At the Heart of Schoenstatt

General English-speaking pilgrimage to the Original Shrine in August 2008

La Hna Angela Macari está a cargo Sister Angela Macari is in charge Schwester Angela Macari ist für die Organisation zuständig Foto: Melissa Schmid © 2008
El centro de todo: el Santuario Original The heart of all: the Original Shrine Die Mitte des Ganzen ist das Urheiligtum Foto: POS Fischer © 2008

SCHOENSTATT, Melissa Ann Schmid. Last Valentine’s Day, February 14^th, many people received a special Valentine from the Original Shrine. This Valentine was an invitation from Sr. Angela Macari to all English-speaking pilgrims to come and experience the origins of the Schoenstatt Movement. The 1^st Annual English-Speaking Pilgrimage entitled "At the Heart of Schoenstatt" is scheduled for August 3^rd – 8^th, 2008 in Haus Marienau, Schoenstatt, Germany.

"We are united in the Shrine where the flames of our hearts beat for our Mother Thrice Admirable…" These beautiful words appear at the top of the pilgrimage invitation and outline the theme of the event: HEART:

• H ome – You are welcome here!
• E nrichment in Schoenstatt knowledge
• A ttachment to this place of grace
• R enewal of the Covenant of Love
• T rust and belief in our Mission

Mary is truly at work overseeing the success of this pilgrimage. She has already called Fr. Jerry Wooton from the Diocese of West Virginia, USA, to be the Pilgrimage Chaplain. Last week, he had simply called the English Office requesting information for upcoming summer events in Schoenstatt. After speaking with Sr. Angela Macari, he was greatly enthused about the August pilgrimage and signed up immediately.

Guided by the MTA

Throughout her planning efforts, Sr. Angela recalls Fr. Kentenich’s words, "Nothing happens by chance in life. Everything is guided by Divine Providence." And the graces flow from the Original Shrine. She thinks that Mary personally called her to organize this retreat in order to reach out to those people who have a desire to experience Schoenstatt’s origins and who speak English. "I want to give the English-speaking Schoenstatt members the opportunity to ‘come home’, to network, and to appreciate our unique Schoenstatt mission," states Sr. Angela and adding on that the English Office is available anytime to assist with accommodations, offer tours and information, and anything else the English speaker may need to feel welcome in Schoenstatt.

Hope to see you soon at the HEART of it all

The "At the Heart of Schoenstatt" English-speaking Pilgrimage will take place from August 3^rd – 8^th, 2008 (attention, date changed!)

• For specific information and registration, please contact the Schoenstatt International English Office via email: schoenstatt.international.eng@s-ms.org. An information flyer can also be viewed. Please note that the Registration Deadline is May 1^st, 2008.
• Flyer (pdf)