Mary was the focal point of all celebrations that took place at Mount Schoenstatt in Mulgoa, Australia on Sunday, 18 May as part of the annual Marian Pilgrimage. In line with the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, the motto of this year’s pilgrimage rang, “With Mary – Pilgrims of Hope!”.
An estimated 900 people braved the cool temperatures and threatening clouds to participate in Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Parramatta. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev Fr Pawel Barszczewski OP, as well as deacons Rev Jerome D’Rozario and Rev Wilfredo Limjap, and seminarians from the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney.
Plenary indulgence in the Jubilee Year
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was also available to all pilgrims from the morning. Many took up the opportunity to go to confession as part of the necessary requirements to obtain a plenary indulgence when visiting the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mulgoa; one of the three nominated pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Parramatta as part of the Jubilee Year.
One of the biggest highlights of the annual Marian Pilgrimage each year is the sending out of new Pilgrim Mothers as part of Schoenstatt’s Pilgrim Mother Apostolate. This year, eight new coordinators were named and presented with their Pilgrim Mother who will now travel from home to home, bringing the light, hope and graces of her Son, Jesus Christ, into the lives of those who receive her.
Hundreds of existing coordinators also attended the celebration to renew their annual commitment and to be sent out once again to their existing circles. Bishop Long was visibly surprised and expressed joy at the sheer number of those part of the wider Schoenstatt community sharing in the same love and devotion of Our Lady.
15 new allies
The several food stalls offering various cuisines ensured that pilgrims were well replenished with lunch in time for the afternoon program, which featured a Eucharistic procession starting in the valley. Pilgrims followed behind the Blessed Sacrament, praying and meditating upon the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Alternatively, those who were unable to take part in the procession were given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which was very well attended.
The procession culminated at the Shrine where the final highlight of the day took place. Fifteen candidates, who had been prepared by the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, made their covenant of love with the Mother Thrice Admirable. By entering into the covenant of love, the people made a concrete commitment to walking along life’s journey as Pilgrims of Hope, with Mary by their side as their mother and educator, and one who will always lead them closer to Christ. The joy on their faces was apparent for all to see as they now seek to live out Mary’s mission from the Shrine, revealing her presence in the world by their being and actions in their own lives.
