17 June 2026 · 2026-06 newsletter
Sr. M Rita Baysari
This year’s May Pilgrimage Day at Mount Schoenstatt Mulgoa, on Sunday 17th May, was a beautiful and joyful celebration with over 900 people in attendance. Although the evening before had rained the weather on the day itself was superb: overcast and yet nice and warm with not a drop of rain! 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 as people began to arrive. The motto of the Pilgrimage Day was “Mary, Light of our Hope”.
Shirley Hall opened the day in prayer and Sr M. Elizabeth gave a warm welcome to everyone including four bus groups, including a bus group from Melbourne, as well as other parish and cultural groups. Three priests were available for confession: Fr Pawel OP, Fr Peter OP and Fr Sheldon CRS and they were kept busy right up until the beginning of holy Mass. Bishop Tony Percy, an auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Diocese arrived early and made himself available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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 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 visibly expressed his surprise and joy at the number of coordinators that came forward commenting: “This is nearly half the congregation!”
Various international food stalls had been set up and were 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. The Sister’s 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 gather 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. Sr. M. Rita thanked all those present, benefactors, sponsors, priests and most especially the team of volunteers who organised the day. She also announced that the next major function at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa will be the centenary celebration of the Sisters Community which will be held on Sunday, 13th September with Archbishop Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney, being the main celebrant. All are invited to attend.
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