Visitation of the European Province, 1 June to 6 July 2026

The visitation of the European Province by Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, Superior General, has come to a successful conclusion. During his visit, Fr. Alexandre met with the Fathers in the various filiations of European Province, encouraged them in their mission, and reflected on the journey of the European Province.

Formed three years ago through the union of the Sion Province, the Swiss Province, and the Polish Delegation, the European Province today spans seven countries and five languages. While this integration initially presented significant challenges, Fr. Alexandre expressed his joy at witnessing the remarkable progress made through annual provincial gatherings, the dedicated work of the Provincial Council, and the generous commitment of the younger generation of Fathers. Together they are shaping a common vision for the future, with a renewed emphasis on youth ministry, service to the Schoenstatt Movement, and the mission of the Schoenstatt Fathers in Central Europe.

During his visitation, Fr. Alexandre visited the three German filiations: the two communities in Schönstatt—one primarily dedicated to serving the Schoenstatt Movement and the other caring for the senior Fathers—and the Munich filiation, where the Fathers serve the Movement from the local Schoenstatt Shrine and support apostolic work throughout southern Germany, including collaboration with confreres in the Czech Republic.

His journey also took him to Manchester (United Kingdom), where the Fathers continue to serve the Schoenstatt Movement from the Shrine that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. He visited the community in Poland, the two Swiss filiations—one at the Shrine in Horw, where senior Fathers sustain a profound ministry of prayer and Eucharistic adoration, and the apostolic community in St. Gallen—as well as the Vienna filiation, whose members serve in Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Throughout the visitation, Fr. Alexandre had the opportunity not only to meet the Fathers but also to encounter many members of the Schoenstatt Movement and friends who actively support the mission of the community. 

A special highlight of the visitation was the priestly ordination of Fr. Sandro Koch. The joyful participation of many young people and numerous Schoenstatt Fathers made this celebration a powerful witness of hope and a visible sign of God’s continued blessings upon the European Province.

As the visitation concludes, the European Province looks ahead with confidence, grateful for God’s guidance, strengthened in its unity, and committed to serving the Church and the Schoenstatt Movement with renewed zeal.