Four and a half hours through the Texas heat

Good Friday Pilgrimage of the Austin Schoenstatt University Men

At the front of the convoy, the Branch MTA, symbolic Unity Cross, and Schoenstatt Flag were proudly displayed throughout the pilgrimage. The journey pierced through the UT campus, many Austin neighborhoods, while crossing over Lake Austin and the Capital of Texas Highway, and ultimately finishing the mission on Addie Roy Rd, equating to approximately a 9 mile hike. The SUM enriched the capital of grace by collectively praying the Holy Rosary and the Way of the Cross of God’s Instruments from Heavenwards.

Along their journey, specific locations were assigned to each station of the cross, with a station medal buried at each location.

Starting about 3:45pm in the Texas heat, this long journey demanded about 4 and a half hours to complete, with the beautiful Texas sunset greeting the men towards the final stretch to Addie Roy.

These efforts were not only joyfully witnessed by our MTA but also by passing observers along the road who gave their YES through a simple thumbs up or sounding of their car horns.

Transforming Hearts with Mary

Their efforts of uniting in Christ’s passion with Mary on this special day of Lent proved to be very demanding but fruitful for the capital of grace. This proclamation of love and generosity to Christ and the Blessed Mother was finally accomplished as they gathered around the Wayside Shrine of our Blessed Mother, truly exhibiting their striving to live out their Branch ideal “Transforming Hearts with Mary.”