18 May 2026 · 2026-05 newsletter
75 Years of Schoenstatt in Australia; and
60 Years of the Movement in NSW
Easter Monday, 6th April was a very special day for our Schoenstatt Family in Australia.
On this day 75 years earlier, the first four Schoenstatt sisters arrived in Fremantle, in Western Australia. These sisters came to Australia at the invitation of the Pallottine Fathers who wanted them to help on a mission station. These young sisters did not know much about Australia but Father Kentenich’s words in his farewell letter to them was on their minds and gave them great confidence: “Start the journey courageously”.
We are all indebted and grateful for the forward thinking and courage of Father Kentenich, as well as the readiness of the four pioneer sisters to accept this mission. It is only through their efforts and their belief in trusting themselves totally to our Mother Thrice Admirable, that we are here today.
In union with the members of our Schoenstatt family in Western Australia this was a celebration of gratitude for the courage of those first Sisters in coming to Australia and for the Schoenstatt movement that has developed since that time.
For us here in NSW, a second and special joy this day was the opportunity to give thanks for the Schoenstatt apostolate that began here on 18th January 1966 when two Schoenstatt sisters began working in the parish of Mt Druitt, an outer suburb west of Sydney. Here the sisters quickly began establishing groups for mothers, families, young women and girls. The movement quickly spread thanks to the work of these and other sisters who joined them.
This jubilee celebration was a spiritually enriching and rewarding occasion in our Schoenstatt history. It brought together some of those who were part of the earliest groups of the movement as well as those who had joined later or were completely new to Schoenstatt. It was a time to not only give thanks for all that has taken place in our movement here in NSW, but also to share some of the experiences of those who were part of those early years.
Over a hundred people attended and were welcomed by the Provincial Leader of the sisters in Australia and the Philippines, Sr. M. Isabell Nauman.
Shirley Hall was the facilitator for the afternoon’s program.
The sharing by members of the movement of their experiences from those early days, not only provided many fascinating memories, but also gave an insight into the way the movement has grown in depth.
This not only challenged those who have been part of the Schoenstatt Family for many years but also those who are new or newer to Schoenstatt.
The testimonies began with a video of Sister Inez Strnad who gave a general overview of the work of the sisters from their time of arrival in Western Australia, till they began to work in Mount Druitt. Sister Inez spoke of the many sacrifices they and future sisters accepted in carrying out our father and founder’s mission. They had accepted this mission in their new land, far from home, and all things familiar. This was daring and challenging, but they accepted it because behind all the struggles, through their hard work and dedication, was a deep love for our Blessed Mother and for Father Kentenich. They believed in our father and founder’s words: “You need not fear, our Mother is holding her protecting hand over you”. This gave them the confidence to embrace all things for the sake of the Schoenstatt mission.
Sr. M. Angrit Bergmann spoke of her experiences in helping to build up Schoenstatt groups, particularly Mothers’ groups. Sister shared how just before she left for Australia, she was able to have a personal meeting with our father and founder. Among other things she asked our father what special task he would give her to do in Australia? His answer was that I should take up the responsibility for building up the Schoenstatt Movement in Australia. When she expressed her fear that – with her make up – she didn’t think she was able to do this, Father Kentenich said that divine providence would guide her through all situations. And then he said that his wish for her was most of all the heroism of trust that a higher power would carry her victoriously through all situations.
She related how some parish priests were very positive towards Schoenstatt and so she was able to start groups in various parishes. Besides the groups in Mt Druitt and Lurnea, she could also build up groups in Warragamba, St. Marys, Kingswood, Windsor, Richmond, Blacktown, Glenbrook, Springwood, Merrylands, Menai and even on the North Shore.
Sister Angrit related that after 40 years she finished her active involvement in the movement work and in all these years she had experienced what Father Kentenich had said to her at her farewell encounter with him that “a higher power will carry you through all situations.” Our Father – who died 3 months after she left Germany – was always close to her. Mphc! Our Mother will take perfect care!
The testimonies of lay members representing the different Branches were also inspiring and again challenged all those present to see how the fruit of their courage is something worth all of us emulating.
