How can Schoenstatt help, from its spirituality, those who are engaged and newlyweds? This question interests many people, in different countries, who help in the formation of new and future families. To join forces and work together, the Schoenstatters who dedicate themselves to this apostolate decided to meet online. Through this, and with the participation of representatives from different countries, they were able to create an International Schoenstatt Ministry for engaged couples.

On October 23, 2024, the first meeting was held, bringing together participants from Argentina, Austria and Costa Rica. It was held through the Teams platform, taking into account different time zones and with the collaboration of a couple who helped with the translation.

The purpose of this meeting was to share connections, get to know each other and also to express how the marriage preparation courses were developed in each location. Overall, the work of all of them is centered on couples in the first years of married life – from 0 to 5 years of marriage – and the activities are developed in parishes or places where the Schoenstatt Movement is present.

Joining forces in the light of Schoenstatt’s spirituality

On October 28, 2024, the second international meeting was held, with representatives from Argentina, Germany, Italy and Chile. The objective was similar to the first meeting, thus giving continuity to the idea of working together.

Since they all work from the Schoenstatt spirituality, the International Ministry was born with the objective of sharing material for common use, which can be used in the ministry work in each country.

Together, the facilitators want to offer answers and useful content to couples who are going through the engagement phase, to those who are preparing for marriage and to newlyweds.

At present, the following countries are part of the International Ministry: Austria, Germany, Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile and Italy.

The next online meeting will be in March 2025. For more information contact Adrian and Lourdes Garcia, email: aagarciac66@gmail.com

Translation: Maribel Acaron