Through this group of pilgrims, Mary, as Europe’s great Pilgrim, the so-called “Auxiliary of Europe”, can once again resume her pilgrimage through the European nations. Twice already, Mary, who is on her way as “Queen of the New Evangelization of Europe”, has visited the countries of the continent and established links between the nations. Due to pandemic restrictions, the pilgrimage was halted. The group of pilgrims, led by Sister Beata-Maria Horváth, was not only sent out again with the small Pilgrim MTAs they had brought with them, but they also had the Blessed Mother’s traveling company in the large Pilgrim MTA for their pilgrimage to Romania.
Visit to the cultural capital Timisoara
The first stop of the pilgrimage in Romania is the cathedral of Timisoara. This second largest city in Romania is the economic and cultural center of the Banat region and is one of the three European Capitals of Culture for 2023. The title “Capital of Culture” is awarded annually by the European Union to showcase and celebrate the richness and diversity of the continent’s cultures, as evidenced by numerous events in the life of the people.
Together for Europe’s support group meeting
In November, Timisoara will also host the annual meeting of the “Together for Europe” support group. In this European-wide initiative, more than 200 Christian communities and movements from different churches have joined together to form a network committed to common goals. The Schoenstatt Movement is one of them. Bishop József-Csaba Pál from Romania explains: “These people from various denominations are doing what I have always dreamed of: They live joyfully and in unity in the presence of God”.
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Romania
Since April 2019 there has been a branch of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Timisoara. The sisters work, among other things, with family and youth ministry, the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Apostolate and the Episcopal Ordinariate. In the meantime, the altar for the planned and eagerly awaited Schoenstatt Shrine for Romania, true to the original, has been consecrated. It is now in the Sisters’ house, which has meeting rooms for the growing Schoenstatt Family.
Information from: schoenstatt.de