It was also wonderful to note that many of those who were part of the Movement in those earlier days, are still active members of the different Branches, such as the Men’s Branch, Family Groups, Single Women and Mothers.
At the end of this section of the program Sr. M. Elizabeth spoke briefly about the meaning of Consors Patris and why we are going to name our Shrine, the Consors Patris Shrine.
After Sr. M. Elizabeth spoke, all gathered to share and enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea. There was a wonderful atmosphere of joy and conviviality as some people reconnected after many years. But of course, the celebration was not complete without the official cutting of the Jubilee Cake. This was done by Sr. M. Isabell, together with Sr. M. Elizabeth and members of the Movement who were part of those earlier days. Afterwards, Sr M Elizabeth assisted by Sr M Rita and Shirley served slices of the Jubilee cake to all.
These Jubilee Celebrations seemed the perfect time for our Schoenstatt family to give our Mother Thrice Admirable our Jubilee Gifts: the naming of the Shrine and a plaque to commemorate these occasions. These gifts are an expression of our gratitude for the many gifts and graces Our Lady has showered on us during the past 75 years since our sisters first arrived in Australia, and 60 years since the sisters began their Schoenstatt apostolate here New South Wales. These gifts formed part of the devotions which took place in our National Shrine following the afternoon tea. It was the climax of the afternoon’s celebrations.
It was with great joy that the name for our shrine was proclaimed. The shrine had originally been opened and blessed on the 19th May, 1968, and until now has usually just been called, ‘the Mulgoa Shrine” (name of the suburb). It was an expression of our gratitude to the Blessed Mother that her shrine now has an official name.
Our “National Shrine” was proclaimed as the CONSORS PATRIS SHRINE (Helpmate of the Father Shrine).
We see Our Lady, the Consors Patris, as the one who is a seed of hope for our everyday lives. Just as Mary always faithfully fulfilled the wishes of the heavenly Father, and thus was his Consors, so we too want to learn from her example as one who gives HOPE.
Following the blessing of the plaque, the Devotions ended with Benediction, and then all processed to the Father Statue where we formed a ring of loyalty, hand in hand around our Father’s statue. Here we expressed our unity and solidarity with our father and founder, as one Schoenstatt Family. We gave thanks for our father, who had promised to “be with us from heaven” and we believe is always with us. With our father’s blessing and knowing that we are always united with and in our Blessed Mother, we were sent out anew into the world.
Before leaving, each person was invited to take along a gift and memento of this very special day. Each person was invited to take a Jubilee pen, as well as a Jubilee prayer card on which is written three of the verses of our new Consors Patris Hymn.
Some experiences from the early days of the Schoenstatt Movement in NSW
During the afternoon’s program, a few people from the different branches of the movement shared their experiences of those early years of Schoenstatt in NSW. Below are some extracts from some of those presentations:
CLARE MASTERSON Coenaculum Family Group
The family is the core of society. The foundation of the way we live. When John and I joined a family group, we had recently arrived in Mount Druitt with 4 children under 5. Our group came together with Fr. Carl Boes (a Schoenstatt Father) and we were all seeking guidance in raising our families with love and strong basic values.We met in our homes with Fr. Boes who celebrated Mass with us before our meeting. This was a unique privilege and an intimate way of getting to know Fr. Boes and one another, helping to form a friendship that grew over time into a spiritually connected family.
JOHN MALLETT (As a youth in Schoenstatt and now a member of the Family Branch)
I’ve been involved in Schoenstatt my whole life—it’s always been a central part of who I am. My parents were part of a family group here in Sydney, so from the beginning, I was immersed in that community and spirit.
A particularly important moment for me was making my Covenant of Love, which really deepened my personal commitment and relationship within Schoenstatt.
For me, Schoenstatt isn’t just something I’ve been part of – it has shaped who I am, how I see faith, and how I live out relationships and community. It’s given me a sense of purpose, belonging, and direction through every stage of life. What started as something passed down from my parents has become something deeply personal – something I now carry forward into my own family. And that, to me, is what makes this journey so meaningful: it’s not just my story, but something I’m now helping to continue for the next generation.
