WHAT IS SCHOENSTATT?

Schoenstatt is a Catholic movement of renewal, a place of grace and a unique spirituality within the Church. As a movement of renewal: Schoenstatt strives to renew the Church and society in the spirit of the Gospel. It seeks to reconnect faith with daily life, especially through a deep love of Mary, the Mother of God. As an international movement, Schoenstatt is present on all five continents and has members from all walks of life. As a place of grace: the Schoenstatt Shrine is the movement’s spiritual home & center of life. The Shrine(s) are dedicated to Mary, under the title of :The Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen & Victress of Schoenstatt. In addition to the Original Shrine in Germany, there are now over 200 replica shrines around the world where people gather for prayer, renewal and inspiration. As a unique spirituality in the Church, Schoenstatt has contributed to the growth of holiness, of men & women since 1914. It’s characteristic features have proven especially fitting for living the faith in our modern times. As a covenant spirituality, it fosters a personal relationship with God, Mary and fellow man.

The founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich [Pallotine Priest], lived by practical faith in Divine Providence. He listened carefully to God’s voice in the events of the times, even in the smallest details of life. This is how he came to recognize God’s plan. On Oct. 18th, 1914, Fr Kentenich, with young seminarians under his direction, entered into a covenant of love with Mary, Mother Thrice Admirable. This event took place in a small chapel located on the Pallotine grounds in Schoenstatt Germany. This humble and providential act was the beginning of what is now known as the Schoenstatt Movement.

It is organized by level of commitment: the Pilgrims level, the Apostolic League, the Federation and six Secular Institutes. The Pilgrims are not officially requested to commit to any specific apostolate. An example of a Pilgrim initiative is the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign. That is when a small traveling Pilgrim image of The Mother Thrice Admirable is brought to many people. It is an apostolic arm, extended to all people, be it the sick, elderly or infirm as well.

Our Local Schoenstatt Movement

Our local Schoenstatt Movement formed in 1973 with initially three women. A woman, involved in Schoenstatt moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the early 1970’s to West Springfield. She made contact with a Westfield woman and parishioner of O.L.B.S. , as well as a woman from Holy Trinity parish. The three gathered for prayer and learning about Schoenstatt for many months. The word spread and members grew in number and holy expectation. By 1983 the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary sent a Schoenstatt Sister [ Sr M. Barbara Ebbe] to Westfield to direct the new life and lay members. Sister was introduced to the then Pastor of O.L.B.S., Fr Kroyak. Fr Kroyak, in turn after a period of introduction and prayer, offered the position of Pastoral Minister to Sr. Barbara in 1984. She remained the movement director for 20 years. Presently the local movement has both English and Spanish members. These members function in two categories: the Pilgrims level and the Apostolic League. This Pilgrim initiative includes the work of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign. It functions locally within the movement , as well as private growth groups of spirituality within the Apostolic League.

The local movement operates out of the movement house, located in Westfield.

The death of the founder occurred Sept.15th, 1968 …the cause of beatification of Fr Joseph Kentenich is open and progressing in Rome.