23 September 2022 · 2022-09 newsletter
This gathering comprised members of the Mothers’ and Single Women’s Groups. The topic was: “Security in a Challenging World – A Schoenstatt Perspective” and it was the first time for a couple of years since we had been able to gather for a Formation Weekend to learn more about Fr Kentenich, his spirituality and Schoenstatt.
Although there were some of us who have been with Schoenstatt for a number of years, there were also new members of the Mothers’ Groups. It was great to be able to talk, discuss our experience of Schoenstatt and generally meet and greet each other.
Naturally we commenced the weekend with prayer in the Shrine on Friday evening. The theme focussed on Father Kentenich and some of his experiences of trust and faith in a loving God.
On Saturday, Sr. Elizabeth began proceedings with a talk on Security in a challenging world – Pendulum Security. This led us to realise that there is both insecurity and security in our world and life swings like a pendulum. Although this pendulum is not secured at the bottom, it is held in the firm grasp of our Heavenly Father at the top. No matter which way the pendulum swings, it is always steady at the top and returns to the centre.
Fr Kentenich knew security and insecurity throughout his life. He placed his trust in his Heavenly Father and Mary, his Mother. Through sealing the Covenant of Love with Mary, he had childlike trust and sovereign calm in his life.
Following this input, Shirley gave a talk on Finding God in my Life. Using Sister Emilie as an example of someone who found God throughout her life in her trials and tribulations and good times, we were asked: Where is the place/s we find God? It could be in the rainbow, flowers in the field, in another person, the difficulties we experience. Do we recognise this meeting with God when it occurs?
In the afternoon six of our members presented a short talk (and I mean short! They were timed by Sr. Elizabeth to the minute!!!!) on How does Schoenstatt’s Spirituality help us to gain unshakeable trust.
Saturday evening was a time of fun, laughter and song. A number of activities were organised, in which we used our brains, laughed much and enjoyed the company of everyone. I don’t think any of us had laughed so much for quite a long time!
Sunday was a time of reflection on Father Kentenich. For those new to Schoenstatt, it introduced them to our founder, and I think even those of us who have been in Schoenstatt for a while learnt something.
The comments following reflect what the weekend meant to those present. It was a time of learning, spiritual growth and the forming of friendships.
Therese Fuller
- My favourite session was the first one on Pendulum Security, which is a simple but profound perspective on life’s challenges and our positive response to such challenges. It corresponds with our dependence on Divine Providence and surrender to God’s will. It is another way of knowing that we’ll not be given a cross we cannot bear / carry. This concept is particularly relevant in our current situation, following two years of COVID, this year’s Ukraine War, inflation, weather changes etc…
- I enjoyed knowing more about various aspects of Schoenstatt’s spirituality from the six members who shared their own understanding and experiences about their respective aspect.
- This Weekend has provided me food for thoughts & fuel for actions. Well done! Grace
- This was the first time that I attended a full week-end at Schoenstatt. I felt welcomed, relieved and comfortable the moment Shirley knocked on my door and invited me to join the others in the common / tea room.
- The programme on Saturday was most informative. I now realise that the Covenant of Love is just the basis on the path to holiness. Learning the different aspects of spirituality helped me gain so much insight how to be a better Christian. Now, I’m trying to put what I’ve learnt into action.
- Saturday’s relaxation night was most enjoyable and fun. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Thank you. Meda
- This was my first formation retreat and the experience was spiritually enlightening to me. Personally, I cannot find faults on the topics presented as they were very informative and helpful. Special thank you to Sr Elizabeth for the hard work she did to ensure that the weekend went well. I was also delighted and felt comfortable with the group of ladies as everyone was friendly and easy to get along with. Olga
- The most fulfilling weekend spiritually and naturally in a long time. Angela
- My personal relationship with God became stronger and taught me to be childlike in all my needs. Through this retreat God taught me how to pray to attain sanctity of holiness. Very worth my while in time and effort.
- A most fruitful weekend. Grew spiritually – my insecurity turns secured.
- I think it was a wonderful grace-filled weekend. Hope we can have lots more.
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