The pilgrimage area in Schoenstatt, Germany, is being restructuredin line with a more global and international vision for the site. Currently, the work is carried out on two different fronts, one for German pilgrims and the other for international pilgrims. The International Presidium proposes, in a new model, to unify this area, as Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello explains below:
Dear International Schoenstatt Family,
For some time now, there has been a concern to connect more closely among the various sections in charge of the pilgrims who arrive at Schoenstatt in Vallendar. In this context, a process is underway to place under a single structure those “responsible for the German pilgrims” and those “responsible for the international pilgrims” in Schoenstatt, thereby placing them under the same leadership. This new “pilgrimage leadership” will consist of a Schoenstatt Father and a Sister of Mary. The Schoenstatt Father will also serve as the rector of the Original Shrine.
Even though this process has not yet been fully completed, on February 19, 2026, the General Presidium appointed Fr. Stefan Strecker and Sr. M. Anika Lämmle as the future pilgrimage directors. They will take over this office on 15 August 2026 for a three-year term. To promote and ensure the internationality of this service, Fathers and Sisters from different countries will be part of the pilgrimage team.
Until then, Fr. Ignacio Camacho will remain as rector of the Original Shrine, and Fr. Felix Geyer and Sr. M. Anika Lämmle will continue as pilgrimage directors. We thank them sincerely for their valuable service. Our special thanks also go to Fr. Stefan Strecker and Sr. M. Anika Lämmle for their willingness to take on this new mission in the service of the international Schoenstatt Family and all the different sections in charge of pilgrimages in Schoenstatt.
Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, ISch
President of the General Presidium
