18 March 2021 · 2021-03 newsletter
The Melbourne Schoenstatt family have been coming together to enjoy a weekend of Retreat in February, every year for the last 25 years or somewhere thereabouts. We have enjoyed wonderful programs delivered by both Sr. Elizabeth and Sr. Isabell, Fr Ivanhoe, Fr Marcello and Fr Prabhu. The retreat came in various forms, mostly where we hired a venue for the weekend, but over the last few years the Retreat was conducted over two days at Kew. This year was different, as the retreat was held via Zoom on Saturday, the 20th and Sunday, the 21st of February. The number of people attending was few, just 10, but the discussion was rich and fruitful.
Sister Elizabeth led the discussion with enthusiasm and passion as we explored the topic of the Domestic Church and the Home Shrine. We were honoured to be joined by our guest speaker on the Saturday, namely Sr. Isabell. It was wonderful for the people of Melbourne to see and hear Sr. Isabell again after such a long time and, as always, Sr. Isabell’s message was most riveting, and we gained so much from it.
Another highlight of our Retreat was our second guest speaker, Shirley Hall, who shared with us her personal story of living with her Home Shrine. Florida Nugara also shared with us her story of her life with her Home Shrine and it was clear to all just how personal and unique the experience is of each person who embarks on having a Home Shrine in their home. The stories were beautiful and encouraging, and a clear reflection of people taking their Schoenstatt spirituality very seriously and offering their contributions daily to the Capital of Grace. The fruitfulness of the Home Shrine was very clear as Shirley and Florida spoke of what it means to them respectively and their sharing of their personal symbols, reflecting their individual experiences living with their Home Shrines.
We made a study too of the ‘Home Song’ from Heavenwards, and how this prayer may be meditated upon during each week of Lent.
Sister Elizabeth shared her vast knowledge, particularly around the history of Schoenstatt in Australia and the relevance of the Kew Shrine being the first on Australian soil. Sister Elizabeth reminded us of the rich legacy of the Shrine at Kew and it was particularly pertinent to study and revisit the letter sent by Fr. Kentenich for the blessing of the Kew Shrine on 11/5/1952. The words of our Founder made a great impression on us as we reflected on the huge task Father has entrusted us with, in sharing in Our Lady’s work from Kew.
The use of Zoom to connect with each other and still be able to have our Retreat was very inspiring. The important messages were still able to be conveyed, and during this time of COVID restrictions, it was encouraging to know that we may still connect with each other albeit via technology. We thank Sr Elizabeth and all our guest speakers for giving us this opportunity, and for setting the tone and direction for our striving during this year, 2021.
Karin Southgate
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