At the beginning of this year, 25 couples from different parts of Texas/USA attended the couples’ retreat which was held in Lamar, Texas from January 31 through February 2, 2025. The theme of the retreat was “Pilgrims of Hope-Anchored in the Covenant”. Hosting the retreat with their presentations and hospitality were members from the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, the Schoenstatt Fathers and the Schoenstatt couples’ branches.

The presentations delved into being anchoring, metaphorically, in the history of Schoenstatt, anchored in our family, in each other, in our marriage covenant, in prayer, traditions, celebrations, charity, and service. Discussions focused on the struggles of everyday life – the journey of working through the wounds of the human experience by means of the covenant of love. When we are anchored in our Schoenstatt covenant of love, we can grow. It is said that when someone is anchored to another (in this case our spouse and the three contact points) they are understood and supported by their anchor.

Texan-style picnic

Being that grace builds on nature, we enjoyed delicious meals and were treated to a picnic lunch provided by Mac’s Pit, consisting of BBQ brisket, sausage, chicken, beans, potato salad, and bread, the typical Texas menu. The couples enjoyed their picnic lunch outside in the sunny, blue skies and breezy outdoors close to the Gulf of Mexico, while they talked about the hope they have for their marriage and family. In the early afternoon, there was time for confession, taking a leisurely walk, shopping at the gift store or napping. A breakout session and panel discussion offered further inspiration for growth in the covenant of love.

Since the Confidentia Shrine in Lamar, Texas is a designated pilgrimage site during this Jubilee Year, the couples set out “Pilgrims of Hope” and a procession to the shrine to obtain the plenary indulgence. One couple sealed their covenant of love.

Sent as pilgrims of hope

In the evening the couples came together to dance and have a cheese and wine social. This has become a tradition which is thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Afterwards the Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the shrine and the couples took turns to spend time with our Lord and His mother from dusk to dawn.

The retreat ended on Sunday with a time for everyone to give feedback and to enrich each other. During the closing liturgy on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, the couples were invited to renew their marriage commitment and received an anchor as a reminder on the pilgrimage of hope. Anchored in the Covenant we all left returning to our everyday lives bringing with us the graces that we received from our Shrine and the experience of the Home Song:

“…Do you know the land imbued with joy because the sun never sets there; where in possession of the eternal goods all hearts abide in tranquility; where heart and will are continually refreshed in the overflowing richness of God’s gifts, where love’s magic wand swiftly transforms all gloom into joy…?”