Last weekend, the fifth annual meeting of Brazilian women was held in Schoenstatt. Around 40 women residing in different European countries gathered on November 1 and 2 to share moments of fellowship and exchange. The central theme of the event was the Gospel of the Samaritan woman.
The gathering began with an introduction of the participants, followed by a conference by Sister M. Thálita Siqueira. The sister delved into the details of the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, highlighting the symbols and teachings that the participants could apply to their daily lives. “Jesus wants to awaken our love so that he himself can love us,” she said.
All Saints’ Dinner and Book Presentation
On Saturday afternoon, the women gathered for a special time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel. It was an hour of praise and emotion, during which the participants had a personal encounter with Christ, similar to that of the Samaritan woman at the well in Samaria. The group then participated in the solemn celebration of All Saints’ Day, officiated by Father Eduardo Aguirre, postulator of the cause for the beatification of Father Joseph Kentenich. Holy Mass concluded with the celebration of the Covenant of Love by four women from the group: Roselene Cordeiro-Feld, Ticiana Marques, Roberta Sena Kreucher, and Samara Vieira.
After Mass, the participants celebrated a dinner entitled “All Saints’ Dinner.” The menu consisted of Brazilian culinary specialties, and there was much excitement. The highlight of the dinner was the presentation of the first book written by members of the group. The book “Transformed Women: A Biblical Study of Women in the Old Testament” summarizes biblical passages about women in the Old Testament and their teachings, and applies these insights to the lives of contemporary women. Sr. M. Jéssica Dombrowski coordinated the writing of the book. Currently, the edition is only available in Portuguese.
After a toast to celebrate this achievement, the women went in procession to the Original Shrine to dedicate the first copy to the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt.
“We are different women, but united by the same purpose”
Sunday began with a Holy Mass for the deceased, also officiated by Fr. Aguirre, who, in his homily, emphasized the importance of love for one’s neighbor and charity: “We must do everything with love, for love, and for our neighbor.” This message was in harmony with the atmosphere of love and fraternity that marked the meeting.
The event concluded with a brief talk about the branches of Schoenstatt, followed by a time of sharing in which the participants shared their experiences during the meeting. Lucimara Blum, a participant in the event, describes it this way: “At the Women’s Meeting 2025, every gesture and every word reflected the living presence of Mary: the maternal love that welcomes, inspires, and transforms. We are different women, from so many places and realities, but united by the same purpose: to be instruments of Mary in Schoenstatt. We have experienced a weekend full of blessings, communion, and grace, and we have received from the “Source of Life” the renewal to continue with faith, courage, and tenderness. May this experience continue to blossom in each one of us: at home, in the family, in the mission, and in the heart.”
The program concluded with joy and fun, with a raffle for a coffee maker and the symbol of the gathering, “The Well.” The funds raised from the raffle were donated to the novices of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, who are preparing for their investiture on November 15.
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías