On May 18, the heart of the Schoenstatt Family beats as one throughout the world, for it is Covenant Day, a day to remember, renew, and evangelize. In countless shrines, large and small, throughout the world, we renew our Covenant of Love with Mary, the Mother Thrice Admirable.
Particularly in the month of Mary, this covenant is a powerful sign. Mary is not only a model of faith for us, but also our ally, educator, and companion on our journey into the depths of the Gospel. In her school, we learn to give ourselves, to be faithful, to love the Church as missionaries, and to be deeply united with the Holy Father.
A memorable day
This May 18 is especially significant this year: it marks the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, a historic moment for the Universal Church. As Schoenstatt Family, we want to promise the Pope our fidelity, our prayers, and our collaboration today, just as our founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, did.
We know that the Church today needs people who approach the Holy Father with fervent hearts, open hands, and clear eyes, in order to build with him a Church that lives through the Covenant of Love.
Father Kentenich was convinced that:
“Those who love the Church must collaborate in her renewal, not against her, but from the depths of her being.”
He dreamt of a new Church, not as an alternative to the existing one, but as her inner transformation. A Church with shepherds who are close to the people, who love as Christ does, who lead by example and who liberate through their bond with God.
According to his vision, the Church should:
– be Marian, characterized by Mary’s inner attitude: humble, attentive and strong in faith.
– grow organically, from authentic relationships and not from structures alone.
– Be father and mother at the same time: humanistic, healing, protective, demanding, and promoting.
Today we also celebrate the 105th anniversary of the birth of Saint Pope John Paul II, a great friend of Schoenstatt, Pope of youth, of hope, and of unflinching fidelity to Mary.
He lived the Covenant of Love with Mary in his motto “Totus Tuus.”
His life inspires us to courageously renew our own covenant.
In a time of change, transformation, and questions, Schoenstatt repeats today:
“We go with you!”
We go with Mary, with the Pope, with the vision of a Church that is guided by the Covenant of Love, inner freedom, filial attachment to God, and apostolic mission—a Church that encounters people personally, leads by serving, and fills the world with hope.
We offer our Covenant of Love as our contribution to a great renewal.
“We want to help shape a Church as Christ wanted it: an image of God’s heart in the midst of the world” (Father Joseph Kentenich).
Schoenstatt is on the way, as a pilgrim movement of hope.
With the Pope. With Mary. With the Church.
For a new Pentecost. For a Church with a heart.
Translation: Maribel Acaron
