AUSTRALIA, Shirley Hall. Under a star filled sky, Australia was the first country in the world to welcome the arrival of Schoenstatt’s second century on October 18, 2014. Weekend events planned for Saturday 18 and Sunday 19, echoed St Paul’s words found in Colossians 3:15 ALWAYS BE THANKFUL.
Branches of the Schoenstatt Movement Celebrated Together
Movement members of the various branches gathered together to celebrate the Eucharist on the great day of the centenary. At the offertory procession, a representative from each branch brought a symbol of the groups’ striving, placing it at the foot of the altar.
Significant Happenings Remembered
At the evening meal, meaningful memories from the past were recalled and savoured. Four speakers captured the attention of all, as they retraced the development of the Movement here in Sydney, and mentioned what could become future goals, before all stood to toast the arrival of Schoenstatt’s second century.
Pilgrims Celebrated on Sunday 19 October
Hundreds of pilgrims were greeted by a large MTA picture on their arrival. No matter where one was, the picture behind the altar was visible. Half an hour before the celebration of the Eucharist, six young people presented a meaningful reflection, focusing on what it means to dedicate one’s eyes, ears, mouth and heart to our Mother Thrice Admirable.
An amazing stillness that lasted almost nine minutes seemed to descend on the crowd gathered in front of the Shrine. At 10.30am, the choir began the opening hymn. Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Apostolic Delegate of Australia, was the main celebrant. Having previously ministered in Burundi, the Archbishop mentioned his time there, having experienced the Shrine as a place of prayer, hope and reconciliation in times of danger and tension.
The petitions in the Prayers of the Faithful mirrored the needs and the variety of languages spoken by those present, showing that our Mother Thrice Admirable has indeed drawn people from a variety of national backgrounds to her Shrine in Mulgoa.
A Multicultural Celebration
Songs and dances presented in the afternoon included items originally from Spain, India, Germany, Philippines and Bangladesh. In both song and dance, all were united in praise and thanksgiving to God, for the gift of Schoenstatt one hundred years ago.
Mother Thrice Admirable, We Trust You!
Bringing the celebrations to a close, each family had the opportunity to write a request before attaching it to a balloon and sending it heavenwards.
Thank you for placing our report on line. The Jubilee was a wonderful for all of us. The report was sent to Schoenstatt.org by Shirley Hall for which we are grateful, but it was written by Sr M Helen Ockerby. It was a combined effort.