17 June 2021 · 2021-06 newsletter
The calendar of our spiritual activities for the year in Melbourne is, as in other states, quite jammed packed, what with a Retreat in February, followed by an event in honour of Our Lady in May, the May pilgrimage to Mulgoa, our annual nine week Novena from June to August leading up to our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, our annual dinner dance in September, Foundation Day and our Christmas celebration in December. From this it is evident that our community comes together regularly throughout the year.
All the above ended abruptly in 2020 with the Coronavirus pandemic and the corresponding restrictions imposed, which meant at least three lockdowns in Melbourne. The community was beginning to feel the isolation despite various Zoom meetings and connectedness in this form.
When we commenced discussion about how we would commemorate the anniversary of the blessing of the Kew Shrine, to my surprise, the view by the people was unanimous that we should get together around the shrine, considering what the restrictions allowed us to do. We were aware that only 11 people could be in the Shrine at any one time. People were prepared to have an outdoor celebration which allowed for more people. At this early stage it meant braving the unpredictability of the Melbourne weather and organising an outdoor Mass. In the words of one of our members, “Even if it rains, we can make the sacrifice.” Another, “Our Lady will take care as she always does.”
We sent out the invitation and asked for a response of who would be attending. Normally we would get close to 100 people attending. At this time around 30 people responded. When our proposal was put to the Pallottine community, we found that we were able to have up to 35 people in the Pallotti House. It was all coming together, and we therefore had a mass concelebrated by Father Pat Jackson and Fr Joe Butscher. This was preceded by the Rosary, and after Mass we celebrated around the Shrine with flower (roses) and candle offerings to Our Lady, representing our contributions to the Capital of Grace over the long period of isolation.
The joy that was felt by all, including the Pallottines in having us there was undeniable. It became clear that our Schoenstatt community thrives on Community Spirit and togetherness, where we feel strength in our common mission for Our Lady, guided by Our Founder, Fr. Kentenich, and from our spiritual home in the Shrine.
At the time of writing, we are again in lockdown. Our prayer is for an end to the Coronavirus pandemic, so that we may be able to reach out to the community once again and join in unity around our Blessed Mother in the Shrine, from where we gather our strength and courage to face life’s journey.
Karin Southgate
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