On August 24, 2025, the Schoenstatt Family of the Diocese of Trier and the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Schoenstatt Shrine in Koblenz-Metternich. This is where Sister M. Emilie Engel spent the last years of her life and where she is also buried. Numerous pilgrims from the surrounding area and from the founding place of Schoenstatt attended this celebration, as well as Christians from the parish of Koblenz “Links der Mosel,” who made a pilgrimage for the occasion. The shrine and the special grounds in the Metternich district of Koblenz provided the setting for a day full of spiritual inspiration, religious experiences, and family encounters. “In the atmosphere of the shrine and the Providentia House, it is not difficult to experience the living Church,” wrote a participant after the celebration.
“God loves me”
The provincial superior of the Sisters of Mary, Sister Marisa Spikers, welcomed the guests with the words of Psalm 122: ‘I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” In her speech, she recalled that at the inauguration of the shrine 75 years ago, Father Joseph Kentenich expressed the hope that Mary would reveal herself as a “light of hope,” “because she brings Christ,” according to Sister of Mary. Mary can be a bridge between God and humankind and, in this way, help us find authentic humanity. “She is the bridge that can connect our lives with God, to convey trust and hope in all situations.”
Regarding the development of this Schoenstatt center, Sister Marisa made it clear that “without the active help of many people, a lot of faith and trust, and last but not least, without sacrifices and prayers, this Shrine could not have been built in the post-war period.” With regard to the current situation of the place, she emphasized that even today there is a need for people “who will make this place an oasis of hope for others, so that the shrine may be experienced as a source of strength.”
In his homily during the festive Mass, accompanied musically by a choir directed by Thomas Oster, Dean Jörg Schuh focused on the Gospel of Zacchaeus and spoke about the experience of God seeing and loving each person personally. “In the shrine, we can feel that He loves me,” said the preacher.
Family celebration with many activities
After Holy Mass, there was a large gathering with coffee, cakes, and waffles. While the adults talked, the children enjoyed games and crafts offered by the young people of the parish and the postulants of the Sisters of Mary of Schoenstatt. Games such as tin can throwing, softball baseball, and a tree rally sparked enthusiasm. The raffle for children’s toys was also very successful.
M. Edelborg, 93, entertained the party with her accordion. Many visitors described the atmosphere as familiar and cordial. A sister who lives in the center summed it up this way: “It was a family atmosphere where one felt at ease, with activities for those who wanted to participate.”
Spiritual deepening and final procession
In addition to community, personal faith experience also took center stage. Meditations, blessings, and the lighting of candles in the shrine invited inner reflection. At the end of the afternoon, a procession to the shrine, accompanied by prayers and blessings, brought the festive day to a close. The motto was repeated again and again: “God sees me, God loves me, God needs me.”
The response to the anniversary was very positive. Visitors from Trier, Saarland, and other regions thanked the Sisters of Mary for the successful celebration. “We are glad we came,” concluded two participants. The couple who spoke of a “lasting experience” also summed up the mood of many guests. The celebration of the 75th anniversary of the shrine impressively demonstrated that, especially in the present times, faith, community, and spirituality can be a source of hope and strength.
Fotos: Weber
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
Source: schoenstatt.de