Catholics from across greater Sydney are expected to flock to the Schoenstatt Shrine at Mulgoa for an experience of peace and love after its Holy Door was to be opened on 13 December.
The shrine was nominated to be part of the Year of Mercy, in which Holy Doors will be opened in each diocese across Australia, so that all who enter will, according to Pope Francis, “experience the love of God who consoles, pardons and instils hope”.
As with all Jubilees, a plenary indulgence is granted during the Holy Year of Mercy for those who meet the requirements.
The shrine “is a place of pilgrimage and grace where each week many pilgrims come to pray and visit Our Blessed Mother in her Shrine”, a spokeswoman told The Catholic Weekly.
“These people come from many parts of the greater Sydney area- from the mountains to the sea and beyond.”
While a greater number of Catholics are expected to visit during the Year of Mercy, the shrine draws people from a range of cultures and faiths, she said.
“They come because they love the shrine and find in it a prayerful, peaceful place where they can feel at home.
“Here at the shrine they believe that our Merciful Mother will answer their prayers and petitions and they have faith that is a sacred place, a place of grace and blessing.
“We believe that here in her Shrine, the Blessed Mother of Schoenstatt not only offers us the grace of feeling at home, she also offers us the grace of inner transformation.
“We don’t expect physical miracles, but rather miracles of conversion. We believe that with the help of Our Lady and her Son, we will come to know and believe that we have a merciful Father who loves us and only wants what is best for us.”
Inquiries: www.schoenstatt.org.au or (02) 4773 8338.