19 October 2021 · 2021-10 newsletter
John, when we think of your contribution to Schoenstatt in Western Australia, it brings much warmth to our hearts, and we wish to extend our thanks to you with deepest gratitude.
Your journey, with Joy, in Schoenstatt began with Fr Boes, the Schoenstatt Sisters and the Schoenstatt Community in Mulgoa. Of this time we only know the snippets that you have both shared with us over the years. As such, it is your contribution to Schoenstatt in Western Australia that we are most aware of and wish to acknowledge.
John, your contributions both of time, talent and treasure truly cannot be measured. We have lost count of the many busy bees around the Shrine that you arranged and attended. Also, the many organisations you contacted and visited on behalf of Schoenstatt as well as the many years of service on our Co-ordinators Committee. This together with the many generous and quiet gifts/donations you and Joy have made to Schoenstatt over the years – for this we thank you!
We recall your very regular and faithful Friday visits to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in our Shrine, after which you would check as to what might be needed: a printer, a computer, a desk, a table, etc. Having assessed the need you attended to it as you did with many other matters. Things such as a chat or contact with the local Ranger regarding the kangaroos, a letter/invitation to our Archbishop, other dignitaries or to friends of Schoenstatt, checking out a place or property where the Family branch formation weekends could be held.
You extended genuine hospitality to all who visited us from within Australia or came from other countries such as South Africa, Brazil or Germany. You opened your heart and home to them.
The Perez family who came from Cape Town had this to say.
“It is fitting that we thank both you and Joy for your goodness, openness and warm hospitality towards our family. We were fortunate to meet you, Joy, and Leah in 1981 when we migrated to Australia and became part of the Schoenstatt community in Perth. We are truly blessed to have been a small part of your Schoenstatt journey since then, please know for this we are grateful!! You and Joy are still a much-valued part of our Family Group and for this we thank you!”
Guilherme and Barbara Dias who came from Brazil to join us in Perth also experienced John’s care and hospitality. In their words:
“When we arrived in 2013, John was amongst the first people we met at the Shine. He introduced us to Ted and Jan Peters and to Peter De San Miguel. We did not have a car at the time, so John drove us back home and from then onwards he offered to drive us to the Shrine (and Kings Park and so may beautiful places), until we got a car of our own some six months later
He taught us amazing things about the Movement and explained so much about the Western Australian Shrine and how it all came about. But above all, he and Joy became family to us, inviting us to celebrate Christmas, birthdays, and even Saint Patrick’s Day with them! If we settled here and could be useful for the Movement much of it would be a result of John’s continuous support of us. God bless him and his family.”
November 1991 was a huge milestone and blessing for Western Australia, our Shrine in Armadale was blessed. You were part of the planning team John, you rolled up your sleeves and helped others to build our Shrine, Saturday after Saturday after Saturday. Your laughter, your humour and sense of commitment never diminished.
Recently you stepped down from the position as Chairman of the Co-ordinator’s Committee, a position you held for many years. The position of Chairman required organising, planning, dialogue and keeping abreast of events with a hand firmly on the pulse of the times. You were not daunted by this or by the many challenges you faced, and there were a few.
Whilst you may have taken a step back, you have continued to diligently produce the monthly Western Australian newsletter with excellent content.
John, you have always believed in and worked for the mission and legacy of our Father and Founder, Father Kentenich and to make our Blessed Mother known. For all your efforts and giving of self over the years, whether acknowledged or not, we most sincerely thank you.
“May God’s blessing come upon all who have dedicated themselves entirely to Schoenstatt and bring them happiness and salvation here and in eternity. Amen.”
United in the Covenant
Schoenstatt Family of Western Australia
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