Our Lady of Schoenstatt
Our Lady of Schoenstatt is a German-based Marian devotion that began in the early 20th century.
Unlike other Marian devotions, like Our Lady of Guadalupe or Our Lady of Champion, which originated with Marian apparitions, the devotion to Our Lady of Schoenstatt does not stem from a Marian apparition but rather a “covenant of love” (or a Marian Consecration) that focuses on a worldwide religious and moral renewal.
The Marian Shrine in Schoenstatt is a pilgrimage place dedicated to Mary under the title “Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt.”
Schoenstatt’s official website describes Schoenstatt as “A place. A spirituality. A movement. A family. A new way of life.”
The Blessed Virgin Mary, venerated with great love by every member of the Schoenstatt community with the title “Mother Thrice Admirable”, is a fundamental model for all, who leads us to create bridges based on fraternal charity and on the communion of goods with those most in need, and at the same time gives us hope and courage to reach out to those who have drifted away from friendship with the Lord, to recover them with the witness of a new life in Christ, characterized by mercy. – Pope Francis, Sept. 2022
The Origins and History of Our Lady of Schoenstatt
Unlike many centuries-old Marian devotions, Our Lady of Schoenstatt began quite recently. On October 18, 1914, in a small chapel in Schoenstatt, Germany, Father Joseph Kentenich and a small group of Pallottine seminarians established a covenant of love with Mary.
“Father Kentenich wanted to create a spirituality which would be adaptable to conditions of rapid changes in the modern world,” according to Schoenstatt’s official site.
This covenant wasn’t just a one-time event but the beginning of a spiritual movement. Fr. Kentenich invited Mary to dwell spiritually in this humble chapel (now known as the “Original Shrine”) and to work through it as a place of grace. He asked her to draw hearts to herself and form them into instruments of Christ. The word Schoenstatt means “beautiful place”
What makes this devotion unique is that it developed during the challenges of World War I. Fr. Kentenich recognized that modern times required a deeply personal relationship with Mary that could help people navigate the complexities of contemporary life while remaining faithful to Catholic tradition.
The Schoenstatt movement has led to the creation of several religious communities, such as the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary and Schoenstatt Fathers.
The Three Graces of Schoenstatt
Those who visit Schoenstatt shrines or pray with this devotion often seek three special graces:
- The Grace of Home – Feeling at home and sheltered by Mary’s love
- The Grace of Inner Transformation – Self-discovery. Growing in holiness and faith through Mary’s guidance
- The Grace of Apostolic Fruitfulness – Being inspired to share Christ’s love with others
“The essence of Schoenstatt is this idea of giving your heart to Mary, and in exchange, she gives herself to you. So you prove your love to her by the things you do. In exchange, she comes and dwells in your midst and forms you into the image of her Son,” said Curtis Kneblik, who helped organize and construct the Schoenstatt Wayside Shrine at the Transfiguration Center for Spiritual Renewal in Ludlow Falls, Ohio.
These graces remind us that prayer isn’t just about what we say to God, but how we allow ourselves to be transformed through our relationship with Him and His mother.
Feast Day and Celebration
The Feast of Our Lady of Schoenstatt is celebrated on October 18th, commemorating the founding of the movement in 1914. On this day, devotees worldwide renew their covenant of love with Mary and celebrate the fruits of this spiritual relationship.
Many Schoenstatt communities mark this day with special Masses, processions, and renewal of their personal dedication to Mary. It’s a beautiful opportunity to join in praying a novena leading up to the feast day, deepening your connection to this devotion.
If you live near a Schoenstatt center, shrine or community, it’s worth joining. After Mass and (often) the sacrament of reconciliation, there is often a small meal to celebrate the feast day.
Our Lady of Schoenstatt Prayers
You can offer the consecration prayer when seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Schoenstatt, since drawing closer to Mary (and by extension, Jesus) is at the heart of the Schoenstatt charism:
“My Queen, my Mother, I give myself entirely to you, and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my entire self without reserve. As I am your own, my good Mother, guard me and defend me as your property and possession. Amen.”
You can also explore prayers written by Fr. Kentenich in his book, Heavenwards. For example, here is a beautiful prayer he calls “Prayer in the Time of Need”:
Mother, take us caringly beneath your mantle,
that we may always live as citizens of heaven.
Preserve us from hunger, epidemics and fire;
Preserve us who turn to you in time of dire need.
Speak to your Son as you once did on earth
when he came to our aid in need and distress—
“Lord, they have no wine and no food”—
then he will certainly hear our prayer.
He chose you as the second Eve;
you shall save what the first Eve lost.
Just as she drew us into ruin,
from you stream forth the rays of eternal salvation.
It is the Father’s loving plan of wisdom
that the earth constantly endure itself as a vale of tears
until the sun of transfiguration rises over it in splendor
and it mirrors heaven’s blessed harmony.
In union with your Son you have been entrusted
with giving us the lost life of grace
and with protecting us from many earthly sorrows—
soothing the pain they cause and transforming them into our salvation.
Unfold today the richness of your motherly heart
wherever diabolical forces are powerfully at work.
Reveal the fullest extent of your might and kindness
as the Helpmate of the Lord.
Just as your Son healed, stilled hunger
and comforted the sick while here on earth,
go with him quietly through our midst,
giving your blessing and helping us with the arm of your unlimited motherly power.
Show yourself to all the world as the Great Sign
which neither Satan’s cunning nor earthly sorrow can endure.
Let the nations find protection and salvation in you
and joyfully proclaim you salvation’s Mediatrix.
Our affliction, too, has increased so enormously
that without your help we must succumb.
You alone can save us from perdition—
come and see us gathered around you with our pleas.
United with your Son, be the one who rescues us
from the fury of hell and the tempests of our times.
We want to gratefully and eternally praise you in every way we know
as the great Mother of the nations.
We want to courageously spread your name
and lead all people to your shrine,
so that, with you, they jubilantly and lovingly worship the Triune God
both here and high in heaven above.
Amen.
Home Shrines: Bringing Schoenstatt Into Daily Life
One of the most beautiful aspects of Schoenstatt spirituality is the tradition of creating a “home shrine”—a sacred space in your home dedicated to Our Lady of Schoenstatt. This typically includes an image of Mary and Jesus, perhaps some candles, and flowers.
It reflects the tremendous spread of the Schoenstatt movement: from the original shrine in Germany, to replica shrines around the world, to new shrines built in private homes.
An article by the Diocese of St. Petersburg explores the growth of the home shrine practice within that diocese.
“When I went to work, I wasn’t happy, I felt empty. But now when I come home, praying together and experiencing so much kindness, it’s like a sanctuary for us,” said one person who constructed a home shrine.
This home shrine becomes a place where family prayer happens and where Mary’s presence is invited into everyday life. It reminds us that holiness isn’t just found in churches but can transform our homes and daily routines.
One Schoenstatt group created a room shrine dedication guide for setting up a home shrine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Our Lady of Schoenstatt
The word “schoenstatt” means “beautiful place” in German.
Our Lady of Schoenstatt is associated with a broad movement seeking to unite hearts to Mary. Our Lady of Schoenstatt also has a famous depiction of Mary with baby Jesus, a version of which you can see at the top of this article.
There are Schoenstatt shrines around the world! The Schoenstatt shrine locator suggests there are more than 200 in the world.