Eve Naynes, Philippines – Since I sealed the Covenant of Love, many things in my life have changed. I have grown closer to God and learned to trust Him more, especially in difficult moments. As a single parent, I have faced many challenges and responsibilities, but the Covenant of Love reminds me that I do not have to face them alone because God and Mary are always there to guide and strengthen me. I have learned to be more patient, understanding, and responsible, not only for myself but also for my children. It has also helped me become more prayerful and to include God in the decisions I make for my family. I now try to see my struggles not only as problems but also as opportunities to grow stronger in faith and character. Most importantly, the Covenant of Love has taught me to keep saying “yes” to God, even when the journey is difficult, trusting that He has a purpose for me and my family.

Romário Pinheiro, Ireland – The Covenant of Love continues to transform me every day. I’ve changed my address, my city, and even my country, yet I’ve learned that wherever we go, we carry our stories, pain, and wounds. That’s where I feel the Blessed Mother care. Her love is a daily remedy for the soul; it welcomes, educates, and heals. The Covenant doesn’t free me from difficulties, but it teaches me to face them hand in hand with Mary.

Francine Nzombo, South Africa – Since entering the Covenant of Love, I have experienced a deep sense of home and transformation. As part of the Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth, I have grown closer to our Mother Thrice Admirable. This experience has inspired me to continually work on becoming the best version of myself and to support other young girls in discovering their authentic selves through our Mother.

Shirley Hall, Australia – I made my Covenant of Love as a young person in December 1966. At that time, I didn’t have much idea of what it meant. Only through living my covenant, deepening it, and learning and living the Schoenstatt spirituality has it become such a vital part of my life. My covenant gives me a deep sense of security, knowing that our Blessed Mother is always with me in my everyday life and in all its struggles and joys. However, as it is a covenant, I must also strive to do my best to fulfill my obligations and pursue holiness in my everyday life. But I am reassured that as long as I do my best, our Blessed Mother will do the rest.

Sr. Rizamarie Sindangan, Philippines – Since the day I exchanged hearts with our dear MTA, I have become more aware of God’s and Our Lady’s presence in my life.

Eve Naynes, Philippines – The greatest challenge to living the Covenant of Love today is staying faithful and committed despite the many distractions around us. Sometimes it is difficult to remain strong in our faith because people are influenced by material things, social media, and the fast-changing world. There are also times when we may question our faith or struggle to understand God’s plan, especially when we face problems and difficulties. For me, another challenge is balancing my responsibilities, relationships, and personal struggles while still making time for prayer and serving others. However, the Covenant of Love reminds me to remain patient, trust God, and continue choosing what is right, even when it is difficult. It teaches me that living the covenant is not about being perfect but about continually choosing to love, serve, and stay faithful to God and Mary despite the challenges.

Romário Pinheiro, Ireland – It is about living the ordinary in an extraordinary way. Routine, worries, and distractions often draw us away from prayer and from what truly matters. But I cherish in my heart the memory of February 28, 2009, when I sealed my Covenant of Love at the Zion of Jaraguá Shrine in São Paulo, Brazil. On that day, I surrendered my heart to the Mother of God. Today I understand that I must renew this surrender every day, especially through small acts.

Francine Nzombo, South Africa – The greatest challenge is the fast pace and busyness of daily life. Between work, studies, and responsibilities, it is hard to find time to pause. The Covenant of Love helps me pause and return. Through camps, retreats, and time with the Girls’ Youth, we are spiritually renewed and continue to grow.

Shirley Hall, Australia – For me, it is about saying ‘yes’ every day to whatever the day may bring. It continually challenges me to be the best possible person I can be in all aspects of my life.

Sr. Rizamarie Sindangan, Philippines – Many of the things the world offers today make it more difficult for a person to remain a child of the Blessed Mother, a child of the Covenant of Love. One example is that AI can foster dependence on our covenant partner and weaken our trust in God’s providence and guidance, to the point that it seems God no longer has the answers, but AI does. The partnership with Mary and the supernatural world, which should be an essential part of our lives, can gradually become less central, while the allure of the world becomes increasingly difficult to resist.

