Chris and April Villasis, from the Cheasapeake area in Virginia, started our Schoenstatt Young Couples group in Virginia Beach on October 28, 2017. They tell us about their pioneering work with families in their area:

We were led by Sister Isabel on our first meeting and together with two other families, we were introduced to the basic teachings of Schoenstatt and its history. From then on we have met once a month, usually on a Saturday. We start by praying the rosary, then a short presentation on the teachings of Schoenstatt specifically on marriage. We then share our insights and discuss over food and drinks.

Occasionally, we join meetings with those who work with the apostolate of the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother. Those meetings are held once a month at St. Gregory the Great Church. This year due to COVID it was hard for everybody to meet but this summer we met up with another family to crown our Blessed Mother at her wayside shrine in St. Luke’s Catholic Church.

Also, I teach religious formation to first graders in my parish. My students take turns in taking home the Schoenstatt Pilgrim shrine. I think this is a simple and beautiful introduction of the Schoenstatt movement to their respective families.