27 March 2026 · 2026-03 newsletter
Dear Schoenstatt Family and Friends,
Greetings and blessings for this Covenant Day – 18th March as we continue our Lenten journey.
In our novena for vocations to the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary internationally, and specifically in Australia and the Philippines, we focus this month on the perseverance of both the Sisters and the Schoenstatt members in reconquering the shrine in Melbourne.
In 1994, a small group, most of whom knew Schoenstatt from overseas countries, took up the challenge to “reconquer the Kew Shrine”. This they did by bringing their contributions to the Capital of Grace regularly to the Shrine with regular visits from the Schoenstatt Fathers and Sisters to Melbourne helping the people understand more and more about Schoenstatt, the Covenant of Love and the importance of contributions to the Capital of Grace. Thanks to the perseverance and loyalty of these Schoenstatt members, Sisters and Priests, in 1999 it was felt that it was time to once again invite the Blessed Mother to take possession of the Shrine in Kew and continue the task she undertook in 1952 to transform this Shrine into a place of grace.
Perseverance and loyalty are foundational virtues, with perseverance representing the steady, hard-working pursuit of goals despite obstacles, and loyalty signifying deep, consistent commitment to people or principles. Together, they build trust, sustain relationships through challenges, and drive success.
Sr. Annette Nailis (a Schoenstatt Sister) related how when Fr. Erhard was visiting Fr. Kentenich in Milwaukee, he asked him, “Father, if you were now free, what is the first thing you think you would do?” (….) I remember the answer exactly. Father said, “You know, if I could do as I wished, the first thing I would do is visit everyone in the whole world who remained faithful to me.” Sr. Annette concludes: Of all the virtues, faithfulness/loyalty was one of the most important to him. (….) He was so totally human and so nobly human that the first thing he would have done– even though this was not a practical possibility– was to travel the world to say thank you to all of those who remained loyal.
Again, when someone who was in Rome with our founder wrote:
“I got to know Fr. Kentenich in Rome in one of the most difficult moments, and I was amazed at his absolute calm and complete trust in Providence. I will never forget the words he said at that time, “I am always happy in the hands of the Blessed Mother.”’
"As long as I am in my nest, I need not fear the lightning flash. This nest is my own Mother’s heart, which always bears me heavenwards, to God, the wellspring of all bliss The Father of all mercy and love." J.K.
Father Kentenich often said, “No one will be lost who is loyal to his covenant of love” and he also said, “If you look for me you will find me in the Shrine.”
Not only should we be inspired by Father Kentenich’s loyalty and perseverance during the many difficult years of his life, but we are also reminded that our Blessed Mother is also with us. Mary was always loyal and persevered when Jesus was being so severely treated leading up to his death on the cross. We believe that despite all that was taking place. Mary continued to trust in the Heavenly Father and believe that her Son, Jesus, was the redeemer who had come to save each of us.
As we continue our journey towards the holy season of Easter, may we always walk with Our Blessed Mother and our father and founder, remaining loyal to our Covenant of Love.
Wishing you all many blessings,
Shirley Hall
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