16 May 2025 · 2025-05 newsletter
Shrine Time in April was definitely more special than during any other month!
Shrine Time is a Holy Hour for youth and young adults that takes place at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mulgoa every fourth Sunday of the month. The number of young people who attend fluctuate greatly from month to month and vary from about 10-25 people.
Each month a different priest is invited to be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the evening ends with Benediction. There are also several people/groups who assist with the musical accompaniment each month.
After Shrine Time the young people gather for fellowship and discussion in the Pilgrim Centre. Questions about the Schoenstatt spirituality, the blessed Mother and the Shrine often arise out of these discussions.
One of the regular guitarists who enjoys coming to Shrine Time is a young man who lives in Austral, about 30 minutes from the Shrine. He has an amazing voice and plays the guitar really well. Over time he has developed an real attachment to the Shrine and a deep devotion to our Mother Thrice Admirable. He was very inquisitive and interested in sealing the Covenant of Love with Mary and attended the information and follow up session that was offered in March.
After some prayer he soon decided to seal the Covenant of Love with Mary. Although quite nervous he made the decision to make this commitment during Shrine Time. He testified that he had received the first two graces from the Shrine, that of being at home and inner transformation. He now wanted to provide witness to the other young people and thus fulfil the third grace of apostolic fruitfulness.
The Covenant of Love celebration took place on Divine Mercy Sunday and Fr Pawel OP gladly accepted his consecration during Shrine Time. The evening was very beautiful and there was a particularly deep and prayerful atmosphere in the Shrine.
It was also a great joy that his mother, sister and a close friend could also be present to support him with their prayers. The celebration continued in the Pilgrim Centre, where the young man was able to express his gratefulness for coming in contact with Schoenstatt, the Shrine and the blessed Mother. This gratitude is probably something that we all can share!
Sr. M. Rita
Filed underNewsletter · Youth