Eve Naynes, Philippines – I would explain that the Covenant of Love is more than a promise; it is a personal relationship with God and Mary, built on love, trust, and commitment. It is our way of opening our hearts to God and allowing Him to be part of our everyday lives. Through Mary, we learn to say “yes” to God, as she willingly accepted His will and trusted Him even when she did not know what the future would bring. The Covenant also encourages us to grow in faith, serve others, and be better examples in our families and communities. It reminds us that we are never alone because God and Mary are always there to guide, strengthen, and accompany us. For me, living the Covenant of Love means choosing to love God not only through prayer but also through how I treat and serve the people around me.

Romário Pinheiro, Ireland – It allows the Mother of God to lead us to Jesus. If God entrusted Mary with the mission of giving birth to, caring for, and raising the Savior, imagine what she can do for us when we open our hearts to her. The Covenant is this exchange of hearts. We entrust our joys, weaknesses, and sorrows to her, and she transforms us with her motherly love—a love that cannot be fully explained in words alone but that we often feel in our very being.

Francine Nzombo, South Africa – Schoenstatt is a home where transformation happens and where you discover the mission God calls you to. It allows you to be unapologetically yourself, connect with others, and deepen your spirituality. It is a free choice to contribute to the capital of grace and to follow Christ more closely. It has helped me better understand my Catholic faith.

Shirley Hall, Australia – As the term implies, it is a covenant – that is, an agreement between two people, me and our Blessed Mother (and ultimately with God our Father). It means that I offer to Our Lady all that I do each day, and she, in turn, is with me and supports me in both difficult times and happy times. However, it is not a covenant if I only expect Our Lady to do her part and simply sit back without striving to be the best person I can be.

Sr. Rizamarie Sindangan, Philippines – The Covenant of Love is a lifelong partnership with Mary—not a mere contract, but a bond of love that endures forever. Whether I reflect on what I experienced yesterday, what I do today, or what I plan for the future, I do so not alone but always together with Mary.

Eve Naynes, Philippines – The Covenant of Love has changed how I relate to others by teaching me to see them with more love, patience, and understanding. It reminds me that everyone has their own struggles, experiences, and weaknesses, so I should not be quick to judge or become angry with them. Instead, I try to listen, understand, forgive, and treat others with kindness and respect. Mary’s example also inspires me to be more humble, caring, and willing to serve without expecting anything in return. As I continue to live the Covenant of Love, I have learned that loving God also means showing that love in how I treat my family, friends, and the people around me. It encourages me to become a better person who can bring comfort, encouragement, and positivity to others, especially when they are going through difficult times.

Romário Pinheiro, Ireland – I still have much to learn. I don’t always return the love I receive from the Mother of God, yet I know how much she has already helped me through the most difficult moments of my life. I often grow weary of falling, but She never tires of lifting me. This teaches me to look at others with greater love and patience. If Mary doesn’t give up on me, how can I give up on my brother? Living the Covenant is like signing a blank check and placing it in Our Lady’s hands, trusting that She will guide my life, even when I don’t understand the paths She takes.

Francine Nzombo, South Africa – I now relate to others as family. In the Girls’ Youth, there is a strong sense of sisterhood. We share our experiences, support one another, and work as a team with great passion and prayer, with our Sisters’ support. We strive to be like Mary – to be one, to lead, and to belong.

Shirley Hall, Australia – I try to think about how our Blessed Mother would respond to and relate to people. I need to follow her example by being open to others, not judging them, and treating everyone with respect and dignity, as I am sure our Blessed Mother did throughout her life.

Sr. Rizamarie Sindangan, Philippines – The more one lives the Covenant of Love, the more one becomes a little Mary. How did Mary relate to others? I imagine that, little by little, as I strive to live the Covenant of Love, I, too, am becoming more like her in how I relate to others—more patient, more understanding. Yet I remain the unique person God created me to be.