Shirley Hall (Former member of Girls Youth, and now a member of the Single Women’s Group)
I have been a part of Schoenstatt for the past 60 years, since the sisters first came to Mount Druitt. I feel very blessed that God led me to Schoenstatt as Schoenstatt and the shrine have always been a very special part of my life. I am especially grateful to the sisters who each in their own way, has always supported me and helped me to grow in my faith through their sharing but most of all by their example. Schoenstatt has given a spiritual depth to my life that I never would have had otherwise.
I also feel blessed to have been part of the Single Women’s Group and for the many women who have over the years been part of this group. Together we have shared our striving and formation as well as our struggles, but especially our friendship.
DAPHNE LOUGHLIN (Nazareth Family Group)
In 1969 Peter and I together with Theresa and Bernadette our two daughters at the time, moved to Emerton, Mount Druitt. We got to know Schoenstatt through Father Carl Boes (Schoenstatt Father working in Mount Druitt)
Being a member of Schoenstatt has given me a greater sense of family and of myself and my home shrine. Together with so many other home shrines, it is the centre and heart of my home. I truly believe Mary is caring for us all and I must try by my striving diligently to bring more contributions to the Capital of Grace. Nothing without you Nothing without us.
ANNE WALSH (Mother of Comfort Mothers Group) In May 1976 I was at the 6pm Mass when I noticed this lady dressed all in dark navy and wondered who she was. After Mass I asked her, "What community do you belong to?". She answered that she was a Sister of the Schoenstatt Movement.
I said, "What was that?" It was Sr Mary Agnes and after hearing that the Movement was about our Blessed Mother, I was hooked and wanted to know all about it. This was the beginning of my involvement in Schoenstatt
Through Sr Mary Agnes I also met Sr M Aloise. I loved the connection with our Blessed Mother and saw Her through new eyes, I felt I had come HOME.
ANNE TOUTOUNJI (Family Branch)
In 1979, a friend from our parish of Sacred Heart, South Mt Druitt, invited my husband Paul and I to attend a family day at Schoenstatt, saying it was a special place of Our Lady…. This simple invitation that was extended to us has enriched me and my family.
Why did we join a group?? We wanted to be involved with other like-minded families and individuals endeavouring to grow spiritually and refusing to ‘go with the flow’ in our secular environment. Swimming against the flow was tiring. But oh, today there are so many more challenges that were not present a generation ago. Trust in Mother Mary and discussion with member families provided ideas, comfort and strength. As a couple we understood our role was to help each other up the ladder to Heaven.
SR. M. RITA BAYSARI
I have been a sister now for just over 10 years believe it or not and I honestly can say that I am a fruit of the prayers, suffering and efforts of the sisters here. I came to know Schoenstatt through my parish priest, Fr Rod Bray, in Merrylands and only after his passing did I come to visit the Shrine. I had a real encounter with the blessed Mother, and she continued to draw at my heart strings so that I eventually worked up the courage to speak to a sister about my vocation.
I announced my going to Germany to start my formation to become a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary at the Annual May Pilgrimage Day in 2014. At this point I really experienced the Schoenstatt Movement as a family. Everyone rejoiced with me and promised me many prayers and support which I know carried me through many difficult times particularly at the beginning and the challenge of learning a new language.
We sisters are called to be the soul of the Schoenstatt Movement, and this is what I strive to be. In working with the girls, young adults and in the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate I believe my task is to help prepare the way to the Covenant of Love and, to all I encounter, unlock the beauty of Schoenstatt’s spirituality, particularly the three contact points, the blessed Mother in the Shrine and our Father and founder.
It is only through the courage, dedication and trust as well as the many contributions to the capital of grace of not only the pioneer sisters but of all the sisters before me as well as the Movement that I am able to stand here. As Sister M. Inez mentioned, it is not about the numbers. Yes, we are a small Schoenstatt Movement and there are only a few sisters, but Jesus started with just 12 apostles and built up the church. Father Kentenich started with a small group of boys in a rundown old chapel and now Schoenstatt is a world-wide apostolic community encompassing all continents. It is up to us to keep the fire burning and to carrying on the legacy that has been entrusted to us. But we remain children of the blessed Mother and she can use us as her instruments.
Zenny Custodio, Shirley Hall
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