Sr. M. Nurit Stosiek. On September 8, 2010, the Sixth General Chapter of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary began in the motherhouse on Mount Schoenstatt. The chapter convenes every twelve years as the legislative assembly of the institute. The 57 chapter participants come from all continents and represent members in more than 30 countries.
The opening celebration on the feast of the Birth of Mary began in the Original Shrine, the founding place and center of the community as well as of the international Schoenstatt Family. From there the way led to the sisters’ “Family Shrine” on Mount Schoenstatt and to the Adoration Church with the resting place of the founder. There the chapter partici-pants asked for his special blessing for the coming weeks.
After a stop in the entry hall of the motherhouse with a crowning renewal, the procession came to an end in the chapter hall of the motherhouse, where the general chapter began in the evening. In the next weeks the chapter will vote for the family government in addition to other elections and discuss and make decisions on essential questions of the institute.
A great joy for the community is the presence of the father symbol that was given by our father and founder and that is currently traveling through the international Schoenstatt Family.
The Sisters Family thanks everyone who accompanies this important assembly with prayer.
Dear Sisters, the world needs you more than ever! Long ago you came to our countries from your homeland, left everything for the Schoenstatt mission. You brought us the faith of the Church, brought us your love for Our Lady, and brought us the wisdom and insight and fatherly love of Fr Kentenich. We need a new springtime of Schoenstatt missionary love in our countries. From your General Chapter, send out your sisters ever more into our villages and towns and cities, to bring all hearts to Jesus, through our beloved Thrice Admirable Mother and Queen! Thank you for your faithfulness to the Covenant of Love. Stay faithful amdist the storms of the world! Help us to stay faithful! Mater perfectam, semper perfectam, habebit curam, with you as her instruments and her apostles.