18 September 2026 · 2026-09 newsletter
The Melbourne Schoenstatt Family were graced and blessed with the presence of Sr M. Elizabeth Foley from 11 August to 16 August. Sr Elizabeth was also joined by Father Paul Barszczewski OP on the weekend of 15-16 August.
The week preceding the weekend, was spent by Sister Elizabeth meeting with the different Mothers’ Groups and Pilgrim Mother Circles in Melbourne. The different groups were most appreciative of enhancing their knowledge and tenets of the Schoenstatt Spirituality as explained by Sister and sharing their personal experiences and stories.
On Saturday 15 August, the Melbourne Schoenstatt Family celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption with a Mass at Holy Family Church in Doveton, presided by Fr Paul.
Mass was followed by fellowship and a shared lunch.
A Schoenstatt Formation Session took place following lunch where Fr Paul presented and shared a presentation on the Queenship of Mary. This was followed by a session led by Sr M Elizabeth wherein she encouraged those present to be serious about their striving and living the Covenant of Love in everyday life, if they want to once again have a Shrine in Melbourne. The joy and enthusiasm were great, and all present want to take the “nothing without us” seriously. Now comes the trust in our MTA to show us the way for such a possibility in the future.
On Sunday 16th August, the Melbourne Schoenstatt family gathered at St Luke’s Church to celebrate the Assumption Feast, which commenced with the recitation of the Rosary in the Chapel with our MTA picture from the Kew Shrine. A celebratory Assumption Day Mass, together with the St. Luke’s Parish community followed, where Fr Paul was the Principal Celebrant and Fr Joseph Amal, the Parish Priest of St Luke’s parish, concelebrated. In his homily, Fr. Paul skilfully combined the readings of the day with tenets of our Schoenstatt spirituality.
Following Mass, the Melbourne Schoenstatt Coordinators were commissioned by Father Paul to go out with the Schoenstatt message and continue the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate for a further 12 months.
In our Schoenstatt Chapel at the back of St. Luke’s Church, members presented a single red rose to Our Lady as a sign of our love and commitment on this her special day; the large array of Red Roses was skilfully organised by Delmi Carbello. Schoenstatt hymns were also sung serenading our Blessed Mother before her picture of grace. The renewal of the Covenant of Love concluded the formal celebrations.
A shared lunch, enjoyed by the members of the Community, was followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Community that took place at 2 pm.
A very blessed and fruitful weekend was enjoyed by our community, and we sincerely thank Fr Paul and Sr Elizabeth for their generous offerings and sharing of time and knowledge, to be with us on this very special Feast Day.
Florida Nugara.
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