Anyone passing through Izaga or Daniel Carrión streets in Chiclayo, Peru, will probably notice the presence of the Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt. This is because “our Blessed Mother does not go unnoticed,” says Mrs. Carmita Cely, a missionary of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate and a member of the Schoenstatt Mothers League.
The Apostolic Movement is present and full of life in the Diocese of Chiclayo, home of the newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. Born in the United States, Robert Francis Prevost lived for several years in Peru.
“In the Schoenstatt Movement in Chiclayo, there are groups of missionaries of the Pilgrim Mother, the Mothers League, and several wayside shrines: one in Izaga, another in Daniel Carrión. Our Mother does not go unnoticed by anyone who passes by. Another wayside shrine is located in the park at the Arab Club in the Santa Victoria neighborhood, and it is visited by all kinds of people,” says Carmita.
It is now a tradition that every May 18th a special procession takes place through the streets of the city. A six-meter-high image of the Mother and Queen is carried through the city accompanied by many people, musicians, traditional dances, and expressions of affection.
Pope Leo XIV at the ordination of priests linked to Schoenstatt spirituality
The excitement of having a new Pope
“The election of the new Pope was very exciting. It was a blessing to have been in contact with him at some events, as Schoenstatt Movement,” says Mrs. Carmita.
The Mothers League contributes in various ways to the formation of new priests in the diocese by supporting the Major Seminary. This brought the mothers closer to the then Bishop Robert Francis Prevost.
The Blessed Mother was present during these elections
The current moderator to the Schoenstatt Family in Peru, Father Eduardo Auza, did not have the opportunity to meet Cardinal Prevost, as the new Pope had already been working in Rome for several years. “But the Schoenstatt Family knows him, and he, of course, also knows the Schoenstatt Family, especially in Chiclayo, where he was bishop (there is no Shrine there, only wayside shrines). He is also well known in the city of Trujillo, where he worked and where there is a Schoenstatt Shrine, the Shrine of Fidelity, which this year, 2025, celebrates 25 years since its consecration,” says the advisor.
Fr. Eduardo says that he really liked the Pope’s first words: “First of all, he thanked Pope Francis for his testimony of life. This makes us think that he wants to continue the work of his predecessor. He referred several times to being builders of bridges, indicating that he is a man of communion who will seek to strengthen the spirit of family. He also said that he wants a synodal Church, which shows that, for him, synodality must be a way of life for the Catholic Church, a journey together toward God, and that together we can respond to all the challenges of our time.”
Pope Leo XIV with priests linked to Schoenstatt spirituality
In addition, Fr. Eduardo has other important observations: “He also spoke to us about a missionary Church. We cannot lose our sense of mission, of being on a journey. It was very nice to hear him refer to PEACE: he is going to work for peace in the world.”
Fr. Eduardo tells the Schoenstatters that the new pontiff’s last words touch them especially: “His speech ended with an invocation to Mary, on the day of Our Lady of Pompeii, asking her to walk with us. This reminds us of the culture of the Covenant. This says a lot to us Schoenstatters. The Blessed Mother was present in this election.”
On May 18, the Schoenstatt Family in Chiclayo will renew the Covenant of Love with even greater joy and emotion, since this is precisely the date marked for the beginning of the new Pope’s pontificate. Prayers and gifts to the Capital of Grace will be offered for him.
“We hope that with this new Pope we will have unity, peace, and that we will continue spreading awareness of our love and assistance to those most in need,” says Carmita.
Translation: Maribel Acaron
