The first stage of the VII General Congress of the Secular Institute of Schoenstatt Priests is taking place in Belmonte, near Rome, from September 2nd to the 11th.

The objective of this meeting is to bring together representatives from the different regions of the Institute to exchange ideas and set the course for the community in the coming years. This will be a time of discernment in order to make some important decisions.

Thirty-two priests from the following countries are participating: Argentina, Brazil, Burundi, Chile, Dominican Republic, Germany, Mexico, Philippines, and Puerto Rico.

The second stage of the General Congress will be held in February 2026 at the Institute’s Central House, located on Mount Moriah in Schoenstatt, Germany. During this phase, the new general government of the Institute will be elected.

The presidency of the Congress

Last Wednesday, the leaders that will guide this important moment of common reflection were elected.

Fr. Frank Blumers (Germany) was elected president, and Fathers Alejandro Zelaya (Argentina) and Viateur Nibaruta (Burundi) were elected vice presidents. It is now a matter of making decisions, engaging in consultations and holding elections of great importance for the international community of diocesan priests.

The Institute of Diocesan Priests asks the International Schoenstatt Movement to keep them in your prayers.

Translation: Maribel Acaron