27 March 2026 · 2026-03 newsletter
This retreat with the theme, “Listening Heart”, was very special in that we had the most participants that have attended in a long time. There were 28 women attending for the whole weekend with another 20 who attended for Saturday only. Of these at least 12 were at Mount Schoenstatt for the first time, four being from Adelaide.
The atmosphere was uplifting with the women ready to mix, open to learn and exchange with each other.
The talks centred on the theme with different aspects. We heard about the importance of listening and how we should be listening; how Our Lady listened from the hour of the Annunciation till Calvary; our response to listening which can indicate in how far we are integrated or disintegrated personalities; listening as Fr. Kentenich did with his ear on the heart of God and his hand on the pulse of the time; and finally the transforming characteristics of a listening heart. Four of our Women’s Branch leaders gave inputs: Shirley Hall, Michelle Davis, Zenny Custodio and Angela Benson and Sr. M Isabell shared her wisdom with the theme: Listening Heart: Call and Response.
Fr. Gregory OP gave a very meaningful homily fitting to the theme and we were blessed to have three priests for Confession. Reflective Stations of the Cross and an hour of adoration during the afternoon were all part of the programme.
For the newcomers we were able to introduce the ‘Father Room’ which has been given a new location in the Pilgrims’ Centre
A relaxing evening on Saturday night, also connected with the theme, was not missing.
The weekend concluded with a summary on Sunday afternoon by Sr. M Elizabeth followed by a devotion in the Shrine, which Shirley prepared.
The following are three echoes from the weekend, which give some idea of how much the weekend was enjoyed.
Echoes from the “Listening Heart” Retreat.
Attending the Lenten retreat at the Mount Schoenstatt Shrine in Mulgoa with my mother was one of the most spiritually enriching experiences I have ever had.
From the moment we arrived, there was a deep sense of peace that seemed to settle into our hearts. The sacred stillness of the Shrine created the perfect space to truly encounter God in a personal and intimate way. The theme, “Listening Hearts,” was not just something we reflected on, it was something we lived throughout the day.
We were invited to slow down, to quiet the noise of daily life, and to listen — really listen — to what the Lord is whispering within. Throughout the retreat, I felt my heart soften. Layers of distraction, worry and busyness seemed to fall away. In their place came clarity, peace and a renewed desire to draw closer to God this Lenten season. There were moments of profound stillness where I felt seen, known and loved by Him in a way that is difficult to put into words.
Sharing this experience with my mother made it even more beautiful. To pray side by side, to reflect together, and to witness one another being spiritually nourished was a gift I will treasure forever.
I left the Shrine feeling spiritually refreshed, deeply enriched and gently transformed. The retreat awakened in me a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the quiet and strengthened my desire to carry a listening heart into everyday life.
This was more than a retreat; it was a sacred encounter. I am so grateful to Sister M. Elizabeth Foley and to the Mount Schoenstatt Shrine community for creating such a grace-filled space. I cannot recommend this Lenten retreat enough to anyone longing to deepen their faith and rediscover the beauty of listening to God with an open heart.
Francesca
“Our full weekend retreat was truly a grace-filled and enriching experience. There was so much to learn, reflect upon and bring into our daily lives. It gently reminded us how important it is to slow down, be still and truly listen – to God, to others and to what is happening within our heart, through the talks, prayer, silence, and sharing. My heart was touched. It helped me see how a listening heart opens the way for deeper faith, better understanding and a closer relationship with God. It was not just learning with the mind but transforming the heart.
This retreat has beautifully prepared us for the coming Lenten journey – inviting us to walk with greater awareness, humility, patience, compassion and love. I am so grateful for this opportunity, for the guidance I received, and many graces God poured out during the weekend. Truly a listening heart opens the door to spiritual growth with deeper union with God
With a thankful and Joyful heart,
Tessie Corpus”
“Unfortunately, I was only able to attend the Saturday of the retreat weekend. This day included Reconciliation, Mass, and the Way of the Cross. As well, Sr. M. Isabell shared with us her reflections on “call and response—listening with our heart. Sr. Isabell explained that our hearts should be ready to listen without being distracted. She spoke about the purpose of the sacraments, especially Baptism, which calls us to have not only a hearing heart but also a responding heart.
When our hearts are ready to listen, how we should respond was very well explained by Zenny Custodio in her talk on “listening to the pulse of the times.” Using examples from the latest sad incidents in our State (including the Bondi shootings), it reminded me how God teaches us even in our suffering, just as Jesus did while carrying His Cross in the saddest moment of His life, and how we are called to respond.
The examples of Mary’s journey, from the Annunciation to Calvary, presented by Michelle Davis in her reflection on: Mary’s Journey from Annunciation to Calvary”, delivered in a calm voice, reminded us that we have no excuse to live with a disintegrated personality.
It was a good spiritual day, enriched by Fr Gregory’s affirmation during his sermon of how we can be integrated and become a light and salt to others.
It was also lovely to be with Sr Elizabeth who had organised this day so well and to end it with the opportunity for us to celebrate her 50 years of commitment to Our Lady, our Queen and Mother of Schoenstatt (as 7th February was the 50th anniversary of Sister’s Reception into the community)
God Bless, Jessy Sebaratnam
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