The Schoenstatt Family has good reason to believe that God’s providence has been operative in its history which developed from small beginnings and, at times, had to battle tremendous forces. In view of this faith-inspired conviction, the Schoenstatt Family does not consider itself merely the fruit of human planning an action, but as the work an instrument of Our Lady; ultimately, of the Blessed Trinity.
Therefore the Schoenstatt Family fosters the awareness of simply being an instrument that is totally dependent on God and God’s grace.
Conscientious alignment with God’s will in the light of faith in Divine Providence as well as a consistent instrumental availability to God and to God’s will, are intrinsic and fundamental features of Schoenstatt’s specific piety.
We are not going to develop here what the covenant of love with the Blessed Virgin is. We will say a word regarding mission consciousness. In the interior emptiness of many…..the boredom of some or the fatigue of others…..Schoenstatt proclaims as an essential part of its message, mission consciousness. In other words, this means that in this world no one is indispensable or merely is called to be a spectator. We all have a task to fulfill…..something to do…..in summary, we all have a mission. The Lord Himself sends us. We are therefore instruments in His all-powerful hands. In spite of all human limitations, we are full of confidence in the divine strength which works in us (…..”My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12,9)
Here lies our hope of reaching the final victory. We know by experience that life is a struggle. We know that many difficulties await us. Nevertheless, be believe in the words of the Lord: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16,33). We are inspired by the words Father Kentenich wrote to the Schoenstatt Family only days before his death: “With Mary, with hope and joy, confident in the victory, into the newest times.”
Sources: Fr. Engelbert Monnerjahn, Schoenstatt. An Introduction
Fr. Esteban Uriburu, Schoenstatt.
