Rome, June 9, 2025 – In an atmosphere of deep spirituality and shared joy, the International Schoenstatt Family experienced a historic moment: the Coronation of Mary as Queen Mater Ecclesiae, solemnly celebrated at the International Shrine of Belmonte in Rome. The event, held within the context of the Jubilee 2025, brought together more than 800 pilgrims, including over 100 priests from around the world.
The heart of the day was the Holy Mass, celebrated outdoors under a radiant sky and presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Porto-Santa Rufina, Msgr. Gianrico Ruzza – the diocese to which the Shrine belongs. The coronation rite was led by the Shrine’s rector, Archbishop Ignazio Sanna, and the President of the International Schoenstatt Presidium, Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello. Mary was proclaimed Queen Mater Ecclesiae in the name of the Shrine and the entire Schoenstatt Family – a gesture of deep faith and trust in her maternal guidance.
The crown, blessed by Pope Francis on October 16, 2024, arrived in Belmonte after a pilgrimage rich in prayer and offerings throughout communities in Italy and Germany. Many testimonies also accompanied it as tangible signs of love for Mary.
All communities were present
Volunteers warmly welcomed the pilgrims, collecting the many crowns offered to the Blessed Mother from all parts of the world. These were stored in the newly prepared Crown Room, created for the occasion. Present were members from all Schoenstatt communities: Sisters of Mary, Ladies of Schoenstatt, Fathers, Brothers, Diocesan Priests, the Family Institute, and representatives from the Federations and Leagues.
A moving gesture of simplicity and generosity came from the Czech Republic: the couple Veronika and Petr Zborníkovi, pilgrims from Prague, baked hundreds of crown-shaped cookies and joyfully distributed them to everyone present. A symbolic act that made the great spirit of family visible.
The event was also followed remotely thanks to the live broadcast on Schoenstatt TV and Belmonte’s YouTube channel, allowing many faithful worldwide to join the celebration spiritually.
The afternoon continued with moments of fraternity, lunch, encounters, and workshops, reinforcing the sense of communion and shared mission.
This Coronation is not just a precious memory but a prophetic sign for the Church and all of Schoenstatt: Mary, Queen Mater Ecclesiae, walks with us. She lovingly guides our pilgrimage of faith toward building a living, united, and hope-filled Church.
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
