First Congress of the Schoenstatt Institute of Families
The Institute of Families at International level, held its first Congress as a Community in early December 2022.
January 20, 2023
Schoenstatt has a wide range of activities carried out by and with families. On this page, you can learn more about these activities carried out worldwide. In particular, the projects are organized by the three communities of the Family Work: the League, the Federation, and the Family Institute. In addition, other projects are carried out by members of the Schoenstatt Work, such as the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate.
The Institute of Families at International level, held its first Congress as a Community in early December 2022.
The Christmas Eve Mass at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Quito was very colorful. Mary arriving on a donkey, offerings from five indigenous ethnic groups in Ecuador, and a homily by Father Eduardo Auza associating the reality of the people with the divine miracle of Bethlehem.
We are grateful for the contributions made to learn about and appreciate the different traditions and styles of nativity scenes around the world.
With the motto “Family, hope for the future”, Europe is preparing for its continental congress of Schoenstatt families, which will take place at the Movement’s center in Kahlenberg, Vienna, between April 28 and May 1, 2023.
We are grateful for the first contributions sent in to learn about and appreciate the different traditions and types of nativity scenes in the world.
Pope Francis has named Brazilian Gleison de Paula Souza, a professor of Religious Education at the A. Vallone School in Galatina, in southern Italy, as the new Secretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.
This coming October 18th, Schoenstatt will celebrate 108 years of existence. Yes! 108 years since the first Covenant of Love with Mary. The international Schoenstatt family is invited to celebrate together, starting with a novena, and participating virtually in the celebrations at the Original Schoenstatt on the very 18th of October.
On September 7, 2022, the 4th General Chapter of the Apostolic Federation of Schoenstatt Families elected a new International Leadership for a period of five years.
International Schoenstatt Family Federation is gathered for its General Chapter in Hillscheid, at the Josef-Kentenich-Hof, its headquarters.
Marco Calzada, a young member of the Schoenstatt Movement, was murdered in Costa Rica on July 2, 2022. The news shook the whole country and went beyond its borders. His father extended his forgiveness and love for his murderers and their families.
One of the lectures was given by Eduardo de la Paz and Mónica González, from Spain, on the topic “Accompaniment in the first years of marriage”.
A Place, a Movement, a Way of Life, a Mission