19 August 2024 · 2024-08 newsletter
Instrumentality
“Instrumentality” was the topic of the Formation Day for Women held at Mt. Schoenstatt, Mulgoa on Saturday 20th July.
“Our Lady wants to form ‘useful instruments’ in her hands for the Mission from the Shrine”
(Schoenstatt’s Founding Document, 18/10/1914)
Eighteen ladies from three of the mother’s groups and the single women’s group came together with Sr. Elizabeth to look at what this quote from Schoenstatt’s Founding Document means for us as we strive to be ‘useful instruments’ for our mission from the shrine.
It is always a joy to come together on such occasions and it has become quite noticeable over the last few years that such gatherings have enabled the ladies attending to get to know each other much better, not just the ladies in their own group, but others who are part of our women’s branches here in the greater Sydney area.
This has enabled them to feel comfortable and safe in sharing their experiences and challenges with each other and to enjoy each other’s company.
Challenged to look deeper
These days are also an opportunity for us to be challenged in our Schoenstatt formation and education to look at how we can become more like Mary, our Mother and Educator in our mission from the Shrine.
At the March Formation Day we had the same topic, “instrumentality”, with Sister Elizabeth sharing what it means to be an instrument of God and Our Blessed Mother. For this Formation Day, she challenged us to look deeper and discover what the characteristics of Instrumentality mean for us in our practical, everyday lives as women, mothers, grandmothers, single women, working women, retired women.
Total Detachment
We looked at the characteristics of instrumentality in our Schoenstatt spirituality and how these relate to our lives. For example, what does ‘total detachment’ mean and what does it look like in my life? What do I need to detach myself from and how do I do this?
Total Attachment
What does “total attachment” mean: to whom do I attach myself and how does this help me in my spiritual formation? This opened up a lively conversation and allowed the ladies to share their experiences and learn from each other.
Blank Cheque
Sister Elizabeth further challenged us to look at what it means to make a “blank cheque” consecration. We all know what signing a “blank cheque” means, but how does it apply in our spiritual lives? It means giving our ‘yes’ to God and being open to accepting his wishes and will at all times, knowing that He only wants what is best for us.
Inscriptio
We then looked at what the “Inscriptio” Consecration means. Sister Elizabeth shared how this consecration came about and explained that it is a willingness to not only accept God’s will in all situations, but to actually ask him for cross and suffering, but only if this is in His plan for us.
It was stressed that this doesn’t mean asking for cross and suffering that God has not planned for us. It means seeing cross and suffering as a loving gift from God who only wants what is best for us and only sends cross and suffering if it is for our good. Father Kentenich stressed that we should not seek cross and suffering for the sake of suffering but to accept all that God the Father sends us, knowing that God, is a merciful, loving Father.
Divine Providence
This then led to a discussion about Divine Providence and how we often need to take time to discern what God is asking of us, especially if there are choices to be made.
We were reminded that “for those who love God, all things work together unto good” (Rom.8:28) but we need to appreciate that sometimes we might make choices that might not always be the best ones for us. In these cases, we need to ask what God is telling us and what we can learn from these experiences.
After this it was time for a well-earned lunch break. As it was an extremely cold and windy day, we spent the lunch break indoors in the warm air conditioning and enjoyed each other’s company in a more relaxed atmosphere.
At the Shrine
After lunch the members of the Mothers’ branch visited the shrine for a short celebration. At the last Formation Day, Anne Walsh resigned from her role as leader of the Mothers’ Branch after more than 20 years.
Zenny Custodio was elected as the new leader and for the first time a deputy leader was also elected. Ann Panitz accepted this role.
At the shrine today, the mothers took part in a short prayerful celebration, giving thanks for the contribution that Anne has made in her role as leader and prayed for Zenny as the new leader and for Ann as the deputy.
As Ann hadn’t been able to attend the day because of illness, thanks to modern technology, she joined the celebration via zoom.
Single Women’s Group
In the meantime, the members of the Single Women’s Group met together and when the mothers returned, they also had a short meeting.
Afterwards the whole group came together again for a final session in which Sr. Elizabeth gave us an exercise to do. We were split into groups of two and asked to select one of the Stations of the Cross of God’s Instruments from Heavenwards. Each couple was then asked to look at how this reflects instrumentality and what it means for us as God’s instruments.
Once again it was a very fruitful and enjoyable day, leaving us with lots of information and many things to reflect upon. Our special thanks go to Sr. M. Elizabeth for sharing with us and encouraging us in our spiritual formation.
One of the ladies who hadn’t been to any of the Formation Days previously, generously offered to share her thoughts on her experiences of the day. They are included below:
One participant’s thoughts on the day
“I really enjoyed my first formation day held on Saturday 20th July about Instrumentality, one of the main elements of our spirituality.
Sr. Elizabeth offered us such a wonderful day full of rich and engaging discussions about the characteristics of instrumentality that are so relevant to my personal, and professional life.
Throughout the formation day, I reflected on the ‘total detachment’ characteristic. This characteristic resonated strongly with me because it gave me ‘inner peace’, allowing me to let go of all my fears, and insecurities in my current and future life’s journey. Furthermore, I kept thinking back to Sr. Elizabeth’s reference to God’s plan, placing trust that he will guide me in the right direction through my choices and decisions, and in accordance with his will.
At the end of the day, I walked away with profound insights and a lot of unanswered questions which I will further explore. I am not as well versed in Schoenstatt and Father Kentenich’s teachings as some of the members of the group, but everyone made me feel very welcome.
I really loved the spiritual community bonding, and the perspectives shared by everyone through their own personal experiences, in this safe, supportive, and deeply spiritual environment, which I will always refer to as my ‘happy place’”.
If you are interested in attending one of the Formation Days next year or the Women’s Retreat Weekend early in 2025, please contact me on movtoffice@schoenstatt.org.au and I will ensure you receive an invitation to these days and/ or the retreat weekend. You do not have to be a member of any of the women’s groups, but simply someone who is interested in learning more about Schoenstatt.
Shirley Hall, Member Single Women’s Group.
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