Always open to all cultures and ethnicities

Philippine Day in the shrine of Mulgoa, New South Wales, Australia

Sacerdote acompañante al comienzo de la celebración One of the priests accompanying the beginning of he celebration Ein Priester begleitet den Beginn der Feier
Peregrinos con la ”Peregrina” de Schoenstatt Pilgrims with the “Pilgrim MTA” Pilger mit der Pilgernden Gottesmutter
Asamblea eucarística Eucharistic community Eucharistische Gemeinschaft
Altar Altar Altar
Peregrinos felices Happy pilgrims Glückliche Pilger Fotos: Aravena © 2006

AUSTRALIA, P. Marcelo Aravena. Last Sunday, October 29^th, the Shrine of Mulgoa had a very special visit. More than 250 Philippine pilgrims and people of Philippine descent made the annual pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Schoenstatt just as they have always done on the last Sunday of October.

This activity has been taking place for more than seven years, in which Philippine brothers and sisters from several areas close to Mulgoa come to venerate Mary.

The coordinators of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign and the people who belong to Schoenstatt groups are totally involved in this activity; they value the pastoral principle that a Schoenstatt Shrine is always open to all cultures and ethnicities that seek God and Mary. For example, the first Sunday of November is pilgrimage day for the Tamil.

The Mother of the Covenant

The meeting began close to the statue of the Founder Father Joseph Kentenich situated next to the Shrine, then the rosary was prayed in procession through the large grounds of Mulgoa, which ended with the Eucharistic celebration, much enthusiasm and lively songs.

As usual, a healthy piety is united to life. After the Mass the pilgrims gathered again to "celebrate" lunch.

In conclusion the pilgrimage day was beautiful. The people left Mulgoa and returned to their places of origin with the confidence that Mary, the Mother of the Covenant, will intercede for them in all the circumstances of their lives.

Translation: Celina M Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA