This year’s May Pilgrimage Day at Mount Schoenstatt Mulgoa, Australia, which was held on Sunday, 17th May, was a beautiful and joyful celebration with over 900 people in attendance. Although the evening before had rained, the weather on the day itself was superb: overcast yet warm and dry, with not a drop of rain! The amazing efforts of the volunteer team in setting up the stage, altar, flowers, chairs, tents, sun umbrellas, and food stalls added to the festive ambiance as people began to arrive. The motto of the Pilgrimage Day was “Mary, Light of our Hope”.
Shirley Hall opened the day in prayer, and Sr. M. Elizabeth Foley gave a warm welcome to everyone, including four bus groups and other parish and culture groups. Three priests were available for confession: Fr Pawel OP, Fr Peter OP, and Fr Sheldon CRS, and they were kept busy right up until the beginning of holy Mass. Bishop Tony Percy, an auxiliary Bishop of the Sydney Archdiocese, arrived earlier and also made himself available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The flag procession at the start of Holy Mass was a magnificent sight. This really highlighted the international character not only of Schoenstatt but also of the many different cultures of the pilgrims present on the day. The choir from Mary Immaculate Parish, Bossley Park, provided outstanding music for the Holy Mass and did a great job learning a few Schoenstatt hymns.
New Images of the Pilgrim Mother
One of the main highlights of the annual Marian Pilgrimage each year is the sending out of new Pilgrim Mothers. This year, six new coordinators were presented with a Pilgrim Mother Shrine, which will now travel from home to home, bringing the blessings from the Shrine to many more homes and families. In addition, hundreds of existing coordinators also renewed their commitment, were blessed, and sent out by Bishop Percy. The bishop visibly expressed his surprise and joy at the number of coordinators that came forward, commenting, “This is nearly half the congregation!”
Various international food stalls were set up and ready to serve lunch following mass. There was such a beautiful, joyful community atmosphere amongst the crowd. Many people gathered in small or large groups on the grounds to eat lunch or went shopping at the Pilgrim Center. The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Jubilee stall was very busy throughout the afternoon, with many people taking the opportunity to buy a souvenir or other item to take home as a reminder of the day. The notice boards and banners also offered a great opportunity to engage in conversation with the sisters and ask questions. The Shrine was also well visited in the afternoon, with many people taking a moment of silent prayer.
A new meeting is scheduled
At 2 pm, approximately 300 people gather in the valley in front of the Home of Light to begin the Eucharistic procession. Pilgrims followed behind the Blessed Sacrament, praying and meditating upon the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. In between each decade, Fr Pawel gave a blessing. Alternatively, those unable to take part in the procession were allowed to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which was also well attended.
To end the beautiful day, there was a short devotion and final benediction. Sr. M. Rita Baysari thanked all those present, benefactors, sponsors, priests, and most especially the team of volunteers who organized the day. She also announced that the next major function at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, will be the centenary celebration of the Sisters’ Community, to be held on Sunday, 13th September, with the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP, as the main celebrant. More details regarding the jubilee celebrations can be found here.
