Celebrating the Sion Feast 2026 at Mount Sion

Mount Sion, 30 August 2026

The Schoenstatt Fathers community worldwide celebrated the Sion Feast 2026 with gratitude and joy, marking the 56th anniversary of the blessing of the Sion Shrine. In Schoenstatt, on Mount Sion, the celebration brought together many members of the Schoenstatt Fathers community, including priests working in parishes, brothers and Fathers from the “Sion Time”, and members of the European Province.

The celebration began in the evening with the Holy Mass in the House Chapel, presided over by Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, ISch, general superior of the Schoenstatt Fathers.

The homily was given by Fr. Juan Pablo Catoggio, our former superior general, who reflected on the meaning of Sion in the light of the Gospel and the mission of the Schoenstatt Fathers. Drawing from the gospel of the day, he highlighted the journey of Jesus towards Jerusalem—a journey of suffering, self-giving, death and Resurrection. This journey, he reminded the community, is also the journey of every disciple. To follow Christ means being willing to take up the cross, give oneself generously and place one’s life in God’s hands. Fr. Catoggio connected this gospel journey with the community’s own pilgrimage towards Sion. Sion is not merely a geographical place, but a spiritual path—a path of discipleship, self-giving and trust. A central part of the homily was the reflection on three words from the “Green Letter”of the superior general: “Fire in the heart—the brother at my side—the mission before us.”

Following the Holy Mass, the community continued the celebration with a pilgrimage from the house chapel to the Sion shrine where it gathered in prayer, entrusting anew its vocation, unity and mission to God and the Blessed Mother. The final blessing was given by Fr. Sandro, a newly ordained priest, making the moment especially joyful and significant for the community.

The celebration continued with a barbecue evening, providing an opportunity for fellowship, conversation and joyful community life. Many members of the community participated, making the evening a beautiful expression of fraternity.

May Mount Sion continue to be a source of grace, hope, joy and love, and may the community become ever more faithful builders of Sion, the New Jerusalem.