31 January 2024 · 2024-01 newsletter
Queen of Strength, Hope and Grace
The 6th Crowning Anniversary of our Mother Thrice Admirable (MTA) Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt’s picture at St Therese Parish Mascot, took place on 9th December 2023, the actual Crowning date. As discussed with our Parish Priest Father Valentin Mendoza prior to the Crowning Anniversary, it was decided it would be a simple celebration and….. yes, while it was simple, it was also solemn.
Fr Maurizio Petena, the Assistant Priest, celebrated the Eucharist and Crowning Renewal. He dedicated the Mass to our Blessed Mother and the Crowning Anniversary we were celebrating. In his introduction Father spoke about Schoenstatt, beginning with how the young boys and Father Kentenich made their Covenant of Love with our Blessed Mother. He went on to say how Father Kentenich encouraged devotion to our Mother Thrice Admirable and pointing to where the MTA picture hung, he thanked her for all the graces we have received.
In his beautiful Homily, Schoenstatt was again briefly referred to and in the Prayers of the Faithful, there was a petition about Schoenstatt and Our Blessed Mother which was profound. Just before the “Prayer over the Offerings”, the hymn, “My Queen, My Mother” was softly played. It was lovely to hear.
Before the Final Blessing, Father again spoke briefly about where Schoenstatt originated and mentioned that there are Shrines all around the world and that the “Sydney” Shrine is situated at Mulgoa, near Penrith.
At the end of the Mass, Father Maurizio walked back towards the Altar where our MTA picture hangs. He venerated and then prayed, with reverence, the Renewal Prayer to our Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt, whom we had crowned as Queen of Strength, Hope and Grace. He asked everyone to repeat after him: “Queen of Strength, Hope and Grace, glorify yourself and be victorious.
Pausing for a moment, everyone was requested to spiritually crown our Blessed Mother in our hearts. It was obvious that Father Maurizio had done a great deal of research about Schoenstatt.
Filled with emotions, at the end of the celebration, I could only manage to say: "With Heartfelt thanks, Father"
I thank our Blessed Mother that we are so lucky to have such supportive Parish and Assistant Parish Priests, Valentin Mendoza and Maurizio Petena in this parish.
Zenny Custodio, PMA & Mothers Branch
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