18 September 2023 · 2023-09 newsletter
On 27th August, the Movement in Western Australia held an event which we named “Come and See” to run over a two-hour period. The event was advertised throughout the Perth Archdiocese as an invitation for interested individuals and families to visit our Shrine and discover the beauty and wonder of Schoenstatt.
Approximately 25 visitors dropped in to have a look and a chat over the afternoon and, luckily, this number exceeded the wonderful movement presenters and helpers on hand. Different activities were organised to run concurrently so that our visitors could experience different aspects of the Schoenstatt Movement.
In the Meeting Room, for small groups, Terry provided a brief introduction to Schoenstatt which included a short video about different aspects of Schoenstatt followed by a witness statement and brief explanation of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate. Guil also provided an impromptu and interesting testimony of his time with the Men’s Youth from Brazil and their journey to World Youth Day carrying a PMA as they travelled.
Meanwhile, in our Shrine, David was introducing small groups to the symbols and history of the Shrine and bringing awareness of the importance and place of the Shrines within the Schoenstatt way of life.
The Mother Daughter Events Team, Sharne, Monica, Tina, Janelle, and Sr M Luka, set up a table with Schoenstatt brochures and a discussion space for young people, on the grass area in front of the sister’s house. Sharne ran a lectio divina session which was attended by young women and mothers, and before the afternoon concluded, had expanded to include a few families as well.
The youth program ended with the young ones engaging in a treasure hunt prepared by Angelique requiring them to locate various people and details of Schoenstatt information around our site.
Philomena prepared a programme to be run in Emilie House for any younger school aged children. About 5 children came and made a small Pilgrim Mother Shrine to take home as well as a colour-in standup picture of Mary, and some word sleuths, which they all enjoyed.
There was also a tea and coffee stand set up with refreshments available and a Piety stall was in place for the sale of various Schoenstatt books, images, and items.
Sr M Thomasine commented;
“I felt blessed by the ones who served and by several people who had truly come and seen! It was the English lady with her Scottish husband. She stayed until the very end and did not seem to get enough of the atmosphere and what she saw and heard.
“Another gift for me was that this Filipino family came to visit the shrine. They lived next to our shrine in the Philippines and did a lot for Schoenstatt until they moved to their only son here in Perth a few years ago.
There were many other blessings and it’s good to be aware of them and share them with one another!”
The afternoon concluded around 4.00pm with a brief devotion and prayer session in our Shrine followed by afternoon tea. As this was our first time for this event, we consider it a success and a good source of information and ideas on how we can improve for next time.
Terry Huxtable
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