16 October 2020 · 2020-10 newsletter
14.12.1944 – 24.09.2020
The Pilgrim Mother Apostolate in Australia owes its existence to Visnja and Fred Turner. As the heavenly Father has called Visnja to himself, it is fitting that we share the beginnings and dedicated work of Visnja and Fred over the past 35 years.
On 21 September 1985, Visnja and her son, Rick, were in Rome as part of the pilgrimage of Australians to Schoenstatt and Rome for the celebration of the 100th birthday of Fr. Kentenich. Visnja was approached by representatives of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate from Argentina, asking if she would be willing to spread the Apostolate. Together with her son and Fr. Denis Foley the first Pilgrim Mother Shrine was sent out to Australia.
Returning to Australia Visnja shared the great vision for the Apostolate with her husband, Fred, and together they encouraged many to take responsibility for a Pilgrim Mother Shrine and to form circles of people who were willing to welcome the Blessed Mother and her Son into their homes each month. They were able to experience how Our Lady, together with her Son, can help in the renewal of faith and life within families and thus the Church. The fruitfulness of their untiring efforts to spread this apostolate are testified to by the many Coordinators who regularly attend the Annual May Pilgrimage to renew their commitment.
As part of her dedicated work, Visnja was the instrument in sending the first Pilgrim Shrine to WA in 1986 and since then she has travelled to many parts of Sydney and also to Canberra and Melbourne to help support coordinators in their apostolate.
In 2010 we celebrated 25 years of the Apostolate in Australia with Visnja and Fred having selflessly spent their lives during these years for the growth of this means to help families grow in their faith and come closer to Our Lady and the Triune God. It was truly a celebration of joy and thanksgiving for the fruitfulness of Visnja and Fred’s dedicated love and service to the Apostolate.
Visnja continued her tireless efforts for the apostolate until a few years ago when her health deteriorated and Visnja’s contribution became contributions via the Capital of Grace. Fred was able to continue supporting the work until his health also made it impossible for him to be actively involved.
Visnja and Fred were also part of the Family Branch and served as leaders of the Branch for some time and generously supported couples and their families at formation days and group weekends. As Fr. Kentenich considered the Family Branch to be the “foundation and crown” of the Schoenstatt Movement, recognising the importance of families in faith formation and preparation for good vocations, whether to married, single, priesthood or religious life, we owe much to the work and commitment of Visnja and Fred for Schoenstatt as a whole.
Visnja passed away on 24th September after a long illness. We wish to thank her for her tireless dedication in helping to form more than 600 coordinators who each month take the Pilgrim Mother to between 5 and 10 families. We can only begin to imagine the graces which the Blessed Mother has been able to intercede for all the families visited by her and her Son each month.
May Visnja be rewarded for her selflessness and wonderful Schoenstatt spirit as she persevered in carrying out her promise from 1985. Thank you Visnja!! May you rest in peace in the company of Jesus and Mary whom you so selflessly served.
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