Renovation of the Youth Rooms
at the Schoenstatt Center in Dietershausen, Germany
The Schoenstatt Sisters at the Schoenstatt Center in Dietershausen, Germany were delighted recently to welcome very special guests. Mr. Bjoern Steinacker, President of the Lions Club in Fulda, as well as Mr. Michael Engels (Vice-President) and Mr. Dirk Eckerscham (Past President) were guests on February 24, 2025, at the Schoenstatt Center in Dietershausen. They gave a monetary check to Sister M. Birgitta Binder, administrator of the center. Her joy was apparent.
With this check the Lions Club of Fulda gave their financial support to the renovation of areas for youth at the Schoenstatt Center. Almost every week, school classes from the region and other groups of children and young people come here to do projects, for school trips, to attend group meetings, or take part in various other activities.
Recently, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, together with the Schoenstatt Movement, renovated and modernized the youth rooms. Likewise, the premises were made handicap accessible. Sister Birgitta was a member of the planning team and oversaw the renovation. She explained:
“It is a major concern for us, that children and youth are comfortable here and have positive experiences. In addition to good content in our programs and thematic units, this also includes good, appealing furnishing of our buildings.”
The sisters are also a bit proud that this project was completed during this year when they commemorate 90 years of their presence in Dietershausen. For ninety years it has been their goal to give a home to everyone who comes here. First of all, a very natural experience, but also a spiritual home in the little Shrine which characterizes the place.
“We are very grateful for the new large window. It makes the youth room very bright and friendly. The technical equipment is also a great asset in meeting requirements for conferences in today’s world. There are many things in the large cupboard that can be used to play games inside and outside in free time during our events,” said Sister M. Isabell Lustig, who also accompanies groups regularly.
Bjoern Steinacker was happily surprised about the successful modernization and thanked the Schoenstatt Sisters for their commitment and dedication to the youth, and to all their guests and visitors, whether old or young, who are received in a friendly way and with respect.
“It is important to direct the focus of children and young people to other topics than media for a time and to engage them with other values, especially in today’s very fast-paced world with media influences everywhere.”
All of the Schoenstatt Sisters who live and work at the Center expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Lions Club for its generous donation and hope that the young guests feel even more at home now.