28 October 2025 · 2025-10 newsletter
From 12–14 September, the Schoenstatt Movement National Conference brought together sisters and lay members from across Australia, both in person and via Zoom, for an enriching weekend. At the close of each session, participants engaged in group discussions—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and share insights drawn from the presentations. These moments of dialogue fostered deeper understanding and spiritual connection. In the spirit of Schoenstatt, the conversations became a living echo of the day’s themes, enriching our collective journey and strengthening our commitment to walk together as Pilgrims of Hope.
Fr. Pawel, OP, celebrated Holy Mass on two of the days, offering a profound homily on the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, reminding us of the grace and comfort found in Mary’s name. It was a deeply fitting homily, perfectly attuned to the spirit of the moment as we reflected on the forthcoming naming of our National Shrine. Shirley Hall, our dedicated facilitator and a member since 1966, was honoured for six decades of unwavering service to the movement in New South Wales.
Sr. Elizabeth opened the conference with the theme United in the Covenant – Pilgrims of Hope, guiding us through the Jubilee Year and preparing us for significant anniversaries in 2026: the centenary of the international Sisters’ Community, 75 years since the first sisters arrived in Australia, and the diamond jubilee of Schoenstatt in New South Wales. She highlighted providential parallels between Father Kentenich’s journey to Dachau and the sisters’ voyage to Australia, affirming their mission: to be united with Father for his Schoenstatt mission. The four cornerstones of Schoenstatt’s spirituality—firm belief in Divine Providence, deep love for Mary, the inscriptio spirit, and mission consciousness—were powerfully reaffirmed. Plans to name the National Shrine at Mulgoa were discussed, echoing the 1995 crowning of our MTA as Consors Patris—Helpmate of the Father.
Day two began with Holy Mass in the House Chapel, celebrated by Father Andrew OP, whose homily illuminated the Gospel with heartfelt insight.
Sr. Elizabeth led a compelling session on Our Australian Mission, sharing three pivotal messages from Father Kentenich: his words to the Pallottine priests during exile for the blessing of the first Shrine in Australia, the Shrine at Kew in Melbourne, his response to Sr. Aloise—“from Heaven”—regarding a visit to Australia, and his written blessing for the blessing of the National Shrine, declaring that the MTA has made her home there “to educate the people and leaders of Australia and to enable them to carry out the post-conciliar mission of the Church in their own continent as perfectly as possible.”
Terry Huxtable and Ida Stokes’ session, The Historical Aspects of Our Past, explored the evolving mottos of the Australian Schoenstatt Family, revealing a spiritual continuity rooted in the Covenant of Love, Our Lady in the Shrine, and Father Kentenich—Schoenstatt’s core contact points.
Participants were challenged to live and remain loyal to the covenant, with the shrine likened to a spiritual charging station in today’s world: “Nothing without you, nothing without us.”
Through group reflection, we identified the qualities and gifts needed to grow the movement and become more equipped to carry Father’s vision for the Church into the future.
Building on this momentum, Fr. Pawel, OP delivered a stirring session that invited us to embrace our identity as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year. Drawing from Spes Non Confundit, Pope Francis’ official proclamation, he reminded us that “Hope does not disappoint,” and laid out its spiritual roadmap: pilgrimage, mercy, confession, love, justice, and care for creation. Through rich reflections and inspired commentary, Father urged us to root ourselves in Christ’s love, seek reconciliation, and make life choices shaped by hope. We were called to become radiant witnesses—walking with others, discerning God’s presence, and renewing our commitment to a lifelong pilgrimage of faith, mercy, and joyful solidarity.
Michelle Davis brought day two’s sessions to a powerful close with her presentation, United in the Covenant of Love – How This Brings Us Hope, seamlessly building on the themes of mercy and pilgrimage. She invited us to rediscover hope not as a fleeting emotion, but as a divine gift infused by the Holy Spirit—an anchor in turbulent times. With heartfelt conviction, Michelle urged us to be a radiant beacon of mercy, reconciliation, and solidarity in a world often shadowed by despair.
She urged us to embrace the spiritual richness of our Covenant of Love and the Jubilee Year of Hope, not only through physical pilgrimages but by journeying inward—entering the Holy Doors of our own hearts and making grace-filled choices that renew and transform.
Following a serene time of Adoration at the Shrine, the evening unfolded with warmth and joy as Sr. Rita hosted a lively trivia night, delving into the rich history of Schoenstatt and of the saints. The room buzzed with laughter, friendly competition, and learning.
Sunday morning began with prayer at the Shrine, setting a reverent tone for Sr. Elizabeth’s final session, Consors Patris and Our National Shrine. With depth and clarity, Sister revisited the 1995 recrowning of the MTA as Consors Patris—Helpmate of the Father—and traced its profound connection to our Australian Mission. As we mark 75 years since the sisters first arrived in Australia, she invited us to consider whether naming the Shrine would be a fitting act of thanksgiving for the countless graces received. More than a title, Consors Patris was presented as a living challenge: to embody our mission daily, united in the heart of the Father, serving the Church through our contributions to the Capital of Grace.
In this way, Sister reminded us, we become true helpmates of the Father—striving always to “do what pleases the Father most.”
Bernard Toutounji conducted the final session, Call to Action – Living the Mission, urging us to be pilgrims of hope—just as Mary is our hope, we are her hope for the Church. We were invited to reflect on our role in the National Mission and to start or renew practices that help us grow spiritually. Participants considered personal ideals and paths of self-education, reassessed their time, talent, and treasure, and discerned who they might invite to the Shrine. In a symbolic gesture of commitment, we placed written offerings into a jar—pledges of our contributions to the Capital of Grace.
The conference drew to a reverent close with the celebration of Holy Mass in the Shrine. After Mass, we gathered in the Father Room—a sacred space of memory and mission—where hearts united in gratitude for Father Kentenich’s enduring guidance and blessings over the years. As we prepared to return to our daily lives, we did so renewed in spirit and purpose: United in the Covenant, Pilgrims of Hope, Helpmates of the Father—committed to living the mission entirely, devotedly, and without reserve, bringing joy to the Father through every act of love and service.
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