On the weekend of September 12 and 13, 2025, more than 200 parishioners from different nationalities and communities celebrated the 60th anniversary of the blessing of the Unity Shrine in Cambrai (France). The highlights were the festive Mass with Archbishop Vincent Dollmann and the joint “Run and Pray” race, in which the bishop also participated. The jubilee became an international gathering that brought together the Schoenstatt Movement and its communities.
A festively decorated Shrine and the kick-off shot on Friday
Since the day before, the Schoenstatt chapel, decorated with sunflowers and the French national colors, began welcoming the first visitors. The renovated MTA picture shone in newly applied gold and was surrounded by flowers. Only the wood of the luminous frame over the altar was visible, while the faithful knelt silently in the shrine and the preparations continued.
The Eucharistic celebration on September 12 began at 6:00 p.m. Five priests, including Abbot Jean-Marie Moura, celebrated Holy Mass before a packed assembly, accompanied by the musical group Choeur à coeurs. Afterwards, the participants enjoyed a cocktail buffet with homemade treats. Songs of praise in honor of God and the Virgin Mary brought the evening to a close.
Encounter with the history of the shrine in groups according to language
On Saturday morning, more pilgrims arrived from Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Belgium, France, and South America. The community was forged above all thanks to the picnic they had brought with them. The history of the shrine was recounted in groups sorted by language. The Archbishop of Cambrai, Monsignor Dollmann, who was also present that day, took the opportunity to engage in personal conversations and spoke in both German and French. A group of children and young people was responsible for the gathering’s entertainment.
Running and praying with archbishop Dollman from Cambrai
A unique and special moment in the program was the race “Running and praying” with the archbishop. Despite strong winds, rain and a brief storm, the runners reached Eswars and returned. The place where it is believed that Joseph Engling, cofounder of Schoenstatt, jotted his last entries in his Spiritual Daily Order was the point where runners would turn back. Once this wet sporting event was over, the runners were handed towels and took part in the Mass that followed.
Unity has to do with the dynamics between giving and receiving
In his homily, the archbishop mentioned the name of this particular Shrine (Unity Shrine) and pointed out that unity should convey a balance between giving and receiving. This can also be seen in the Blessed Mother’s life. During the second part of his homily, he highlighted Joseph Engling’s life emphasizing that Engling wanted to do ordinary tasks extraordinarily well. He encouraged all those present to follow his example and to ask for his intervention in order to promote his beatification.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the archbishop crowned the MTA’s image with a newly restored crown. Very few could witness the crowning due to the overcrowded area, but the renewal of the Covenant of Love with the Blessed Mother by praying the Consecration Prayer clearly expressed the deep commitment of all who were present.
The celebration was an international experience
After the Mass, the guests spent the remaining time in conversation and getting to know each other. Some stayed until Sunday or even more time. For each participant, the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Unity Shrine was an international experience full of life and showing a united community gathered together around Joseph Engling and the Blessed Mother.
Photos: Barbara Pons
Translation: Maribel Acaron
Source: schoenstatt.de