Growing closer to Jesus through Mary during the Schoenstatt Jubilee Year

The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary are celebrating their 100th anniversary (1926–2026) with a Jubilee Year from October 1, 2025, to November 4, 2026. Founded on October 1, 1926, by Father Joseph Kentenich in Germany, the international secular institute marks the occasion with the motto “Mary, Light of Our Hope,” and will feature major celebrations along with a plenary indulgence available at Schoenstatt Shrines.
 
Our diocese is blessed to have a Schoenstatt Shrine at Lamar, Rockport, which makes plenary indulgences within reach: “It has the same prerequisites as the Jubilee Year of Hope,” says Sr. Jessica Swedzinski. That means: being willing to detach from sin, reciting the Apostolic Creed, an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be at the Shrine for the Pope’s prayer intention; receiving the Eucharist before or after; and going to confession 20 days before or after the visit.

 The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary are not a religious order, but a Secular Institute, “because our founder wanted us out in the world to evangelize,” explains Sr. Jessica. A few years after the Schoenstatt Movement was established in 1914, more and more women joined, leading Father Joseph Kentenich to seek full-time female collaborators. On October 1, 1926, 18 young women volunteered for this mission. As part of their vocation within the Schoenstatt lay movement, they aimed to live a life dedicated to God — similar to religious orders — but in the rhythm and spirituality of laypeople. By 1928, the community grew to 110 sisters, and by 1931, just five years after its inception, the Sisters of Mary were active in about 40 locations across Germany.
 
Two years later, the first centers opened in South Africa and South America. “There was a great need to educate and empower women in parish leadership,” adds Sr. Jessica. In 1949, the sisters arrived in North America to evangelize and serve in parishes, schools, and hospitals.
 
The Schoenstatt Shrine of the Confidentia (confidence) in Lamar, Texas (near Rockport), was dedicated on October 18, 1959, with the founder, Fr. Kentenich, in attendance. Since then, it has become a pilgrimage site, a retreat center, and a place for those seeking to connect with God through prayer. “It is God who guides us – in the Holy Spirit, through Mary, through our founder,” says Sr. Jessica, who looks forward to welcoming many pilgrims during their anniversary year.

 During the anniversary year, the Shrine in Lamar offers Coffee, Sharing, and Holy Hour from 3:30 to 5 pm. The next two events are on Sunday, March 8, and April 12. Every Thursday from 4 to 6 pm, the sisters hold Adoration. 
 
On Sunday, October 11, Bishop Mario Avilés will celebrate Mass at 11 am to mark the 100^th anniversary, followed by a meal and program.
 
To learn more about special events at Confidentia Shrine and House Schoenstatt, located at 134 Front St – Lamar, Rockport, call 361-729-2019, text 262-244-9329, or email [email protected].