On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the International Presidium of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement begins its annual in-person meeting. The meeting will take place at the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine in Belmonte, Rome, until June 6.
The Presidium is the body that represents the entire Movement at the international level and is made up of:
– the superiors of the Schoenstatt Secular Institutes,
– the general leaders of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Federation
– and the International Coordination of Schoenstatt, which represents the Leagues and the Pilgrim Movement.
How often does it meet?
In general, the Presidium holds three one-day meetings during the year and, normally, a meeting called a “clausure meeting” (Klausurtagung), where they retreat for several days to pray, exchange ideas, and discern together the paths of the International Schoenstatt Family. All meetings are mixed, with some members present and others online, but for the “closing meeting,” everyone tries to participate in person.
What is the purpose of the International Presidium?
The mission of the International Presidium is “to serve unity and promote teamwork in matters of common interest to the Schoenstatt Work” (Statutes, no. 69). It has “ultimate responsibility for the spiritual heritage of the founder and authentic doctrine in accordance with the charism” (No. 70), represents the entire Movement before the Holy See (No. 71), and appoints official representatives of the Movement for collaboration in ecclesial and civil associations and commissions, as well as for special events at the international level (No. 74).
Schoenstatt for the post-conciliar mission of the Church
In 2025, one of the themes addressed at the meeting is the promise that Father Kentenich made to Pope Paul VI that Schoenstatt would collaborate in the realization of the post-conciliar mission of the Church. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the memorable meeting between our Founder and the Pope at the end of the Second Vatican Council. The aim is to deepen the understanding of the Fourth Historical Milestone, its message, and its relevance to the Movement today. Archbishop Emeritus Ignacio Sanna, who was president of the Pontifical Academy of Theology, a member of the Institute of Schoenstatt Diocesan Priests, and rector of the Belmonte Shrine, will collaborate in preparing the spirit for the crowning of the Blessed Mother.
Another important aspect is that the members of the Presidium will be present at the international coronation of the Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt in Belmonte on June 9. Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, president of the Presidium, explains that they decided to “hold the meeting close to the coronation so that everyone could be present and also because of the Jubilee of the Movements, which is taking place in the Vatican.” For him, “giving the crown to Mary in the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine is a way of asking the Mother of the Church to grant us the grace to renew the promise that Father Kentenich made almost 60 years ago, through Schoenstatt, to collaborate in the renewal promoted by the Second Vatican Council.”
Regarding this in-person meeting, the general superiors of the Family Institute, Rafael and Cristina Muñoz, commented: “We expect to deepen the formative themes that enrich us so much, to have an overview of the Movement, and, as a couple from the Family Institute, we especially value the opportunity to establish links with other communities, convinced that these bonds are fundamental for building and strengthening Schoenstatt’s unity at the international level. During these days, it is also essential for us to try to ‘walk together’ in mutual listening. In such a disoriented time, all communities must give witness. A synodality that is not supported by the loving presence of Christ quickly loses hope and does not allow us to move forward.”
Who are the members of the International Presidium?
Currently, the General Presidium consists of the following representatives:
Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers
Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, Superior General
Fr. Ignacio Camacho, member of the Community Council
Institute of Schoenstatt Diocesan Priests
Fr. Christian Löhr, Rector General
Fr. Stefan Keller, member of the Community Council
Institute of the Sisters of Mary
Sr. M. Joanna Buckley, Superior General
Fr. Bernd Biberger, Director General
Institute of Our Lady of Schoenstatt
Mrs. Gertrud Pollak, Superior General
Fr. José Melo, Priestly Assistant
Institute of the Brothers of Mary of Schoenstatt
Thomas M. Butz, Superior General
Pedro Dillinger, member of the Community Council
International Federation of Schoenstatt Priests
Fr. Alejandro Blanco, Secretary General
Fr. Hubert Vonlanthen, Assistant Secretary
Schoenstatt Women’s Federation
Geni Maria Hoss, General Leader
Bettina Betzner, member of the Community Leadership
Apostolic Federation of Schoenstatt Mothers
Kathleen Colunga, international leader
Matilde Di Batista, member of the community council
Schoenstatt Family Institute
Rafael and Cristina Muñoz, general superiors
Apostolic Federation of Schoenstatt Families
Raúl and Silvina Viñas, international leaders
International Coordination of the Movement
Fr. Arkadiusz Sosna
Sr. M. Cacilda Becker
Secretariat of the Presidency
Sr. Antje-Maria Wunderwald, secretary
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
