USA, Pilar Huerta. On August 21, 2011, a 50th Anniversary Celebration was held to commemorate the arrival of the Sisters of Mary in San Antonio. On August 21, 1961, four sisters from the Confidentia Province in Lamar, Texas arrived to teach at the St. Lawrence Parish Catholic School. Schoenstatt was introduced to the San Antonio community with the Sisters’ arrival.
50th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in San Antonio Cor Unum in Patre Shrine, Mount Schoenstatt, San Antonio, Texas, USA
They brought the words of Christ, “Behold your Mother,” and the precious gift of the Covenant of Love. The Sisters soon formed youth groups, then the mothers’ and couples’ groups in the parish. By 1969 the Shrine of Unity, built on parish grounds, was dedicated.
Although not a replica or daughter shrine, it was a beautiful chapel where our Mother Thrice Admirable erected her throne of grace and provided a ‘home’ for the young San Antonio Schoenstatt Family. The Sisters resided in San Antonio for twenty-seven years and served the archdiocese teaching in Catholic schools, religious education, and working in the medical field.
Fifty Faithful Years
Through dedicated service and working closely with the Schoenstatt Fathers, they established a strong foundation for the local Movement.
After their return to the community in Lamar in 1988, Sisters that work with the Movement continued to serve the San Antonio Schoenstatt Family.
With much gratitude and love, they celebrated the founding day of the San Antonio Schoenstatt Family with the Sisters of Mary who have been seed, light, and leaven for the Family for fifty years.
San Antonio Schoenstatt celebrates, recollects, and offers thanks
The day of celebration began with a luncheon with eight Sisters of Mary from Lamar as the honored guests. The Sisters’ sharing their memories of the early years of San Antonio Schoenstatt’s history was followed by personal testimonies from members of the San Antonio founding generation, including the youth founding generation. A power point presentation, Recollection of 50 years of History of the Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio, was shown. The images and text displayed a visual affirmation of the love and blessings the heavenly Father has bestowed on the Family and the beloved Mother and Queen’s victory. In gratitude and thanksgiving, devotion with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction was held in the Cor Unum in Patre Shrine. The special day of celebration came to a close with the giving of a gift to the Sisters of Mary in appreciation for their years of faithful service.
