Marian Devotion
Schoenstatt’s origin is inseparable from its unique relationship with Mary.
Since the founding in 1914, love for Mary has been at the heart of the Schoenstatt Movement and its spirituality. Schoenstatt is deeply and devotedly Marian and has repeatedly experienced how love of Mary opens new avenues to a vibrant relationship with Christ, to the Holy Spirit, and to God the Father, as well as a renewal of love of neighbor and self.
For many Schoenstatt members, love for Mary has taught them how to develop a more personal and committed relationship with the persons of the Trinity. This is not surprising, given the close union of Mary with the mission of her Son. Nor is it surprising that this love has helped many grow into more personal and fruitful relationships with neighbor und self, be it through a greater maturity in one’s vocation, a stronger family life, a more Christian workplace, or a way of dealing with people. Through her intercessory active presence in the shrine, the MTA has helped many to overcome loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem, or to have the courage to reach out to others in order to find God-willed solutions to family, social, and political problems.
Not least is how love for Mary has helped many to grow in love for the Church. This is in keeping with Saint Pope John Paul II’s remark to the Schoenstatt Family in an audience in 1985:
“An authentic Marian spirituality leads to a deep love for the Church.”
– (September 20, 1985)
In the Schoenstatt Shrine, the Blessed Mother acts as mother and educator of all those who entrust themselves to her. She helps form the new person in the new community.