19 January 2026 · 2026-01 newsletter
For the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, this New Year had special significance. It began the calendar year in which they will celebrate 100 years of their community. So it was with special joy that they experienced the many people who came to the Shrines to honour the Blessed Mother and to usher in the New Year 2026.
At our Shrine in Mount Richon, WA, more than 250 people gathered to welcome in the New Year, beginning with prayers and singing from 11pm – midnight. Two different choirs accompanied those present during the prayer time as well as Holy Mass. At midnight, following the view of fireworks from distant Perth on the horizon and the singing of the Te Deum (Holy God we praise your Name) as the Shrine bell rang, Holy Mass in honour of the Mother of God began the New Year. Fr. Tim Cororan was the main celebrant, with Deacon Patrick Moore assisting. Fr. Tim’s homily encouraged all the people who, in turn, were amazed at the number of different ethnic groups represented: Indians, Sri Lankans, Africans, Filipinos and more. It was such a meaningful way to begin the New Year.
At Mulgoa, the scene was a little different, beginning with Holy Mass in the Family Hall at 11pm, celebrated by Fr. Pawell OP. Fr. Pawell encouraged the similar number of people as at Mount Richon, to give thanks for the many blessings of the past year as well as to look forward with hope to the New Year about to begin.
Shortly before midnight, everyone moved to the Shrine where the bell rang at midnight, and all joined in singing the Te Deum.
Fr. Pawell then prayed to God and the Blessed Mother expressing in words the thoughts in many hearts; thoughts of thanksgiving as well as for hope as we draw close to the culmination of the Jubilee Year of Hope. It was a wonderful scene outside and inside the Shrine as people wished each other all the best for the New Year.
What was amazing were the scenes at the Shrine during New Year’s Day. Close to 400 people attended the 11am Mass and following Mass and throughout most of the afternoon, pilgrims/visitors lined up to be able to spend a short time in prayer in the Shrine.
Everyone was patient, waiting their turn. It was such a display of love for the Blessed Mother and her care for all these people. They simply came in huge numbers to express their gratitude and to ask for blessings for the new year.
This display of the deep love and trust in the Blessed Mother and her Son was a special gift for the Sisters in this their Jubilee Year.
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