The Schoenstatt Mothers’ Federation (“Women’s Federation”) was officially founded in Costa Rica on October 17, 2024. Fifteen women signed the founding document during the ceremony celebrated in the Family of Hope Shrine in San José. The Holy Mass was presided over by the local advisor of the community, Father Marcel Mouras.
– More information about the International Apostolic Schoenstatt Mothers’ Federation
The first step: The Women’s and Mothers’ Apostolic League
The Women’s Branch in Costa Rica began when the Schoenstatt Movement emerged through Anita Dahik and the introduction of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate in the country, 24 years ago. Gradually, the Blessed Mother made her way in the country and, although the growth of the branch was slow at the beginning, firm foundations were forged which are bearing fruit at this time.
The first groups of the branch did have the spark of the founding fire, but since there were only a few ladies at that time, they did not succeed in embarking on the path towards the calling of founding the Apostolic Federation. More ladies continued to be invited and they began to delve deeper into their Covenant of Love through the formation of the Militancy.
The group grows and matures
As more ladies joined the Movement, the growth of the branch in the different dioceses of the country and the interest of working women who want to take the Schoenstatt message to all the settings in which they work, there was a resurgence of the fire that today burns like a bonfire and we ask the Holy Spirit to keep it alive so that we can accomplish this great mission.
In November 2023, a group of ladies of varying ages and history in the Movement met to found the Apostolic Federation of Mothers (women) in Costa Rica. They were accompanied by the advisor of the Women’s Branch, Anabelle González, and the then director of the Movement, Fr. José Luis Correa, as they began the meetings as postulants of the Federation.
The path was not clear to them, but they began with bimonthly meetings guided by Monica Arellano and Veronica Vergara. They were initially formed following in the footsteps of “Hoerde” and introducing the sense of bonding as sisters in the spirit of the Federation.
A start with passion, excitement and joy
In May 2024, the door they longed for was opened: submitting the official petition to the International Committee of the Mothers’ Federation to found the Federation in Costa Rica in the 11th territory. At the same time, in Bellavista, the 75th Anniversary of the Blessing was the perfect setting to place a letter on the altar, following in the footsteps of our father and founder, formally requesting to begin the process of founding the Apostolic Federation. An emotional letter in which each one presented and shared why her heart was beating strongly at the possibility of this vocation as a federation.
The waiting was brief. The Holy Spirit accompanied them in prayer for a positive response, and it was with great joy and a steady pace that they set about praying for the designation of their advisors. This answer arrived mid-year and they warmly welcomed Cecilia Brunner, from the Chilean Federation and member of the International Committee of the Mothers’ Federation, and Father Marcel Mouras.
This is a journey that is just beginning. They had their first encounter with the advisors and the time seemed too short for them. It was a week full of spiritual depth, prayer and bonds which will last a lifetime. They have many different longings but the same ideal of sanctity and a clear path set out by the Schoenstatt pedagogy. These 15 women join their hearts and hope that, under Mary’s guiding hands, new foundations will be forged so that all the women of Costa Rica will receive the graces that flow from the Shrine for their apostolic work, their example and their love for Christ.
Translation: Maribel Acaron
