20 June 2023 · 2023-06 newsletter
Sunday, 21st May 2023 — Empowered by the Spirit – be my Witnesses!
It was a lovely Autumn morning with the bright sun shining and the wind of the Holy Spirit to sustain us. Sr. Elizabeth Foley’s welcome was very inviting to the Pilgrims for the great celebration. The sound of Chris Wilson and his family’s music and singing was uplifting.
The Flag Procession with its vibrant colours represented the many countries of the world, it was a beautiful scene.
The Melbourne Schoenstatt Family travelled to Sydney to join the pilgrimage in honour of the Blessed Mother Thrice Admirable and was represented by many coordinators and members in their circles.
Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv. DD Bishop of Parramatta celebrated Holy Mass “Ascension of the Lord “, along with Rev. Terence Bell and Rev. Piotr (Peter) Kruk OP con-celebrating. Deacons Rev. Mr. Charles Abela, Rev. Mr. Willy Limjap along with Seminarians of the Seminary of the Holy Spirit served so professionally.
Delmi Carbello and Florida Nugara from Melbourne took up the Offertory gifts.
Bishop Vincent, in his homily, encouraged us to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations” as the apostles were commanded to do before Our Lord ascended into heaven. He continued: “…The Ascension … fortified the Church’s commitment to be the visible presence of Jesus. It launched the Christian movement as a force to be reckoned with in the world, a force not to dominate but to serve, not to rule but to transform from within. It made them realise that if the world had any chance of a new and better future, they would have to be the witnesses to Jesus, his ministry of healing, his outreach of compassion, his courage in standing with the outcast, his audacity in overcoming entrenched attitudes of exclusion and his work for justice.”
The Bishop urged us: “Let us resolve to be the continued presence of Jesus. Let us go out and make disciples of all nations, acting not like a crusaders’ army but like gentle leaven in the dough. … Our task during this time of cleansing and purification is to become what we are meant to be: salt for the earth and light for the world.” Finally, Bishop Vincent acknowledged that we were gathered at a Marian place of pilgrimage where our Blessed Mother wants to lead us to her son. She is the one who can help and guide us.
Before the end of Mass Bishop Vincent commissioned two new Coordinators and also re-commissioned the other coordinators. They were sent out with renewed strength and fervour, receiving a blessing, and being sprinkled with Holy Water.
In conclusion, Words of Thanks were shared by Shirley Hall and Bishop Vincent who then gave the Solemn Blessing.
In the afternoon, Fr Pawel Barszczewski OP carried the Monstrance in the Eucharistic/ Rosary procession from the valley. Men from Melbourne and Sydney came together to carry the canopy during the procession. There was a very prayerful atmosphere as we made our way from the Valley to the Shrine.
An alternative Program: Anointing of the sick was administered by Fr. Terry and Fr. Piotr (Peter) at the Shrine before the procession arrived. We concluded with Benediction and the blessing of religious objects.
I would like to thank Sr. Elizabeth and all the sisters at Mulgoa for the very kind and generous hospitality extended to the Melbourne Schoenstatt Family.
Yvonne Roche, Melbourne
The May Pilgrimage from the perspective of a Sydney Regional Coordinator.
Thank you, Blessed Mother, you did not disappoint us. It was such a glorious, beautiful, and wonderfully blessed day.
The pilgrims came together coming from all over Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, from all walks of life, young and old, to quench their spiritual thirst and longing to be with our Blessed Mother. It was a lovely expression of public witnesses of our faith and love of our Mother. It was thought that up to 1300 or more attended the celebration. I noted that many of the pilgrims were more in the younger age group with a group of school children/teens also joining. I felt the joy of seeing these children kneeling on the ground, showing reverence. It was also a joy to see the Coordinators reconnect with each other.
The highlight was the Mass with Bishop Vincent Long as the main celebrant followed by a Eucharistic Procession from the valley and the anointing/healing of the sick in front of the Shrine. Before Mass there was Reconciliation with many people talking advantage of this opportunity.
The food stalls were sufficient with an abundance of delicious food. The volunteers who had worked hard in preparing the stage, the grounds and the setting up of the food stalls were filled with joy when Bishop Vincent came to greet them and visited their food stalls before the start of the Mass.
The following are echoes from several who shared their experiences of the day:
“A wonderful experience after Covid”; “happy that we returned to the normal celebration – in front of the Shrine”. “Love it, it was a big plus”, “a good day”; “a joyful and successful day”; “the people were friendly and excited to be back”; “very good, organised nicely, everything went well”.
One spiritual experience we heard: “It seemed there was a presence of the Holy Spirit that came down on the celebrations so that they went smoothly, everything was in place, it felt like we were all one, in a unified way.” “The experience was inspiring and prayerful”; “An amazing and blessed experience”; “Most spiritual rewarding experience”. “It felt my pains had gone at that time of the celebration. Normally I get pains whilst sitting in one position.”
One person mentioned that it worked well having the Coordinators keep their Pilgrim Mother Shrines with them during the celebration and only bringing them forward for the re-commissioning. Another person said: “the pilgrimage is a reminder for me to reflect on the power of intercessory prayer that draws me closer to the Blessed Mother, that leads me into deeper union with Christ Jesus. My faith becomes stronger to reach out and offer help and support to the unfortunate families and communities that I serve.”
Finally, I share a reflection from someone who is suffering with cancer: “I am so grateful to witness this beautiful Marian celebration which drew me closer to the Blessed Mother and to Jesus”. She was guided by Mama Mary to be able to attend the pilgrimage the first time. She was brought to Mount Schoenstatt by a friend without knowing that the pilgrimage was taking place.
Edna Aldana.
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