22 November 2021 · 2021-11 newsletter
Visitors to our National Shrine in Mulgoa are familiar with the Pilgrim Mother Shrine which stands close to the altar rails in the right-hand corner of the main body of the Shrine. This little Shrine has been part of the Shrine for more than 25 years.
On 21st October 1996, representatives of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate (PMA) coordinating teams in all States where the PMA was active (WA, VIC, NSW, QLD), crowned this PM Shrine and gave our Lady the title:
Queen and Heart of our Country
Members of the present PMA teams in the various States prepared for the Silver Jubilee of this crowning by praying a nine-week Novena. They wanted to thank our Blessed Mother for all graces received during these 25 years and to ask her to continue to bless all those whom she visits as the Pilgrim Mother Shrines travel from home to home each month
Because of the lockdown due to the Pandemic, our Jubilee Celebration took place mainly via Zoom. Only the four members of the WA Team could be physically present in the Shrine at Mt Richon. Five were physically present in the Shrine at Mulgoa and all other representatives joined the celebration via Zoom. We were blessed to have at least one representative from QLD, VIC and NSW who had been present 25 years ago.
We chose the actual day, 21st October 2021, to renew the crowning and were happy to be spiritually united around the country for this special Jubilee. Fr. Paweł Barszczewski OP led us in prayer in the Shrine in Mulgoa and the echoes were very positive concerning the prayerful atmosphere for those present via Zoom. We thanked our MTA, Queen and Heart of our Country, for the many blessings received during the past 25 years – our Blessed Mother has visited thousands of homes during these years, bringing her Son and the graces from the Shrine to all those who received her image with faith. We prayed for the coordinators and circle members as well as those suffering from the consequences of the Pandemic. Lastly, we prayed that the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate will continue to grow in Australia and provide a firm base for an increase in numbers for the Schoenstatt Movement. Visnja Turner, who brought the first Pilgrim Mother Shrine to Australia, was remembered for her tireless work in spreading this apostolate, together with her husband, Fred.
The WA PMA Team gathered at the Mt Richon Shrine at 5.30pm, just as the celebration in Mulgoa was coming to an end. Spiritually united with all the National Pilgrim Mother leaders they prayed the same crowning celebration, joyfully bringing their spiritual gifts to the Queen and Heart of our Country. Along with their gifts which they placed on the altar was the ‘future’ crown for a Pilgrim Mother Shrine in the Mt Richon Shrine.
Sr. M. Rebecca shared her experience in WA: “The atmosphere was special as we sensed the presence of our Queen, who filled our hearts with much joy. We remained in the Shrine to sing songs to honour Our Lady as Queen before gathering in the Meeting Room for a celebration dinner. Sitting down to a festively decorated table, we enjoyed a homemade meal, each member of the team bringing a scrumptious contribution. Before going home each one received a rose from the garden to bring back to our dear MTA in our Home Shrine or Pilgrim Shrine in memory of this special event.”
An extract from the crowning prayer may inspire our readers to join in trusting in the intercession of our Mother and Queen:
The privilege and task of a Queen has always been to care for the needs of her people and to strengthen them in their faith. Our time is in great need of a new evangelisation. Therefore, with confidence we ask you to help us as a national team to remain loyal to the spirit which inspired John Pozzobon to build up the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate. May we be the guarantee that this Apostolate continues to grow in Australia, thereby encouraging many people to respond in true freedom to your mission from the Shrine. May Fr. Kentenich come to us “from heaven” as he promised, to help us in this task.
Anyone interested in the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate is invited to contact movtoffice@schoenstatt.org.au for more information.
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