18 December 2025 · 2025-12 newsletter
The Pilgrim Mother annual reflection day was held at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa on Saturday 1st November 2025. This day was also an invitation to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the beginnings of the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Apostolate. The main theme of the day was gratitude for all the blessings and graces received from the blessed Mother through this now worldwide apostolate. It truly was a joyful and faith-filled day. Many of the Pilgrim Mother coordinators who were in attendance have been part of the initiative for several years but there were also many newer coordinators and members present to enjoy this beautiful gathering.
Firstly Sr. M. Rita gave a brief welcome and introduction to the day. This was then followed by a wonderful and inspiring talk about Mary given by Fr. Pawel OP. He mentioned that we can look to Mary as being the best disciple of Christ who always faithfully trusted in God’s promises. He highlighted the blessed Mother’s role in our lives and said that we should take Mary as our model and our educator. He emphasised that each one of us ought to be an example to others within our family and community and especially to the members of our Pilgrim Mother circles. Fr Pawel encouraged all those present to frequently and regularly turn to Mary in prayer reminding them that “no one who turns to Mary will be left unaided.” At the conclusion of the talk, there was a time for small discussion groups. Within these small groups the participants were able to discuss the content of the talk and make it more applicable by linking it to their own personal experiences.
After morning tea everyone was then invited for a time of silent adoration. During this time Fr Pawel made himself available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation which was very much appreciated and taken advantage of. We then celebrated Holy Mass together which was very beautiful. In the homily Fr Pawel again provided us with many beautiful inspirations and insights stressing that we are all called to become saints by imitating and surrender to God’s will particularly in difficult circumstances and to continue to trust even when all hope seems gone.
Part of a good celebration includes a delicious meal! So, it was only right and fitting that this celebration also did not lack this. Everyone was invited to bring a plate and this led to a delicious buffet that was filled with various dishes and cuisines. For dessert there was cake for everyone as Fr. Pawel cut his birthday cake and Sr. M. Rita cut the cake for the 75 years of the PMA.
Following this Sr. M. Rita then gave the second input for the day. She reflected upon the simple small beginnings of the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Apostolate. She mentioned that the initiative began with now Venerable Deacon John Pozzobon in Brazil in 1950 and now has grown to a worldwide apostolate connecting and transforming the lives of millions of people from all walks of life. Sr. M. Rita encouraged those present to reflect upon their own beginnings and personal encounters with the Pilgrim Mother and asked that some people share their testimonies and experiences.
Finally, the climax of the day was the procession to the Shrine followed by devotion and benediction. It is a great gift to be able to adore the Lord in the blessed Sacrament and to lay before him all that was discussed and taken in during this day. We brought our gratitude for all that the blessed Mother has achieved in us and throughout the world in the last 75 years. Together we asked her to continue to be fruitful bringing more people closer to her son Jesus. We also prayed especially for the intentions of all those who participate in the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate and for the beatification process of Venerable Pozzobon and Fr Joseph Kententich.
At the end of the day everyone was gifted with a glass tea light candle holder which was blessed by Fr. Pawel. The final act of the day was of course a group photo in front of the Shrine to mark and remember this very beautiful and blessed day.
This was truly a memorable and joyful day that had a wonderful mix of prayer, celebration, formation and exchange.
Zenny Custodio & Sr. M. Rita Baysari
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