Newsletter: General Updates
Let’s Celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Mother
By Margaret Ousset, Board Chair, Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio
May our Mother draw our hearts toward heaven and fill our homes with the sweet fragrance of her peace and hope.
The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the Church's great celebrations of hope. On August 15, we rejoice that Mary, having completed her earthly journey, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Her Assumption is a sign that God's promise of eternal life is real and that heaven is our true home.
For the Schoenstatt Family, this feast has a special meaning. Mary, our Mother, Queen, and Victress of Schoenstatt, continues her mission from heaven. She lovingly accompanies each of us, leading us ever closer to Jesus and helping us grow in faith through our Covenant of Love. From the Schoenstatt Shrine, she continues to dispense the graces of home, transformation, and apostolic fruitfulness to all who come with open hearts.
As we celebrate the Assumption, may we renew our dedication to the Blessed Mother. May her "yes" inspire our own, and may the hope of heaven strengthen us on our journey of faith. With Mary as our Mother and companion, we look forward with joy to the day when we, too, will share in the fullness of God's everlasting love.
May this feast renew our confidence in God's promises. Let us bring our joys, burdens, and prayers to the Shrine, asking Mary to shape our hearts after the heart of Christ. Following her example of faith, humility, and joyful service, may we walk each day with hope, knowing that our earthly pilgrimage leads to the everlasting joy of God's presence.
Entrusting Our Nation to Mary with the Patriotic Rosary
Schoenstatt San Antonio extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for the Patriotic Rosary on July 3. Around 50 people gathered at Mount Schoenstatt, uniting their hearts in the Cor Unum in Patre Shrine to pray for our nation under the loving gaze of our Mother Thrice Admirable.
The morning unfolded beautifully. Families, friends, and visitors prayed together with deep devotion, offering each decade for our country’s leaders, communities, and future.
After the Rosary, the celebration continued in Kentenich Hall, where guests enjoyed hot dogs, drinks, chips, desserts, and a variety of shared side dishes. The fellowship was warm and lively—an expression of the community’s love for faith, family, and country.
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, prepared, served, and supported this event. Your presence made the day a beautiful expression of faith, unity, and love for our nation.
May our Mother Thrice Admirable continue to bless our Schoenstatt family and intercede for the United States.
Mount Schoenstatt Launches New Website
We are excited to announce the launch of the new Mount Schoenstatt website at www.mountschoenstatt.org.
Our redesigned website features a fresh, modern look with improved navigation, making it easier than ever to stay connected with everything happening at Mount Schoenstatt. Visitors can now view our embedded Google Calendar to see upcoming Masses, retreats, and special events at a glance. In addition, the latest newsletter articles are always available online, so you can stay informed with the most recent news and inspiration.
Perhaps the most exciting new feature is that the website is now fully bilingual. Spanish-speaking visitors can instantly view the entire site in Spanish, including the latest newsletter articles. This makes it easier for our growing community to access information, stay connected, and participate in the life of Mount Schoenstatt.
We invite everyone to explore the new website, discover its new features, and bookmark it as your source for the latest news, events, and resources from Mount Schoenstatt. We look forward to welcoming you online at www.mountschoenstatt.org!
Young Adult Group Makes Pilgrimage to Mount Schoenstatt
On the early morning of July 25, the Feast of St. James, Father Rafael Becerra, Pastor and Parish Administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Helotes, led a pilgrimage of about 45 young adults from OLG-Helotes and St. Rose of Lima to Mount Schoenstatt.
After spending time in prayer in Cor Unum in Patre Shrine, the young pilgrims participated in a hilltop Mass where Father Rafael thoughtfully explained the liturgy as he celebrated. A deeply moving moment occurred when one of the young women shared a 1st class relic of St. Padre Pio, allowing others to touch their personal items to it. Afterwards, the group gathered at a nearby restaurant for fellowship.
Special thanks to all the volunteers, who ensured the hilltop was ready for Mass by arranging for the tall grass to be cut, hauling and unloading the needed supplies up the hill, assisting Father and generously photographing the pilgrimage.
We are so grateful to the Blessed Mother for drawing so many young people to the Shrine that day. It was an absolutely glorious event where she took perfect care—as always!
Mount Schoenstatt Property Updates
The recent beneficial rains have been a blessing for Mount Schoenstatt and the surrounding communities, keeping our natural vegetation green and lush. This also means our dedicated volunteer groundskeepers, Walter Ruiz and David Olvera, have been busy on their zero‑turn mowers, ensuring our landscape stays well‑groomed—and, more importantly, safe—for all who visit.
Most of you know Walter or have seen him around Mass or events. He has faithfully cared for our grounds for many years. David, originally from San Benito and now living in San Antonio, also serves generously throughout the year.
David recently cleaned up our Schoenstatt sign found at Low Rd and Scenic Loop Rd, clearing the tall grass and weeds. The sign can now be seen from Scenic Loop Rd! David also mows the property throughout the year and helps out Walter Ruiz (who also mows the grounds throughout the year).
These two gentlemen also maintain our mowers at no cost to us, which is a tremendous blessing and a tremendous savings for Mount Schoenstatt. Professional landscaping companies often charge hundreds and even thousands of dollars for the same work.
On behalf of the entire Schoenstatt community, we thank Walter and David for their unselfish service to maintain our—and our Blessed Mother’s—property. Their unselfish service is a true gift to our community and to our Mother Thrice Admirable.
Mount Schoenstatt’s infrastructure systems continue to operate at normal and safe standards, thanks in part to the quiet, faithful care offered by those who serve behind the scenes, ensuring every visitor can walk, gather, and pray on the grounds with comfort and safety.
The Blessed Mother takes perfect care!