April 16, 2025 is the 100th anniversary of the first solemn consecration of women in the Schoenstatt Apostolic Federation. This day will be marked with a special celebration in the Original Shrine.
The top 20
“From a small seed grows a tree in whose treetops the birds of the sky feel at home.” This is how Father Joseph Kentenich commented on the historic event 25 years after April 16, 1925.
After serious preparation, 20 women were ready to give themselves completely. Ignatian spiritual exercises preceded the act of consecration in Easter Week.
Row: Gertraud von Bullion, Maria Kronemeyer, Father Kentenich, Father Laqua, Father Kolb, Maria Sauer
Row: Gertrud Quandt, Ernestine Gerster, Toni Oesterle, Klara Weber, Maria Hilfrich, Helene Meschede, Maria Weber, Anna Booz, Marie Christmann
Series: Franziska Ettle, Anna Pries, Maria Vogel, Emilie Engel, Maria Schmitt, Rosa Bauer, Gertrud Breuers, Hilde Zenker
Are women allowed to participate in the Schoenstatt Movement?
This was the question that Father Kentenich had already answered affirmatively five years earlier in a conversation with his collaborators: the renewal of the Church and society is only possible with the involvement of women. They became a source of fruitful life for the whole Movement.
From the Apostolic Federation, two associations gradually emerged: the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary on October 1, 1926, and the Ladies of Schoenstatt, officially established on February 2, 1946.
The future needs an origin
The three women’s communities of Schoenstatt have been walking together towards this memorable day. Now everyone is invited to join in celebrating this event at the Original Shrine, the place of hope, on:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. (Germany time), after the evening blessing.
Download the text of the ceremony:
Find out more about the Apostolic Women’s Federation Schoenstatt by clicking here.
