The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary—the first German Secular Institute—are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. The community, now present in 32 countries across all continents, is celebrating this anniversary worldwide with a range of activities.

An anniversary exhibition opened on March 22, 2026, at the Motherhouse on Mount Schoenstatt/Vallendar, the international center of the community. It invites visitors on a threefold journey.

The journey inward – TRACES OF LIGHT – highlights core elements of the community’s spirituality, offers insight into the way of life as a spiritual family today, and invites visitors to linger at the “family table.”

The journey into the founding history – FIRE OF THE BEGINNING – leads to an encounter with the strong women of the first generation who, together with the founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, embarked on the new path of a “world institute” – at a time when everything was in upheaval following World War I.

The journey to the present day – WORLD JOURNEY – invites visitors to the outdoor area between the Motherhouse and the Church of the Holy Trinity: Twenty large panels illustrate the diverse ways in which the community is active worldwide today—in education, pastoral care, social projects, and much more.

For young visitors—and not just for them—there is an interactive trail on the lawn in front of the Motherhouse, where they can playfully encounter the life of the community.

The “World Tour” in the outdoor area is accessible at all times. The indoor sections of the exhibition will remain open until the anniversary celebration on October 3, 2026. It is open daily from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and can be visited without an appointment. In addition, guided tours are available for groups; appointments can be requested via the following contact information: Reception of the Motherhouse, Berg Schönstatt 1, 56179 Vallendar. Tel. 0261/64041. Email: jubi100@s-ms.org.

The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary look forward to your visit!