18 May 2026 · 2026-05 newsletter
On Easter Monday 6th April, a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Schoenstatt Sisters arrival in Australia was held at the Queen of Apostles Church in Riverton WA. Holy Mass was concelebrated by Fr Paul Manickathan SAC, Fr Mark Baumgarten, Fr Brennan Sia and Fr Elver Delicano, along with Deacon Bruce Talbot. Four Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary were there for the celebration – Sr M Thomasine, Sr M Helen, Sr M Lisette and Sr M Renee. They were joined by Schoenstatt members together with representatives from the Parish School, and parishioners from Riverton and other parishes. Around 220 people attended altogether.
At the beginning of Holy Mass, the Principal of the school, along with teacher and a group of school children came forward to offer a beautifully prepared Tree of Thanksgiving for the past, and petitions for the future. It was a lovely gesture.
In Fr Paul’s homily he said “that the sisters were guided by divine providence. The 75-year history is proof of their tremendous faith, prayers and service, next to learning the language of the people. They continue their work of education with youth and families as well as their social projects with the graces of the Schoenstatt Shrine, their spiritual home. In this solemn moment let us stretch out our hands to one another. We are united by God’s faithfulness and love and commit ourselves to enter the new time with love and humility – Here I am Lord, take me, accept me in the Covenant with Jesus and Mary!”
Mass was followed by a tour of the Schoenstatt Early Learning Centre at the school, where the Principal, Jesse Yock, gave a wonderful testimony regarding the school’s association with the Schoenstatt Sisters and his appreciation of the legacy they left, and their ongoing association. (Please see separate article).
Everyone then moved to the Parish Centre for afternoon tea. During this time we had some reflections by Terry Huxtable, the Co-ordinator of the Schoenstatt Movement in WA, and Sr M. Helen who shared some history of the arrival of the first sisters in Australia, their teaching at the Aboriginal Missions in Tardun and Wandering, before being asked to start the school and kindergarten in Riverton. Hence the Early Learning Centre has been dedicated to the Sisters. (Their travel to Australia had come about, when the Pallottine Fathers made a request to Fr Kentenich in Germany for some Schoenstatt Sisters to join them on mission in Australia.)
Sr M. Helen concluded her talk by saying, “Today we are gathered here to give thanks that our Sisters arrived here in Western Australia seventy-five years ago today. No doubt, our founder in responding to the request for sisters, was aware of the strength and vitality of St Vincent Pallotti’s charism and our sister’s specific contribution.
As I see it, parishioners here in the Riverton parish, experienced an outflow of authentic Gospel faith and commitment, from its early beginning years, in the leadership of their Pallottine Priests, and was then supported by the endeavours of the sisters. Parishioners became more confident and active in their everyday efforts to live the Great Commandment, sharing their faith in Christ and their love for Mary with others – as Pallotti did in his lifetime.”
“Each day is a gift. Life is short. The sisters give thanks for all the blessings, for all who have been part of the parish, and for all who have now passed on. We remember too, that the fulness of the divine life and joy still await us. The time is still to come, when there will be ample time to recall significant happenings and events and together thank God for all the opportunities and graces that have been received.”
There was also a slideshow of photos of many of the Sisters from the early days to more recent times covering events in both WA and NSW. Cathy Forrester (nee Cole) then read a poem about her time at the school in the 1960’s, before the four sisters present, cut the anniversary cakes. Each of the Sisters was then presented with a bouquet of flowers from the Schoenstatt Movement.
Sr M Thomasine thanked the organist David Templeman and the choir for enriching the celebration with such fitting music and songs. Everyone was able to join in, helping to create a truly festive and joyful atmosphere!
It was truly a joy filled celebration!
Philomena Theseira
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