Ash Wednesday: Archdiocese of Milwaukee Day of Reflection in the International Center Aschermittwoch: Frauentag der Erzdiözese Milwaukee im International Center

Holy Mass on Ash Wednesday - House Chapel Heilige Messe am Aschermittwoch - Hauskapelle Center

Children's program on Hispanic Day of Reflection Kinderprogramm beim Besinnungstag der spanisch-sprechenden Schönstattfamilie

Stations of the Cross on Hispanic Day, House Chapel Kreuzweg-Meditation in der Hauskapelle

The Guitar players ... Die Gitarrenspieler ...

Background work on Ash Wednesday Hintergrundarbeit an Aschermittwoch

Fotos: Sr. M. Teresa, Waukesha © 2001

(Sr. M. Teresa) The Schoenstatt International Center opens the door to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee – once again on February 28, 2001, Ash Wednesday, the Waukesha Council of Catholic Women organized a day of reflection at the Retreat Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin. In the first week of Lent, the Center was buzzing with several other activities – among them a Lenten Day for the Hispanic Schoenstatt Family and a Day of Reflection for Ladies.

Every year on Ash Wednesday the Archdiocese of Milwaukee organizes a day of reflection for Ladies. More than 200 ladies usually attend. This year their guest speaker was Alice Hetzenbeller. She spoke about Family and Family Values, a topic very well accepted and really needed for our times. The day started at 8 a.m. and finished after lunch. There were two conferences, followed by a Holy Mass with distribution of ashes and then lunch.

More Than 230 Person Joining on Hispanic Day of Reflection

On Sunday, March 4, 2001, more than 230 Hispanic pilgrims joined in the Center for a Day of Reflection for Lent for the Hispanic Schoenstatt Family. Sr. Maria from Puerto Rico was the organizer and the main speaker; Father Mueller from Milwaukee also gave a conference. It was a full day. The two conferences in the morning were followed by lunch, an opportunity for confession, Stations of the Cross, and Holy Mass in the house chapel of the Center. Father Mueller, Milwaukee, was the celebrant. More than 35 children kept some of the sisters and girls from different countries who are staying at the retreat center very busy!

Different Spiritual Programs Offered During Lent

The theme of a Ladies Day of Reflection on March 7, 2001, was "Lent - A Time to Change Our Hearts." It started with a presentation by Schoenstatt Father Hector Vega. There was also opportunity for confessions followed by Holy Mass. After lunch the Stations of the Cross were prayed, ending with a special benediction.

A Schoenstatt Sister explained: "We have opened our doors to many different groups and have offered many different spiritual programs, with the Shrine being the focus of our ministry."