18 August 2022 · 2022-08 newsletter
“Holiness in the Family” was the theme for the Family Weekend held at Mount Schoenstatt 22-24 July. Below is a reflection from one of the couples who attended.
One of the things that primarily draws me to Schoenstatt is its everyday, practical and human approach to family life. Rather than preaching separate and meditative paths to holiness for mums, dads and children, it instead focuses on a path to holiness that we can travel together.
That sense of togetherness is what has always drawn us in. The striving we make is something we do with each other, and we become stronger from that sense of togetherness.
That’s not to say this is always the perfect journey. Family life often tends towards a sense of chaos, and while chaos is hardly our aspiration, it is something we live with. Therefore, it was all the more special when the family branch gathered at Mount Schoenstatt on the last weekend in July. We spent a weekend in fellowship, learning and prayer. Our group was not just the established family group, which has been connected since 2016. It also included some new families embarking on that same journey today. Like many face-to-face gatherings, it is more precious now after the desert of those seemingly endless Zoom meetings over the past two years.
We were assisted by the wonderful and much-appreciated dedication of our volunteers – Miguel, Kat, Theresa, Ella and Daniella. As they looked after the children, Sister M. Elizabeth worked with us parents on equally serious matters in faith and life. It’s perhaps one of those most remarkable blessings to learn like that, as both new and established family groups. As parents, how often have we wanted to study our Schoenstatt readers, only to be interrupted by one thing or another?
As I reflect on the weekend, it is not just about thinking of what we do but also what we don’t do. The Schoenstatt pedagogy does not criticize our failures but instead encourages our graces. To consider, to learn and then to strive. Topping it off were some crafting sessions where we discovered new things to do with tissue, glue, balloons and the flowers the sisters had painstakingly dried for us.
We made lanterns for our home shrines. And, of course, for everyone, family games and a sing-song in the conference room at night.
To those who live in metropolitan areas, much appreciated is the silence we felt in Mulgoa, especially after dark. Yes, it is a place of grace, and grace is all around if only you go and let it flow through you. That is the feeling I hold onto the most because, amidst the noise of the family chaos mentioned earlier, it is not always easy to hear and respond to the other things that are perhaps equally important. Those quiet things may not necessarily speak as loudly, but they are still valuable. For this reason, a chance to learn, pray and dwell at Mount Schoenstatt remains unforgettable, no matter how many times you go.
Paul and Ramani Regis
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