Approximately 1,500 people were in attendance at this year’s annual Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa.
The Stations of the Cross procession began at 10am with the pilgrims gathering in the valley around the large wooden cross. The cross was then carried up the mountain on the shoulders of a few participants alternating between the different stations.
Pilgrims were led in prayer and song allowing everyone to be immersed in the Good Friday atmosphere. United as a pilgrim Church together, we went the Way of the Cross with Christ and His mother Mary reminiscing His passion and death.
Pilgrims are seen at the annual Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Image: Supplied
The final fourteenth station was prayed in front of the Shrine. At the conclusion, Fr Pawel Barszczewski OP, Assistant Priest at St Joseph’s Parish, Kingswood, gave the final blessing as pilgrims entered the Shrine to visit the Blessed Mother.
For many families, the Stations of the Cross at Mount Schoenstatt has become part of their regular Easter Triduum tradition. They are also very keen and excited to bring new families and friends along.
It was particularly impressive to see numerous young families pushing their strollers, as well as many elderly with their walking sticks and even someone in a wheelchair participating in the procession.
The pilgrims came from all parts of the Archdiocese of Sydney and Diocese of Parramatta, with some pilgrims even travelling as far as the Central Coast to be involved in the celebrations.
With various groups arriving already as early as 7am to do their own private pilgrimage, many people stayed the whole day to enjoy the beautiful grounds and the prayerful atmosphere at Mount Schoenstatt.
Sr M Rita Baysari is a member of the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary (ISSM), based in Mulgoa.
