(Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)
MADISON — The cheerful smiles and “hellos” of the Schoenstatt Sisters greeted everyone as they entered the air-conditioned chapel and hall on Madison’s east side.
The Sisters’ visitors and guests were starting their week with the monthly Covenant Sunday at the Schoenstatt Shrine. The August 24 celebration took on a special meaning marking the 100th anniversary of the Schoenstatt Movement.
Schoenstatt is a Catholic movement that strives to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the example and guidance of Mary, the mother of God.
It was started in 1914 in Germany by Fr. Joseph Kentenich who established a “Covenant of Love” with the Blessed Mother and a strong devotion to her.
Father Kentenich lived in Madison from 1952 to 1963. While he was there, the Founder Shrine was dedicated in its current location in 1953. There are 180 replicas of the shrine throughout the world today.
Bishop celebrates Mass
Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison celebrated Mass on the special Covenant Sunday along with Schoenstatt Father Christian Christiansen.
“What a joy it is for me to be here with all of you,” Bishop Morlino said. “I know that as the Lord looks into your hearts and into the hearts of members of the Schoenstatt community all over the world, he sees the love for himself and he sees the devotion to the mission that you belong to Jesus Christ and his Church.”
Later in his homily, the bishop said the Schoenstatt community wants to be a “true element of the true Church,” commenting they can be an example to lay people who need help getting their “footing” in the Church.
“You accept Peter as the rock. You accept Christ came to us in a visible form, in a human body. You accept that Christ continues to be present to us in the human body which is the Church, and Pope Francis is the visible end of that body.”
Serving at the Mass was Diocese of Madison seminarian Deacon Christopher Gernetzke.
Music was led by Sr. Catherine Ditto, along with Barbara Brochtrup on guitar and Susan Vanderschueren on piano.
Members of the community served as readers and led the Prayers of the Faithful.
Renewal of the covenant
After Mass, everyone processed to the Founder Shrine for the monthly renewal of the covenant.
There the community said prayers along with its motto for the year, “Your covenant, our mission.”
Part of the monthly renewal prayer goes, “Dear mother thrice admirable, queen and victress of Schoenstatt, with grateful hearts we kneel before you here in our Founder Shrine. Through divine providence and the prophetic wisdom of Father Kentenich, you planted the seed of Schoenstatt in Madison. From this shrine, dear mother, we beg you to bring about a great movement of renewal and education that will enable our country to fulfill its God-given mission.”
After the prayers, Bishop Morlino blessed the shrine and the community.
A potluck reception was held in the hall after the renewal of the covenant.
It was a chance for young and old in the Schoenstatt community to come together and celebrate the many years of dedication and devotion.
During the reception, Bishop Morlino was presented with a prayer card, book of the shrine’s history, and a model of the Founder Shrine.
“They’ll remind me of the great work that goes on in this diocese through Schoenstatt,” said Bishop Morlino.
Plans are being made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the movement throughout the world in October. The Schoenstatt Movement is present today in about 42 countries.
Eucharistic Adoration will take place in the Founder Shrine in Madison on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. More events may be scheduled.
Another anniversary event will be held at the Waukesha Schoenstatt Shrine from October 9 to 12.
Schoenstatt Madison is located at 5901 Cottage Grove Rd. Everyone is welcome to come pray in the shrine. Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit, schoenstatt-wisconsin.us/madison