Last Sunday, June 29, the 13th Portuguese Language Pilgrimage to the Original Shrine of Schoenstatt took place. The event brought together approximately 650 participants from various countries such as Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany itself. Organized in accordance with the charism of the Father and Founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, the pilgrimage was marked by a deep sense of family, communion, and renewed mission among the Portuguese-speaking communities of Europe.
The day began at 10:30 a.m. with Holy Mass celebrated in Portuguese. Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello presided over the celebration, with the participation of six other priests who accompanied the groups, heard confessions, and walked with the pilgrims. The Holy Mass was solemn and animated by the Dutch group “Servants of Love,” which made the atmosphere even more deeply felt.
Coronation of the Pilgrim Mother in the Jubilee Year
During this celebration, 26 people, including missionaries and families who receive the Pilgrim Mother, renewed their baptismal covenant in preparation for the Covenant of Love that was sealed at the end of the day in the Original Shrine.
The entire day was a celebration of covenant. Also, after a year of preparation, the missionaries crowned the pilgrim images as a jubilee gift for the 75th anniversary of the Apostolate of the Pilgrim Mother, an expression of gratitude and dedication for the many graces received through the presence of the Virgin Mary in homes and communities. It was a very deep moment in which Mary’s presence was felt very strongly. More than 100 images of the Pilgrim Mother were crowned.
Each country chose a name according to its reality and history with the Pilgrim Virgin:
Germany: Mother and Queen of Divine Light, Sanctify our Families!
Netherlands: Mother and Queen Educator, who guides us to the living Christ
Luxembourg: Victorious Queen of Families
Belgium: Mother and Queen, protector and consoler of immigrants
Days of intense heat, but also of great joy
Afterwards, the pilgrims enjoyed a community lunch at the Pilgrim House (Pilgerhaus), as they do every year. The very hot day demanded endurance from the participants, who faced the heat with a spirit of sacrifice and joy. After lunch, there was time for socializing, with music and group activities.
At 2:15 pm, a reflection on the history of the Pilgrim Mother and on the life of the now Venerable João Luiz Pozzobon highlighted the essence of the mission lived by so many in European lands. At 2:45 p.m., the children were presented in a moment of consecration to the Mother of God, a gesture that deeply moved those present.
In the footsteps of João Pozzobon
The program continued at 3:30 p.m. with a moment of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic blessing. Next, the pilgrims began their pilgrimage to the Original Shrine, carrying a large image of the Pilgrim Mother, reminiscent of the one João Pozzobon took on his original mission—a powerful sign of continuity and fidelity. As pilgrims of hope, everyone reflected on parts of João Pozzobon’s life along the way.
At 4:45 p.m., in front of the Shrine, some pilgrims sealed their Covenant of Love and three new missionaries began their apostolate with the Pilgrim Mother that day, including two seven-year-old children from Luxembourg. Afterwards, the pilgrim images were returned, the offerings to the Capital of Grace were burned, and the missionary commitment was renewed.
The pilgrimage officially ended at 5:30 pm.
The organization was coordinated by Sr. M. Jéssica Dombrovski, assisted by 15 Sisters of Mary, as well as the active participation of 10 postulants from the Schoenstatt Sisters community. More than 20 volunteers contributed with zeal and a spirit of service. Once again, the pilgrimage proved to be a true family gathering, strengthening the bonds between the participants and renewing their missionary zeal in foreign lands. The Original Shrine continues to be a starting point and safe haven for all those who, like Pozzobon, want to bring the Blessed Mother to families.
Translation: Maribel Acaron
