19 March 2025 · 2025-03 newsletter
In preparation for the liturgical season of Lent, a women’s retreat was held at the Mount Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre, at Mulgoa, New South Wales.
The theme of “Prayer” was aptly chosen, as it is one of the 3 pillars to focus on during Lent. The other 2 pillars are fasting and alms giving. About 40 women from in and around Sydney attended the retreat that was held from the 21st to the 23rd of March.
The retreat was conducted by Sr. M. Elizabeth, along with women from the Single Women’s Group and Mothers’ Groups. Sr. Olivia graced us with her presence and insight at different times through the retreat.
Some of the women attending have had association with the Schoenstatt Movement for several decades and some were very new to the Schoenstatt spirituality. This allowed for interest and curiosity from some and beautiful sharing and welcoming from the others.
The Introduction was given by Sr. M. Elizabeth who gently guided the participants towards examining and building on their individual “Biography of Prayer”. Focus was drawn to the three attitudes that needed to be reflected on in prayer- persistence, patience and humility. Prayer and the importance of prayer was well facilitated throughout the retreat, through talks, panel discussions, community morning and night prayers, hymns, opportunity for confession, personal prayer, Holy Mass, Stations of the Cross, Adoration and the recitation of the Holy Rosary. The women who were new to the Schoenstatt spirituality learned some beautiful Schoenstatt Hymns, prayed the Schoenstatt prayers, learned about the Mother Thrice Admirable, about Father Kentenich and about the Covenant of Love.
Shirley Hall gave a talk titled “What is Prayer?” Her talk reflected what was expressed by Pope Francis in his General Audience on the 20th of May, 2020. The message was especially relevant in this Jubilee Year of Hope. “I would say that prayer opens the door to hope. There is hope, but I open the door with my prayer.”
Father Pawel, OP, who ministers to the Schoenstatt Family at Mulgoa spoke on the inspiring topic, “The Prayer of Jesus”. Explaining how and what Jesus prayed, to his Father, as His Son, True God and True Man in the Holy Spirit, we were reminded of the need to pray to the Father, through Jesus, in the Holy Spirit. When we make the Sign of the Cross, we are encouraged to pause for a moment to be in the presence of the Triune God whom we have invoked. Speaking on what, when and where to pray, Father Pawel encouraged the participants to pray for God’s will always and everywhere.
A panel sharing by Angela, Michelle, Carmel, Edna and Sister M. Elizabeth left the participants with valuable insights on morning prayer, meditation, prayers of petition, adoration and evening prayer.
Agnes Aldana ran a session titled, “Prayer in Community”. The importance and value of community prayer was summed up beautifully, with a reminder that “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Ann Panitz spoke on the Schoenstatt Daily Consecration Prayer, and this was a very valuable and eye-opening session to participants who are new to Schoenstatt. We were encouraged to offer ourselves and our “Yes” to God along with our Blessed Mother, remembering that we are treasure bearers and a reflection of God’s being, just as our Blessed Mother was.
Sr. M. Elizabeth concluded the retreat with an explanation of the Covenant of Love and gave guidance for times when we struggle to pray. The Covenant of Love with Mother Mary is an extension and an opportunity to live out our baptismal covenant with the Holy Trinity, just as our Blessed Mother did.
The retreat participants returned home spiritually renewed, and, with God’s blessing, the retreat will contribute to the Schoenstatt Family’s growth in both spirit and numbers.
Maria Corera
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