In June 2027, the International Schoenstatt Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, will open its doors to pilgrims from around the world for days of reflection, prayer, and encounter with the time of exile—an outstanding time in our Schoenstatt history. We are commemorating the 75th anniversary of Father Joseph Kentenich’s arrival in Milwaukee, where he lived for nearly 14 years, filling the capital of grace to the brim and, with deeds, proving his love for the Church and our covenant Queen.

Father Kentenich arrived in Milwaukee in June 1952, at a time when the Catholic Church was concerned about the young Schoenstatt Movement and its founder. The current National Movement Director, USA, Fr. Cristóbal Asenjo, reflected on this: “Moments of questioning and challenges are not foreign to the birth of new spiritual movements within the Church.”

Through the heroic childlike trust in our heavenly Father which we have learned from our father and founder, we acquire the skills to “discern what is authentic and lasting.” This lesson is part of the many treasures of our father’s exile time. Milwaukee 2027 will be a time to delve into the manifold fruits which this time of exile holds in store for each of us as individuals, communities, and families. A time of separation became a time when Father Kentenich’s paternal spirituality matured through quiet, faithful service to individuals and families. Now it is our turn to harvest those fruits through our participation in the following events.

Key Events

Three distinct sessions will be offered in 2027, each with its own focus to delve into our rich legacy.

• June 8–14, 2027 will be a time to explore his enduring message to families, drawn from his “Monday Evenings” talks to couples.

• June 17–23, 2027 will be a time to delve into Father’s fourteen-year separation as well as his presence in Milwaukee.

• September 3–7, 2027 will highlight Father Kentenich’s way of accompanying young adults—his formative work with the next generation.

Each session will include pilgrimage days to visit sites connected to Father Kentenich’s exile. Participants will tour the grounds in Waukesha, visit the Exile Shrine for Mass and personal reflection, stop at the cemetery and Movement House, as well as listen to testimonial presentations. The itinerary also includes visits to Lake Michigan, St. Michael’s Parish, a home shrine, and the Founder Shrine in Madison.

The International Schoenstatt Center staff hopes to accommodate the needs of “Father’s guests,” both individuals and groups throughout the three offerings. Please be sure to register soon. Registration for all three commemorative sessions opens on September 15, 2026.

More Information

For questions or additional information, prospective pilgrims can reach out to milwaukee2027@schoenstatt.us.

The invitation extends far beyond Milwaukee. It is also a call to the Schoenstatt Movement in the USA, to capture the richness of our legacy, come in touch with the roots of our history, and discover anew what Father Kentenich’s years of exile still have to say to the Movement today.

Come and join us next year for Milwaukee 2027—Then and Now!