SPMA Update
A Day of Great Joy: Pope Leo XIV Proclaims João Pozzobon Rosary at as Venerable
“I must diminish so that the Mother may grow; I must reduce myself to a little son. I must consume myself for the Mother and Queen and her triumph to be seen. I must transform myself into dust, where the little seeds of Love will be born: love to Mother and Queen three times Admirable of Schoenstatt and Heavenly Father.”
- Venerable João Luiz Pozzobon (1904-1985)
Founder of the Original Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign
Deacon João Luiz Pozzobon declared “Venerable”
On Friday, June 20, 2025, Pope Leo XIV authorized the promulgation of the Decree that declares the Servant of God Deacon João Luiz Pozzobon as “Venerable.”
As defined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Servant of God” is the title given to a candidate for sainthood whose cause is still under investigation, and “Venerable” is the title given to a candidate for sainthood whose cause has not yet reached the beatification stage but whose heroic virtue has been declared by the pope. Becoming Venerable is the step before the beatification of a saint. To qualify for beatification, the recognition of a miracle is now needed.
Click here to read the official statement from the Archdiocese of Santa Maria and the National Presidium of the Movement in Brazil.
SPMA continues to pray for the canonization of Venerable João Pozzobon
Since February, SPMA has been praying for the canonization of João Pozzobon on the 27th of each month, which is the anniversary of his death (June 27, 1985).
On June 27, SPMA members, joined by Schoenstatt pilgrims and friends, prayed the João Pozzobon Meditative Rosary in celebration of this incredible step forward in Pozzobon’s canonization and for the recognition of a miracle of God worked through Pozzobon’s intercession.
If you would like a prayer card or a copy of the João Pozzobon Meditative Rosary, contact Frances Zunker, SPMA Diocesan Coordinator, at (210) 380-3295.
Commissioning of New Missionaries on Sat., Aug. 2
The next SPMA Missionary Commissioning will be held in Cor Unum in Patre Shrine after the Vigil Mass on Sat., Aug. 2.
All Missionaries are encouraged to join us for Mass and the Commissioning Ceremony to renew their commitment to the Pilgrim Mother. All Receivers are invited as well.
If you are interested in becoming a missionary for the first time, or if you are currently a missionary and would like to be commissioned with an additional Pilgrim Shrine, please contact Frances Zunker at (210) 380-3295 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Reminder: Schoenstatt Holy Hour Every 2nd Wednesday at St. Jerome’s
Every second Wednesday of the month, St. Jerome Catholic Church is dedicating its weekly Holy Hour and Rosary to our Mother Thrice Admirable.
Every 2nd Wednesday (unless it falls on the 13th)
St. Jerome Catholic Church
7955 Real Rd, San Antonio, TX 78263
Adoration Chapel | 6 pm-7 pm
Upcoming dates include July 9, Sept. 10, and Oct. 8. SPMA missionaries and receivers are invited to bring their pilgrim shrines. For more information, contact Frances Zunker at (210) 380-3295 or Laura Martinez at (210) 336-8550.
Blessed Mother at the Heart of St. Jerome’s Spanish Women’s ACTS Retreat
Laura Martinez, SPMA Missionary and parishioner of St. Jerome Catholic Church, was commissioned with a Pilgrim Shrine to share with the planning team of St. Jerome’s Spanish Women’s ACTS.
Every Monday, two names are drawn and someone on the team takes the Pilgrim Shrine home for the week, and the other person brings fresh flowers to present to the Blessed Mother at the following team meeting. The group sees this as a way of inviting Mary into their homes and hearts as they prepare for the retreat.
Through this weekly rotation, the team is not only preparing for the retreat logistically; they are preparing spiritually in the presence of the Blessed Mother.
