13 September 2026 marked a significant day in our Australian history: the celebration of the 100th Jubilee of the founding of the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary here in Mulgoa, Australia.
Months and weeks of preparation, together with the generous cooperation of so many people, culminated in a blessed and joyful celebration. Above all, we experienced the loving providence of God and the maternal guidance of our Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt, our father and founder Fr. Joseph Kentenich and Sr. M. Emilie Engel, who accompanied us throughout the preparations and on this special day.
The morning dawned bright and beautiful, as though creation itself were rejoicing with us. From as early as 6.45am volunteers were already busy preparing the sound system, cleaning chairs, bringing flowers to the altar, preparing for Holy Mass, organising traffic and preparing the food, etc. Every task, whether large or small, became an expression of love and service.
By 8.00am people from different parts of the state and interstate had begun arriving. Five buses brought pilgrims from different places in Parramatta and Sydney diocese, and reserved seating had been arranged for them. The Archbishop and clergy, guests, members of religious communities, pilgrims and people from the surrounding area continued to arrive. Many had learned about the celebration through announcements in their respective parishes.
By 9.45am, all 1,200 chairs that had been prepared were occupied, and many more people were seated on extra chairs and even on the grass. It was estimated that around 1,500 people attended this memorable and joyful event. The large gathering was a beautiful testimony to the love and appreciation of so many people for our community and its mission.
Holy Mass
The entrance procession began with the Schoenstatt flag carried together with the three national flags: Germany, Australia and the Philippines. The other national flags were placed in position in front of the Shrine. These symbolised the international character of our community and the journey of our Sisters throughout the past 100 years. The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, as the principal celebrant together with twelve priests who concelebrated the Solemn Mass. There were also two permanent deacons, and three acolytes and altar servers. Sr. M. Isabell Naumann, the provincial superior of Australia and Philippines welcomed the Archbishop, clergy, guests, pilgrims and visitors. She then read the Jubilee greetings from Dr. Bernd Biberger and Sr. M. Joanna Buckley, expressing gratitude to the Archbishop, clergy and all pilgrims for their support and friendship towards our community throughout the years.
The official Jubilee Holy Mass then began
In his introduction, Archbishop Fisher greeted the Sisters, clergy and guests. He recalled the humble beginnings of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in 1926 and their remarkable growth over the past 100 years. He highlighted the Sisters’ arrival in Australia in 1951 and their coming to Mulgoa in 1968, describing the Shrine as a “little gem” which has since become a shining witness of hope. He encouraged the Sisters to continue being a Marian “light of hope” for the century ahead.
In his homily, Archbishop Fisher reflected on the suffering and conflicts in our world, particularly the terrorist attack of September 11, and emphasised the urgent need for forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation. He highlighted the Marian mission of the Schoenstatt Sisters: like Mary, to bring Christ to others and to become instruments of His mercy, especially through their service to families, young people, the Church and society. He reminded us: “As we grow in faith and virtue, we learn to forgive, to reconcile, to make strangers our neighbours, make neighbours our brothers and sisters. The life of the Schoenstatt Sisters summons us to such mercy, in caring for the needy, teaching the ignorant, mending divisions, evangelizing those far from God.”
After 100 years of being formed by Mary, the Archbishop encouraged the Sisters to continue walking in her footsteps and to remain a “light of hope,” bringing the merciful face of Christ to a world in need of His love. He concluded by saying: “For a century now Mary has been forming you, dear sisters, to walk through life like her, and so preparing our times for Christ. May she continue to do so. And may she form all of us, your friends, so we might bring the merciful face of her Son, our Redeemer, to a world desperately needing His love.”
The celebration of Holy Mass was further enriched by the 39-member choir from across the Diocese of Parramatta, together with the musicians and organist. Their beautiful singing created a prayerful and solemn atmosphere. As an offering of thanksgiving after Holy Communion, the choir sang our Jubilee hymn, “Maria, Light of Our Hope.”
Offering of the 100 Roses
After Holy Communion, 100 white roses were offered to the Blessed Mother in the Shrine, representing the 100 years of our community. Five Sisters, each carrying twenty roses representing the five-generations in our province brought the roses to the Shrine. Sr M. Olivia Lukaszewicz, the youngest of the province sisters then led the Jubilee prayer over the loudspeaker, and all the Sisters joined together in prayer. It was a moving moment of gratitude: 100 years placed into the hands of Mary, with trust for the years yet to come.
Jubilee Celebration refreshments and program
After Holy Mass, everyone was invited to the large tent, where food and refreshments had been prepared.
At 12.30pm the Jubilee programme began. The MC welcomed Sr. M. Isabell Naumann who gave an introduction about whom we are as Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, our 100 Years of existence and our mission in the Church of today. Sr. Luisa Maria Fabre then presented an introduction to the 100-year history of our community and its international character. This was followed by presentations from Sr. M. Olivia on our identity and charism, Sr. M. Rita Baysari on our mission, and Sr. M. Elizabeth Foley on the Shrine. In between the presentations, testimonies were shared by Fr. Sheldon Burke, originally from Perth and Karin Southgate from Melbourne. They gave witness to the impact of Schoenstatt and the Sisters’ mission in their personal lives.
After a break, Sr. M. Isabell and Fr. Andrew Fornal, OP, one of the Dominican Fathers who serves us regularly for our daily Masses etc, cut the Jubilee cake together. Fr Andrew then gave a serious but at the same time a light-hearted talk expressing his experiences with the Shrine, the Sisters and our mission, bringing joy and laughter to the gathering.
Exhibition and Encounters
The exhibition area in the Family Hall was well attended throughout the day. Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the history and mission of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. Many also took the time to write messages in the Congratulatory Book and on the long roll of paper provided, expressing their best wishes, gratitude, and appreciation to the Sisters.
The exhibition was prepared through the hard work and dedication of Sr. Mary Louise Walsh. On the day she was supported by several volunteers from the Youth Group, as well as our sisters who faithfully assisted with mingling with the people, offering give aways and selling merchandise connected with our jubilee. Their generous service helped make the exhibition welcoming and meaningful for all who visited.
After the official programme, an optional video presentation, “From Within,” was offered. Throughout the day the many personal encounters were deeply meaningful. The day was not simply about celebrating the past; it was also an opportunity for people to discover more about who we are, our mission and our vocation as Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary.
Several people expressed a desire to know more about Schoenstatt and to become more involved in the Movement. In this way, the Jubilee celebration became not only a thanksgiving for the past 100 years, but also an opening towards the future.
A Grateful Heart
As we look back on this extraordinary day, our hearts are filled with profound gratitude.
One hundred years of grace, one hundred years of Mary’s guidance, one hundred years of mission—and now, with grateful hearts, we place the next 100 years into her hands.
May Mary, the Light of Our Hope, continue to lead us, form us and send us forth to bring Christ to our world.
