“You are my promise to the world …”

(Joseph Kentenich)

October 1, 1926

Founding of the community of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary by Father Joseph Kentenich

1933

The first sisters are sent to South Africa

1934

Beginning of the adoration branch of the community

1935

The first sisters are sent to South America (Brazil and Argentina)

1941-1945

The founder’s imprisonment by the Nazis in the Koblenz prison and in the concentration camp of Dachau

Construction of the first daughter shrine by the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Uruguay

1946-1950

Constitution of the provinces in Germany and overseas

First visits of the founder to South America, South Africa, and North America

1948

Diocesan erection of the community as a secular institute, then the preliminary erection as a secular institute of papal right

1949

The first sisters are sent to North America

1951

The first sisters are sent to Australia

1951-1965

Testing of the community and the Schoenstatt Work by the Church

Exile of the founder in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

1967

First general chapter of the institute with the founder in Schoenstatt

1968

Dedication of the Church of the Blessed Trinity on Mount Schoenstatt

Death and burial of the founder in the Church of the Blessed Trinity

1975

Opening of the beatification process of Father Joseph Kentenich in Trier

1984

The first Indian sisters are sent to Kerala, India

1989

Restoration of direct contact with the sisters in Eastern Europe and the spread of our work in these countries

1994

Final recognition as a secular institute of papal right

Final approval of our Holy Constitutions

International pilgrimage of the community to Rome; meeting with Pope John Paul II

1999

Opening of the beatification process of Sister M. Emilie Engel in Trier, Germany

2012

Decree of the heroic degree of virtue of Sister M. Emilie Engel by Pope Benedict XVI