AUSTRALIA, Sr. Helen Ockerby. On Pentecost Sunday, 2010, our Mother Thrice Admirable, was honoured by members of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate (internationally known as {cms_selflink page=”the-pilgrim-mother-campaign” text=”Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign”} or Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Campagin) at their annual gathering around the Shrine in Mulgoa, Australia. At the conclusion of holy Mass the many co-ordinators renewed their commitment to their Queen to continue in their chosen apostolate for another year.
The recently retired bishop of Parramatta, his Lordship Kevin Manning, the diocese to which Mulgoa belongs, remarked at the commencement of his homily that truly this celebration of the Eucharist today was a Pentecost event, to have so many people from so many nations united in their desire to go out and spread the Lord’s message.
Four altars prepared by four national groups
Before and after holy Mass, people were seen praying in the Shrine and at the Father Statue. For the mother of the youngest pilgrim, now four months old – the child’s second pilgrimage – it was gratitude that filled the hearts of her parents.
Bishop Manning gladly blessed children and families even when he was at a loss to understand the excited dialogue in Arabic, happening between family members as they managed to get all together for a photo.
The procession with the Blessed Sacrament and the picture of the Mother Thrice Admirable commenced in the valley at 2 p.m. For the sick and elderly there was the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick outside the Shrine, while the procession proceeded up the winding hill.
Four altars had been prepared by four national groups – Spanish, Chinese, Croatian and Indian. At each altar selected texts were read, highlighting what Schoenstatt’s founder, Father Joseph Kentenich had once said about the power of the Holy Spirit in Mary’s life and how this power is still available and continues in our time – in the life and actions of the committed Christian. Decades of the rosary were then prayed concluding with Benediction outside the Shrine and all praying for the great intention of Church unity.
For pilgrims from Melbourne, Victoria, who came in two buses – their return journey would take twelve hours, arriving back at 6 a.m. in the morning! Nothing without you, O Covenant Queen, nothing without us!
