims were well replenished with lunch in time for the afternoon program, which featured a Eucharistic procession.
Pilgrims followed behind the Blessed Sacrament, praying and meditating upon the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. 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 very well attended.
A covenant of love
The procession began in the valley and culminated at the Shrine where the final highlight of the day took place.
Fifteen candidates, who had been prepared by the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, made their covenant of love with the Mother Thrice Admirable; Schoenstatt’s specific Marian consecration.
By entering into the covenant of love, the people made a concrete commitment to walking along life’s journey as Pilgrims of Hope, with Mary by their side as their mother and educator, and one who will always lead them closer to Christ.
The joy on their faces was apparent for all to see as they now seek to live out Mary’s mission from the Shrine, revealing her presence in the world by their being and actions in their own lives.
Pilgrims who made their covenant of love with the Mother Thrice Admirable in the Shrine of Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. Image: Supplied
If you would like to know more about Schoenstatt’s Pilgrim Mother Apostolate, email pilgrimmother@schoenstatt.org.au
You may also like to learn more about Schoenstatt’s covenant of love with Mary. The next information session will be held on Sunday, 29 June at 3pm at Mt Schoenstatt. If you would like to register, please email Sr M. Olivia.
