Sunday, August 23, 2026: International Encounter Festival. It has become a tradition. On Sunday, many people gathered once again in Schoenstatt to celebrate around the Pilgrims’ House. Spanish, Portuguese, English, Tagalog, German, French, Romanian, Polish, and many other language groups were represented.
The Festival of Encounter began with a Holy Mass. Father Stefan Strecker, ISch, welcomed all those attending Mass from different countries: “When we Christians speak of ‘international,’ we are referring to the human family. We are referring to sisters and brothers united with one another, because God has called us to life. So when we meet, we say: Yes, it is beautiful that you and I are part of this family of Christians. … It is beautiful that I can meet you today…”. Father Strecker extended a special welcome to the young people from Oberkirch, who “paddled” in a canoe for a week to Schoenstatt as preparation for their Confirmation.
The concelebrant, Father José Luiz Agorela Cruz from Mexico, was greeted with applause. In his homily, Father Stefan Strecker encouraged the people to perceive God in their own lives, to look at Mary, and to recognize their abilities so they could put them at the service of this world.
The music during Holy Mass was in various languages and drew from diverse cultural traditions. The offertory procession was particularly impressive. The group “Sábado” organized it according to the custom of their homeland, Cape Verde and Guinea. The Mass concluded with a procession to the Original Shrine, where the “Racoons,” the Vallendar marching band, joined the celebration. After the “Angelus,” recited in several languages, Father Stefan Strecker blessed everyone with the Unity Cross.
When Many Cultures Come Together
Everyone was invited to celebrate together next to the Pilgrims’ House. The food, drinks, organ grinder Herbert Wirtz, the international dance groups, and the “Racoons”—who traditionally help organize this festival—delighted the visitors. María Eugenia, a candidate for the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, hosted the event alongside Eckehard Kilian.
One of the highlights was the raffle, the proceeds of which will go toward heating the Pilgrims’ Church. Two lucky participants drew the winning tickets. The happy winners couldn’t stop cheering; among them was the director of the Polish dance group “Viva Polonia,” who received a large statue of St. John.
There was enthusiastic applause after the anniversary song performed by the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. They are celebrating their 100th anniversary—this was immortalized in the photo featuring the large number 100. Children’s activities took place throughout the day. The play street and face-painting area were always full of visitors, both young and old. In many conversations, bridges were built between people—regardless of nationality or language—sometimes through gestures, dancing together, or simply with a smile.
“It’s never been so beautiful,” said one man, expressing what all the visitors were feeling.
To close the International Festival, Father Strecker blessed small lights handed out with chocolates: “May the light of hope shine in your daily lives.” At the end of the event, the hosts, Eckehardt Kilian and María Eugenia, thanked the many volunteers—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes—who made the festival possible.
Then they invited the visitors: “Come back next year, on August 15, 2027!”
Source: schoenstatt.de
