18 January 2021 · 2021-01 newsletter
On December 30th, a very faithful member of the NSW Mothers’ Branch was called home to eternity. Rita Tobin, 95 years of age, lived an active apostolic life till the end. Not only was she engaged in Schoenstatt, drawing strength from her Covenant of Love at the level of the Blank Cheque, but she was also highly involved in her parish, Holy Family, Mount Druitt. In early days she was active as a Catechist. Later, after her husband died, she took on further studies, gaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts at the age of 72, and then, while continuing to gain further knowledge through online courses, she became an inaugural member of the “Reconciliation” Group in the Parish. She continued to be active in this group over several years and was the Chairperson in the last 4 to 5 years. This involvement was significantly marked at her funeral by the presence of members of the group as well as Elders of the local Aboriginal Community, who granted her the privilege of a ‘smoking’ ceremony before the funeral procession left for the cemetery.
Representatives of the Mothers’ Branch were able to attend the funeral and together, standing close to the coffin, renewed the Covenant of Love with her. It had been such a joy that Rita was able to attend the 100 Year Celebration of Women in Schoenstatt at Mount Schoenstatt on 12 December, and so soon afterwards our heavenly Father had called her home. At the centennial celebration – very limited because of COVID – Rita gave the following testimony about her involvement in Schoenstatt.
“My Experience of Schoenstatt”
I came in contact with Schoenstatt when my family moved to Willmot in 1972. It was 1973 that I first became involved with the Mothers’ branch of the Schoenstatt Movement as a member of a specific group. This group was St. Monica’s and meetings were held at the home of Maureen and Kevin Williams in Willmot. My understanding of the role of Mary in the work of our redemption at that stage was limited to the meditations of the Rosary, the Birth of Jesus, the Crucifixion, the reading from the scriptures and various apparitions and manifestations of Mary through the lives of the saints.
After joining the group, through the information days and contact with Father Kentenich’s mission, my knowledge of the significance of Mary’s Fiat was deepened. The superficial knowledge I understood before was enough to develop a devotion to Mary as Mother of Jesus, Help of Christians, and Patroness of Australia. Schoenstatt took me into a much deeper understanding of the role of Mary in ways I could never have imagined without the ideals of Father Kentenich’s mission. Learning of his life and his teaching and trying to accept this teaching into my life and participating in the Mothers’ group activities was a turning point in my life, which previously was a bit superficial.
It is my hope to continue to live and grow more and more into that “Little Mary” as understood in the Schoenstatt way.
Rita Tobin, 12 – 12 – 20.
Our heavenly Father allowed Rita less than three more weeks to grow “more into the “little Mary” – He obviously knew she was ready to meet the “great Mary” in person. We will sadly miss Rita, as will all those with whom she was actively involved. She was a person who offered unconditional love to everyone, as testified in the Eulogy at the funeral. Let us pray for her and her family at this time of loss. May she rest in peace.
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