By Philomena Theseira
The annual Schoenstatt May Pilgrimage took place at the Schoenstatt Shrine at Mt Richon, Sunday May 7, 2023 to honour the Virgin Mary.
Despite the cold windy weather, some 135 people gathered at the Shrine with Deacon Errol Lobo from Armadale Parish, Hilbert leading the Rosary procession.
Two young girls processed after the Deacon, scattering flower petals in front of the image of Our Mother Thrice Admirable as she was carried around the rosary path.
All the pilgrims followed reciting the rosary and singing Ave Maria between each decade.
Pilgrims then listened to reflections by Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis and Schoenstatt founder Fr Joseph Kentenich on the theme “Blessed Are You Who Believed.” (Lk 1:45).
New Pilgrim Mother Co-ordinators Pat Halligan and Philomena Theseira were then Commissioned by Deacon Errol, together with the re-commissioning of all other co-ordinators in attendance.
Images of the Virgin Mary were also blessed to be distributed.
The service concluded with Benediction and was followed by afternoon tea and fellowship at Emilie House.
The Schoenstatt Movement was founded in 1914 by Fr Joseph Kentenich and a group of young Seminarians when they made a commitment to the Virgin Mary at the original Schoenstatt Shrine in Vallendar, Germany.
The Movement has since grown worldwide with more than 200 replica Shrines around the world.
For more information about Schoenstatt visit www.schoenstattwa.org.au or contact the Sisters at the Schoenstatt Centre on 08 9399 2349.