19 July 2021 · 2021-07 newsletter
An important Encounter
For a long time the image of an unkind and distant God was with me until I met my mentor Fr. Denis Foley who introduced me to a loving Father, full of Mercy and Love. He also introduced me to our MTA. I really had never heard much about Mary until then. My faith journey took a sharp turn to embrace the Schoenstatt idea of Love, Freedom and Respect. When I made my consecration to our MTA I felt for the first time in my life that I would not be abandoned again.
A further significant Encounter –
It was during the Year of Mercy (2015/2016) at the 24 Hours for the Lord celebration that I had an experience where my whole life ran past me and Our Lord showed me his presence in all the major events of my life. As I reflected on this experience this phrase kept on coming up -“Prove first by your deeds that you really love me”. How could I prove my love to our MTA? Through many prayers and reflections it became clear that I should do a Pilgrimage. This finished up being a Pilgrimage around Australia visiting 14 Holy Doors of Mercy and praying and reflecting on one Station of the Cross at each Door of Mercy. It was at the ninth Station, the third fall where I had a real Encounter with Our Lord.
Where to from here? –
For years I have been battling to get Schoenstatt Men known on a wider scale with no doors opening to make this happen. I remember very sternly asking our MTA, what was all this for? Nothing seemed to be happening and I said to her if she didn’t do something soon I would go somewhere else and be active in Men’s Ministry. Well, as they say, be careful what you pray for.
Doors started to open that previously seemed permanently shut.
The Sydney Archdiocese seemed ready to talk to us and start being serious about Men’s Ministry. Maximus – Men Striving for Greatness was formed and we started planning Breakfast Encounters for men. Up until now four Encounters were held with over 200 participants and three new Men’s Groups being established. Although not Schoenstatt, all our activities are in the Spirit of Schoenstatt, our MTA is with us all the way.
Camino Pilgrimage 2021
Sydney Camino challenge takes 12 hours and 25km
Forty-five men from across Sydney braved cold conditions to take on the challenge to honour the patron saint of fathers and complete the inaugural Camino of St Joseph overnight pilgrimage for men.
Starting at 8pm on 30 April at Holy Family Parish in Menai, the men aged between 18 and 75 walked the 25 kilometres visiting parishes in Sutherland, Miranda, Sans Souci and Kogarah before arriving at Brighton-Le-Sands at 5.30am for Adoration, Mass and a piping hot breakfast.
An initiative of the Sydney Archdiocese Life, Marriage and Family Office and held on the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, the 12-hour walk was held to honour St Joseph as a model for men while sparking spiritual curiosity.
Ride for St Joseph Pilgrimage 2021
Another initiative we started was a Ride for St Joseph Pilgrimage. Being the year of St Joseph we thought it would be a good idea to do something special. All up five of us, four riders and one driver, set out on a three day Pilgrimage visiting seven St Joseph Churches covering 800 km. Our MTA was with us all the way as we prayed and reflected on her spouse St. Joseph. I had a very personal Encounter at the Church where I was baptised. It occurred to me that on nearly all of our visits we had our MTA, an Image of her spouse St Joseph and Exposition/Adoration, indeed the complete Holy Family. This was an overwhelming experience as I came to realise, that this Family would never abandon me. I truly experienced that – A servant (or child) of Mary shall never perish. How comforting that thought is.
– Jim Jankiewicz
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