20 February 2023 · 2023-02 newsletter
In May of 2022 a new monthly event began at the national Shrine in Mulgoa, called Dads at the Shrine. The program has been simple enough; an hour of prayer followed by a cup of tea in the Pilgrims Centre.
Why create such an event? As a member of the family groups, we wanted an opportunity for ourselves and other like-minded dads to have a regular opportunity to spend some quality time before the Lord and with His Blessed Mother. Of course, we know the graces of the Shrine, (1) a home (2) transformation and (3) missionary zeal, but for me at least, most of my visits to the Shrine are undertaken with all our children in tow and as such, last no more than a few minutes before someone is ‘bored’ or needs a toilet. There was thus a desire to come to the Shrine in the cool of the evening, in the quiet, when no one else is around, to just be with our Mother and her Son.
Either Fr Paul or Fr Peter have graciously made themselves available to be present each month to offer a short reflection at the start and expose the Blessed Sacrament before offering confession in the Pilgrim Centre for those who wish. The Sisters have also been most welcoming and supportive. Each month we have 6-10 men attending. There are regulars but there also seems to be a new face each month which is wonderful. The hope is to create something simple but profound which all dads can be invited to and where they feel welcome. It has already proven to provide an opportunity for some dads to encounter Schoenstatt for the first time (a good number being sent along by their wives). It really is a simple program, we use the same sheet each month with the traditional hymns and prayers of exposition, plus we begin with a portion of the little pilgrims’ prayer leaflets always in the Shrine to remind us that we gather not just before the Eucharistic Lord but truly in the dwelling place of our Mother and Queen.
There is something about being at the Shrine in the night that has proven to be an attraction for these dads who have been able to get home from work, have their dinner, put the children to bed and head over to Mulgoa for these moments of solitude. We pray this event will continue for a long time, as a consistent offering to the capital of grace, and as a wellspring of life for the men who attend.
All dads are welcome to attend Dads at the Shrine which is held at the Shrine in Mulgoa on the second Wednesday of each month from 8 to 9pm, followed by a quick cup of tea in the pilgrims’ centre. To be put on the monthly mailing list reminder, contact bernard@foolishwisdom.com or phone 0416 106 871. No RSVP is needed, just come along.
*Bernard Toutounji is a member of the NSW family groups
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