With a ceremonial academy at Schoenstatt, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary opened their celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of their foundation on October 2. Guests from the Church and society, members of the Schoenstatt Movement, as well as relatives and friends, gathered for the anniversary. Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity, travelled from Rome to attend. He will be the main celebrant at the festive Mass on October 3, 2026.

The theme of the ceremonial academy was “Mary – The Future Has a Face.” The program included not only theological reflections, but also personal testimonies about what Mary means to the Sisters. In a film and in personal contributions, the Sisters described Mary, among other things, as a role model, a compass, a companion, and as the one who brings people together. Sr. M. Lisianne Braunbeck, a member of the General Council, also made clear the significance Mary has for the life of the community.

A special emphasis was placed on the new pillar of light in the Adoration Church, created by the artist María Jesús Fernández Ortiz. The pillar of light was created as an anniversary gift for the Sisters of Mary. The artwork is also part of a much longer history: As early as 1957, in view of the political situation at the time, the desire had arisen to give Mary a visible sign of trust and gratitude. With the pillar of light, this idea was taken up again for the 100th anniversary.

Mary as the Archetype of the Church

Cardinal Kurt Koch gave the main theological address on the theme “Beauty That Saves: Mary’s Transforming Power for the Church of Today and Tomorrow.” He presented Mary as the origin and archetype of the Church, also drawing on the Second Vatican Council. Mary is the one who listens, receiving the Word of God and making room for it. In her “yes” and in the Magnificat, it becomes visible what it means to make room for God in the world.

Koch also emphasized the close connection between the mission of Jesus and the mission of Mary. At the wedding at Cana, he said, it becomes clear how Mary points to Jesus. At the same time, he described the Marian dimension as a fundamental attitude of the Church: It first receives from God before taking action itself. Mary thus represents the receptive and maternal dimension of the Church.

Under the image of the “beauty that saves,” Koch ultimately also turned his attention to the mission of the Sisters of Mary. They are called to bear witness to the beauty of Mary and, through her, to the beauty of God.

“Mary – Light of Our Hope”

In the evening, the celebration of light in the Adoration Church provided another special moment. Under the theme “Mary – Light of Our Hope!”, the Sisters gave thanks for the 100-year history of their community through songs, prayers, and light. The history of the Sisters of Mary is understood as a journey on which Mary led them through dark times toward the light. At the same time, attention turned toward the future: The Sisters see themselves as a small but effective light of hope.

Once again, the new pillar of light in front of the image of Mary was at the center. Its design recalls the biblical pillar of cloud and fire that gave the people of Israel guidance on their journey through the desert. In this way, it became a sign of the experience that God is present and does not leave people alone on their journey. From its light, the participants lit their own candles. Prayers and intercessions were offered for people in different situations in life, for the pilgrims and guests attending the anniversary celebrations, and for the people of Germany, Europe, and the whole world.

With songs and thanksgiving to Mary, the first day of the anniversary celebrations came to an end.

Attention was already turned to the following day of celebration, when the 100-year history of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary will continue to be celebrated and honored.