In June 2026, families from various European countries gathered at the European Schoenstatt Family Forum, held at the Schoenstatt Center in Óbudavár, Hungary. The gathering focused on sharing experiences regarding work with families, as well as on preparations for the Family Congress scheduled for 2028 in Pozuelo, near Madrid. At the same time, participants had the opportunity to learn about the development of the Schoenstatt Movement in Hungary.
A Place Driven by Families
The small town, located near Lake Balaton, surprised many guests. Around the Shrine, lavender, flowers, and the “Garden of Mary” characterize the center. Mr. and Mrs. Soós and Sister Gertrud María Erhard presented the history of the Schoenstatt Movement in Hungary. It began more than 40 years ago and, since then, has been growing “from home to home, from family to family, from heart to heart.” Since the center’s inauguration in 2008, new buildings have been constructed on an ongoing basis.
Marriage and the Family as Lived Faith
The central spiritual places within families’ homes, where they consciously experience God’s closeness in daily life—the “Home Shrines”—are considered the starting point for the new evangelization. If a parish lacks a priest, parish groups or families gather at the home shrine of a Schoenstatt family.
Several families shared their experiences. One family described how liberating it had been to invite the Blessed Virgin Mary into their home. The “jar,” which in Schoenstatt represents the collection of contributions for the so-called “capital of grace,” had given them confidence. After the death of their son Viktor, the network of Home Shrines had sustained them.
The Eucharistic Marriage Journey emerged in Hungary following the International Eucharistic Congress five years ago. It links the sacrament of marriage to the Eucharist and views married couples’ journey as a path of love, self-giving, and sacrifice.
Vibrant Initiatives for Families
The program also included reading and group discussion of texts from Kentenich’s reading book for families, compiled in Hungary. During a guided tour of the center, key aspects of the Schoenstatt Movement in Hungary were presented, including the “Intertwined Hearts” Shrine, the “Garden of Mary,” and the Matrimonial Way, which originated in Hungary and has since spread throughout the world.
Various programs for families were also presented: for example, the “Home Shrine weekends,” which address topics such as married life, the sacrament of marriage, sexuality, raising children, and the family’s mission. There were also family weekends offered regularly throughout the Marriage Journey, as well as monthly Masses for families with young children. Many parents experienced the Church there as a place where they felt welcome.
The Óbudavár center is so full of life that its current capacity is barely sufficient, so more buildings are being constructed.
Outlook for the 2028 Family Congress
Finally, the European Forum also addressed preparations for the European Family Congress of the Schoenstatt Family Movements, which will take place from April 28 to May 1, 2028, in Pozuelo, near Madrid. The delegates exchanged views on the expected number of participants, families’ needs, and the content and methods of the collaborative work planned for the event.
The European Forum concluded with an international gathering, during which each family brought a traditional dish from their country. Skits, songs, and personal encounters marked their time together. After Holy Mass on Sunday, the participants returned to their home countries, strengthened and with renewed determination. They recalled with gratitude the hospitality of the Hungarian Schoenstatt Family and the days they spent together in Óbudavár.
Source: schoenstatt.de
