“Upon witnessing the start of online lectures providing preparation for the Covenant of Love during these past weeks, I can only say: Thanks to the pandemic, we have embarked on this path!” – concluded Sister M. Doriett Möllenkamp, after offering eight courses in German. For the year 2020, the Pilgrims’ Center team had resolved to make the Covenant of Love known to many people. But due to the pandemic, it was no longer possible for groups of pilgrims to come to the Schoenstatt shrine. Thus, the alternative “Covenant of Love Online Course” was created.

This has now become a joint offering of the Pilgrims’ Center and the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate. During the fall, another course took place over three evenings.

Different stories, one spirit

online

Sister M. Doriett poses key questions: Who enrolls? Do they know Schoenstatt? What is important for each person? We can say: Course participants are of all ages and live in the most diverse places. Sometimes even beyond Germany: for example, there are always registrations from Switzerland. But there are also registrations from Vallendar, which is very close by. Some of them are already Schoenstatters and others are pilgrims who are interested. Mrs. M., from the Schoenstatt Institute of Families participated in a course so that she could learn how to talk about the subject in the pilgrims’ circles that she accompanies. She was looking for concrete suggestions to present the Covenant of Love. A lady from Vallendar found the brochure in the pilgrims’ church. She had moved to the city a few years ago and was gradually discovering more about Schoenstatt spirituality.

What is the purpose of the course?

The idea is to awaken interest in the Covenant of Love. The three evenings will be dedicated to the following topics:

– How it all began… the Covenant of Love of October 18, 1914.

– Covenant of Love – a path and hope for everyone. And for me?

– Living my faith with Mary.

Often after an inspiration there is a valuable exchange. “For me the idea that the Covenant of Love is a renewal of the baptismal covenant was particularly novel. I often go to the Schoenstatt chapel and can now experience more about the pilgrimage graces.” This was the feedback from a participant.

The Covenant of Love has guided me closer to my vocation

Whether and how the interested parties seal their Covenant of Love is left to God’s guiding hand. We invite the participants to come to one of the Schoenstatt shrines in the dioceses or to Schoenstatt’s original shrine. Schoenstatt Day, October 18, for example, is an excellent opportunity. On this day, a family with two adolescent daughters sealed their Covenant of Love in 2020. An everlasting gift, as the parents describe it today:

“The preparation for the Covenant of Love and the encounters within the context of the Covenant of Love continue to have an effect on me and make me look with joy at the Blessed Mother. With confidence, even in difficult times, I can say MPHC, “* expressed one man.

Another lady’s testimony was: “I have the feeling that since I sealed the Covenant of Love, I have been guided closer to my vocation. Also, it is easier for me to face difficulties because I am more aware that I am not alone. She is with me!”

I am excited about what is to come …

A doctor turned her Covenant Day into something very special: she invited about 50 people, to whom she offered a dinner, where the guests talked about how they got to know Schoenstatt and how they sealed their Covenant of Love. She recounted: “When I look back on the last two years, I am amazed at how I can experience the three graces of the Shrine, of the Blessed Mother: Even before sealing the Covenant of Love, I felt at home in the Original Shrine, I already treasured the adoration. Since then, I have experienced a deeper transformation and commitment to be active, for example, by helping to organize the hours of adoration or in the evening service in the Original Shrine, with songs, among other things.” (What a nice surprise!) “I am excited about what is to come”.

On the homepage of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate in Germany, a brochure refers to the online Covenant of Love course, which will be in German. The next course will begin on January 31, 2023.

* Abbreviation for “Mater perfectam habebit curam”, the Mother will take perfect care.

Shrine