20 August 2026 · 2026-08 newsletter
By: Agnes Aldana
What do we do amidst the cold winter season when the temperatures are between 8°C – 15°C. Yes, that was exactly how the weather was, possibly even a few degrees lower in Mulgoa, on Saturday 11th of July for the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate Reflection Day. However, after this cold start, it became a glorious sunny day, as a group of about 40 people accepted the invitation to attend the PMA Reflection Day, which was open for all people.
The day began with coffee, tea, biscuits and conversation as each one slowly made their way into the warm Family Hall at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. Sr. M. Rita, as the PMA Moderator for NSW, welcomed the attendees and theme of the day, as ‘Mary, our Mother and Queen’. In front of the altar, a large image of the Pilgrim Mother, known as the auxiliary (which is a replica of the first one carried by John Pozzobon) was set up. Beside that the participants were also invited to add their Pilgrim Mothers. In the middle a large rosary was formed with tea light candles in glasses. A jar with the contribution slips was also placed there. Sr. M. Rita reminded everyone that the first miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana was through the intercession of Mary and that this provides the foundations for our Contributions to the Capital of Grace, our gifts of love.
After a short opening prayer by Sr M Rita, Fr Pawel OP spoke about the Queenship of Mary throughout history and in the church. By reflecting on Mary’s life and sacrifices he explained how she is our Mother and Queen. Through her single yes at the hour of the Annunciation, she became the Mother of God. Through her faithfulness standing at the foot of the cross Jesus gave her to us to be our very own Mother and entrusted us and the whole Church into her care.
Fr Pawel mentioned in his talk that in the lives of kings from the Old Testament the right of Queen was given to the mother of the King. Mary’s queenship is rooted in Jesus, as she is the mother of the true King of Kings. She is our Queen by the power of grace. Again, in the Old Testament the Queen Mother had an important role as being a great intercessor and advocate for the people. Mary is our Queen Mother who intercedes for us and the whole Church and always advocates for us. The blessed Mother’s queenship is always directed towards Jesus. Mary’s dignity comes from her divine motherhood, from being a perfect humble disciple and cooperating in God’s plan of salvation.
Fr Pawel OP also mentioned some prayers honouring our Blessed Mother as Queen, one being ‘Salve Regina’ which has become a popular recessional hymn at Mass. Other references to Mary’s queenship include the Litany of Loreto and the Fifth Glorious Mystery, the ‘Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth’. Finally, our own Schoenstatt consecration prayer begins precisely with that title: ‘My Queen, my Mother’. These are only some of the inspiring thoughts given by Father Pawel OP in his talk.
After this powerful talk there was morning tea and then a period of quiet time for adoration. Simultaneously those seeking a renewal of their relationship with God had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Following this we celebrated Holy Mass together. In his homily Fr. Pawel OP reflected on the words of the angel to Mary at the hour of Annunciation, as well as Mary’s response and provided us with motivation and suggestions to how we too can say ‘Yes’ to God’s plan in our lives.
During lunch, there was a big surprise for everyone, with the cutting of a cake to celebrate an early ‘Au revoir’ for Sr. M. Rita as she prepares to go to Schoenstatt, Germany. She will leave at the end of September for further training and will be away for about six months.
In the afternoon, we prayed the holy Rosary together reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries. We formed a massive prayer circle around the large rosary formed by the glasses with tea light candles. As we prayed each decade, we included all our personal intentions, and one person ignited another tea light candle. Eventually the whole rosary was alight, and it was a very beautiful scene with a deep and prayerful atmosphere felt by all.
Following this, Sr M Rita spoke of the history of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate reflecting on how it all started with Venerable João Pozzobon in Brazil. She then went on to explain how the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate began here in Australia in 1985 through the dedication and love of Visnja Turner and Fr. Denis Foley.
On 20th May 2001 the large auxiliary image of the blessed Mother was crowned as “Mother and Queen of the Australian People.” This means that this year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this coronation. For this reason, Sr M. Rita took the coronation prayer from 2001 and went through it line by line. It truly is fascinating to see how relevant and applicable this crowning prayer is even in today’s situation.
We prayed the final devotion and prayer of thanksgiving to our Mother and Queen in the Shrine. It was a wonderful joy to see a new Pilgrim Mother being sent out from the Shrine at the end of this Reflection day. The day concluded fittingly with Benediction, and the singing of the hymn ‘Salve Regina’ – – – O loving O sweet Virgin Mary, our Mother and Queen!
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