The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Waukesha, USA, began their Jubilee with a 4-day Festival from September 8 to 11. From 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, people were invited to visit the Sisters’ residence and workplace and enjoy some fun activities.
In the Father Joseph Kentenich Hall, an exposition of the sisters’ different apostolates and social works was displayed, and many sisters shared with the people. People could visit our jubilee video rooms (in Spanish and English), featuring a documentary about our community and various personal testimonies of our sisters. Various tours were offered throughout our land, and they enjoyed hayrack rides, crafts for children of all ages, and a scavenger hunt for families – with prizes!
Open doors to welcome pilgrims
The Shrine was open for personal prayer and adoration, and a sister explained the Shrine, its meaning, and the graces one can receive there.
Most attractive was the opportunity to visit the Provincial House and see some of the rooms where the sisters live: the recreation room, a bedroom, the sewing room, and the dining room; of course, they were invited to pray for a plenary indulgence in our house chapel.
It was important to spend time with the Sisters at the Schoenstatt Café and enjoy refreshments provided by the community!
These four days were well attended and a good preparation for the jubilee day itself.
The solemn day of this celebration
September 12 dawned bright and sunny. The solemn Holy Mass was scheduled for 2:00 pm. At 1:30 pm, we were all in our places in the Father Kentenich Hall, in readiness for the beginning of our jubilee Holy Mass with Bishop Donald Hying from Madison and nine priests: Fr. Hector Vega, Fr. Joseph Dominic, Fr. Luis Pacheco, Fr. Edward Sanchez, Fr. Justin Weber, Fr. Dominic Lazzaroni, Fr. Michael Simone, S.J., and Fr. Fred Alexander, Discalced Carmelite Friar, and two deacons, Deacon Daniel Zajicek and Deacon Henry Reyes.
An instrumental prelude, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” and our jubilee song, sung by our choir, opened the festive jubilee celebration. Sr. M. Isabel Bracero and Sr. Marie Therese Wycklendt offered words of welcome in English and Spanish, then invited Mr. and Mrs. Wycklendt to come forward and offer a special prayer for our sisters. Meanwhile, the sisters lined up in the narthex and solemnly processed in as the opening song for Holy Mass was sung. The people were truly captivated by all the sisters in the procession, as well as the many priests and deacons who preceded the bishop.
Fr. Cristobal, a Schoenstatt Father, came forward to welcome the bishop and congratulate the sisters’ community on this solemn occasion.
The bishop spoke in his homily about the importance of Mary in the lives of our sisters and how much he appreciated this throughout his priestly life. He had his ordination retreat at our Center and was honored to say Holy Mass at the same altar where our Father and Founder had said Holy Mass.
A tribute to those who shaped history
The singing and instrumental music throughout the Holy Mass were beautiful. At the end of Holy Mass, Sr. M. Emily Kenkel, the Provincial Superior, offered words of thanks on behalf of the sisters, expressing deep gratitude for bishops, priests, religious communities, families, collaborators, and the wider Schoenstatt Family. She honored sisters who built the community’s first century, including early missionaries and long serving members. She highlighted international participation, the contribution of musicians, and the joy of new vocations, presenting the newest candidate as a sign of hope. Looking to the future, she emphasized trust in Mary, the light of their hope, and asked for continued prayers as the sisters enter their second century of mission and service.
We then proceeded to the Shrine in a solemn procession. We estimated that between 600 and 700 people were present.
At the shrine, the bishop and sisters alternated in prayer, and as the Magnificat was sung, the shrine bell rang out with joy. Once outside, “fireworks” of streamers were set off, and everyone could truly experience the event’s great joy.
Gradually, everyone made their way down to the Father Kentenich Hall, where a light supper was served. Each person also received a piece of cake. Extra tables had been set up in the parking lot and were specially decorated for the occasion.
At 6:00 pm, vespers was held at the shrine, and many people attended. With this, the solemn jubilee came to a close, but people lingered until after 8 pm. It was a beautiful, family-like celebration.
