In a serene and spiritual atmosphere on the evening of Sunday 27 October 2024, more than 70 faithful gathered for “A Rosary by Candlelight” at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mt Richon to honour the Virgin Mary.
The event, held outdoors as the sun set and candles illuminated the night, was a profound expression of faith and community.
Fr Grant Gorddard, Priest-in-Residence at Armadale Parish, joined the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary and members of the Schoenstatt Movement alongside families and friends from across Perth.
The evening featured participants taking turns leading the Rosary, an integral practice during October, the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary.
Attendees were greeted with a gift pack and invited to write personal petitions or intentions, which were shared during the service.
Each person placing a glowing candle on a large Rosary in front of the Shrine created a visual symbol of prayer and hope, then reading their intentions aloud and led the community in prayer, invoking the intercession and guidance of Our Mother Thrice Admirable.
Music added a rich layer to the experience, with musicians and families forming a song circle to sing between decades of the Rosary.
Reflective hymns accompanied meditations on the Mysteries of Faith, Hope, and Charity, while images of Our Lady and scripture verses were projected onto the Shrine for all to contemplate.
“To share our intentions and pray the Rosary in this way was a beautiful and spiritual experience,” participant Lina Woodbrook remarked. “The love for Mary and Jesus was tangible in the air,” she said.
The evening concluded with a blessing and the renewal of the Covenant of Love, a hallmark of the Schoenstatt Movement. Participants then enjoyed fellowship and supper, fostering deeper connections within the community.
Founded on 18 October 1914, by Father Joseph Kentenich and a group of seminarians in Vallendar, Germany, the Schoenstatt Movement is a Catholic lay initiative committed to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the example of Mary.
Today, the movement has a global presence with over 200 replica Shrines worldwide.
The Schoenstatt Shrine at Mt Richon remains a hub for spiritual renewal and community prayer. For more information about the Schoenstatt Movement, visit www.schoenstattwa.org.au or contact the Sisters at the Schoenstatt Centre on (08) 9399 2349.