17 April 2025 · 2025-04 newsletter
22 March 2025 was such a grace-filled, blessed day and joyful trip to Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. Together with the PMA coordinators, Schoenstatt Members and Schoenstatt friends from the Ryde region we made a Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to the Shrine. I reflected on the theme ‘Let us journey together in hope’. We were about 28 ‘pilgrims of hope’ who travelled by coach and at least 17 came with private vehicles. Yes, as Pope Francis said, ’Lent is a time to confront both personal and collective struggles with faith and compassion’. Similarly, we compared our journey to the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. The pilgrims were inspired that on the day of pilgrimage, all were on time, and it appeared that nobody wanted to be late. Our coach driver was polite and hospitable. We started with the Exorcism prayer and recitation of the Holy Rosary, followed by Schoenstatt information and logistics. As we travelled along the motorway a light shower of rain and clouds followed us, but it did not last, and the sun came out again.
We arrived in Mulgoa and were welcomed warmly by the Sisters Elizabeth, Myrna, Rita and Olivia. The pilgrims were so glad to meet the Sisters and felt at home. Our program as follows: Introduction talk by Sr Elizabeth, Personal prayer and the possibility of Reconciliation with Fr. Pawel, Holy Mass in the Shrine and the sealing of the Covenant of Love by Grace Chan followed by lunch. After lunch, we continued our personal prayer in the Shrine and reconciliation followed by Devotional Prayer led by Sr Rita and final prayers. The Reconciliation came alive spiritually. Furthermore, the pilgrims visited the Father Room with take-home inspirations. We departed Mulgoa by 2.30pm. The pilgrims were overwhelmingly inspired, ‘on fire’, joyful and some were quiet and reflective, appearing blessed and glowing, ‘Hallowed’. As we reflected on the day, thoughts of ‘am I really on a journey? …’or I am standing still or not moving or immobilized by hopelessness/fear or reluctant to move out of my comfort zone?’ May we realize and hope that all of us called to conversion are pilgrims in this life. It was such a rewarding experience.
Some insights from the pilgrims are as follows.
‘Mulgoa is a magical place; I am glad I finally got here. The picture of Mother Mary above the altar is enchanting. I could look at it for hours. I brought her light and love home with me. I hope it works its best on (name). My mother was always very devoted to Mary. Thank you for a great day today. The Sisters were wonderful.’
‘The most serene and calming day shared at Schoenstatt on Saturday. A sense of love and belonging. God bless you all’
‘Number one coordination, the talk very good and excellent’
‘Such a wonderful day’
48 hours after, the pilgrims were still on fire, joyful and peaceful…talking about it.
One pilgrim said ‘she placed all her worries and struggles in the jar…. despite writing too long’
Another pilgrim said, ‘I hope soon my brother will open his heart also’. And still others:
‘We were very happy’
‘It was a very nice day, organized, special and spiritual. The Nuns were fantastic, and I will go again when I have the chance. Thank you’
‘We were all very blessed …thank you for organizing the pilgrimage’
‘Let’s plan another day’
Edna Aldana
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