Pope Francis declared 2025 a Jubilee Year of Hope – a sacred time for prayer, pilgrimage and conversion. Throughout Australia and beyond, bishops have named places of pilgrimage within their own diocese where people can journey as “Pilgrims of Hope”.
The Schoenstatt Shrine in Mulgoa has been nominated as one such pilgrimage site within the Diocese of Parramatta. This special privilege invites us all to experience hope and spiritual renewal as we encounter God’s mercy and Mary’s transforming power of grace from the Shrine.
This year we are invited to go on pilgrimage to the Schoenstatt Shrine to receive graces, to fulfill the necessary requirements to obtain indulgences, but also to renew ourselves in the experience of the Shrine as a place where we encounter the maternal presence of Mary, who listens to our needs and transforms us with her love into images of her Son.
Shortly before his death in 1968, the founder of the Schoenstatt Movement, Father Joseph Kentenich, said something that provides us with a very fitting meaning for this Jubilee Year.
He stated, “With joyful hope and confident of the victory we go with Mary into the newest times.”
We can welcome this statement from the founder of Schoenstatt as an invitation to live this year purposefully. It reminds us that, even in difficult times, hope and a deep trust in God’s guidance is a beacon that guides us forward.
So, in this great Jubilee Year of Hope, you are invited to come on pilgrimage to the Schoenstatt Shrine at 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. You might consider organising a pilgrimage from your parish, come along with your family and friends, or simply visit privately.
There are dining and accommodation facilities available on site, as well as a gift shop in the Pilgrim Centre featuring a variety of religious gift items, souvenirs and books. The vast 50 acres of land, filled with beautiful flora and fauna, also allows for a great picnic day out.
The Shrine is open daily from 7:00am – 8:30pm, including public holidays.
If you have any enquiries, or would like to bring a pilgrimage group, please contact Sr M. Olivia so that we can assist you in planning your visit: call 0473 201 525 or email sister.m.olivia@gmail.com. A Schoenstatt Sister of Mary can also be made available for a simple welcome or to provide specific input upon request.
To find out more about the planned events around the Shrine or for further information about the Schoenstatt Movement and the Spirituality Centre, please visit www.schoenstatt.org.au or www.facebook.com/MtSchoenstattMulgoa/
