More than 300 people gathered to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Blessing of the Schoenstatt Shrine at Mt Richon on Sunday, 27 November, at a Mass celebrated by Perth Auxiliary Bishop, Don Sproxton.
Father Denis Foley from the Schoenstatt Diocesan Priests Institute – who travelled from the Archdiocese of Sydney – and Armadale Parish Priest Fr Kaz Stuglik concelebrated, along with clergy members from the Archdiocese.
The celebration began with words of welcome from Sister M Elizabeth Foley, who acknowledged the presence of Schoenstatt Movement members from the dioceses of Sydney, Parramatta, Broken Bay and Bathurst, as well as Schoenstatt Sisters from Sydney, including the Provincial Superior Sr M Thomasine Treese.
Months prior to the jubilee, Schoenstatt Movement members had spiritually prepared their jubilee gifts under the theme ‘Build from here a world pleasing to the Father’.
As a Litany of Thanksgiving was read, the gifts of 25 roses, a large scroll containing the spiritual striving, four silver lilies to adorn the picture frame in the shrine and the covenant book were solemnly presented to the Blessed Mother.
The litany concluded with the recital of words from founder Fr Joseph Kentenich, originally written for the movement’s 25th anniversary in 1939.
“A review of the past 25 years gives us occasion to warmly repeat the words of the Psalmist, ‘I will praise the mercies of God for all eternity!’ (Ps 89:2).
“All the great and valuable things which we have received in this holy place over the years can be directly traced to our Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt.
“She is simply the gift which God in his wisdom, kindness and omnipotence gave to our family in a special way on 18 October 1914 and through our family in a new way to the world.”
In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Sproxton encouraged those present to “appreciate more and more the mission of this special place of grace, to understand our faith with our hearts and to share this gift with many people”.
At the close of the celebration, Mary Maclean from the Schoenstatt Mothers gave a personal testimony on the impact that Schoenstatt’s Covenant of Love had made in her life.
“I wish everyone here present would experience this same blessing and grace over the coming 25 years,” she said.
Refreshments followed the formalities and Bishop Sproxton remained to mingle with attendees.
Before his departure, Bishop Sproxton made a personal visit the shrine and wrote the following words in the guest book: “A beautiful place from which the Good News may radiate to the city of Perth”.
The Schoenstatt Shrine is an exact replica of the original Schoenstatt Shrine in Germany, where the Schoenstatt Movement began more than 100 years ago.