AUSTRALIA, Sr. M. Rebecca Sampang. At 3.00pm, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, young mothers Antoinette Donegan and Kattie Watteau made their Covenant of Love with our Mother Thrice Admirable in the Shrine at Mt Richon, a few days before Schoenstatt’s centenary celebrations.
Ida Stokes from the Family Branch had prepared the two mothers in the weeks leading up to them making their Covenant of Love. Ida remembers the time spent preparing Antoinette and Katie ‘as a very uplifting time. In our group discussions we exchanged life experiences and I learnt so much from both of them. Antoinette even had her three children – Taliah 10 years; Isabella 8 years and Bailey 5 years involved in bringing contributions to the capital of grace nine days before her Covenant of Love. It was wonderful that she got her family to participate too.’
Fr Ken Asaba, from St Bridgid’s parish, Midland was happy to officiate in the ceremony. It was a real family celebration, with Antoinette inviting her parents and extended family to be present. Katie and Antoinette prayed their consecration prayers in front of their Home Shrine pictures and Covenant candles.
“A life changing moment”
Antoinette was deeply moved as she prayed her prayer aloud. The Covenant of Love seemed like a ‘coming home’ and a time to be embraced by the Blessed Mother. ‘Making the Covenant of Love with our most Blessed Mother was truly a life changing moment. I have never felt so close to Mary and Her son Jesus. And it was beautiful to have shared it with my family and friends. It has given me the peace and strength I need to continue to give my yes to God, and all that He wills in my life, as a wife and mother. How blessed I feel to be called to the Shrine and the Shoenstatt way of life.’
As Katie prayed her prayer aloud, both her young daughters, 5 year old Taylah and 2 year old Holly were huddled close to her. Through the Covenant of Love Katie entrusted her innermost desires especially her family and husband to the Blessed Mother. ‘The Schoenstatt Covenant of Love has changed my life in a very real and practical way. I can actually feel a change within myself! I never feel alone on the journey anymore, and I know this is just the beginning! I can’t thank our Blessed Mother enough! I have never felt such peace and joy and unconditional love. Isn’t Schoenstatt amazing!!’
“Happy to be here”
Antoinette’s brother in law Nick Dabbs and his 11 year old daughter Anna both played the guitar as we sang hymns during a time of Eucharistic Adoration. For the final song the children had learnt some actions, so they sang with gusto! With so many children present, it was a truly joyful atmosphere.
At the end of the celebration everyone enjoyed an afternoon tea, including a heart shaped cake made especially for the occasion by Mandy Bowen. There were cup cakes for the children. Katie said: ‘My family couldn’t come but by the end of it all I felt like I was part of the family. Schoenstatt people seem very thoughtful.’ Ida recalls: ‘It almost felt like how Stephen and I started in Schoenstatt with our young family. Stephen is a man of few words but the fact that he was happy to take time off work today showed me he was happy to be here.’
