Mount Schoenstatt - The Cor Unum in Patre Shrine
The Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio
“Cor Unum in Patre” translates from Latin as “One Heart in the Father.” The Cor Unum in Patre Shrine was dedicated on October 18, 2008 and is the ninth Schoenstatt Shrine in the United States.
As a place of grace, the shrine has the specific mission to be a spiritual home, place of inner renewal, and sending out for many. In communion with the Blessed Trinity and Mary, we strive to build a network of living shrines for America. With a great mission of renewal for Church and world, Schoenstatt works to rekindle the world in Christ through Mary.
A Place of Grace and Pilgrimage
This and all Schoestatt Shrines provide a place of tranquility, peace and most of all our Mother Thrice Admirable who leads us to God. She offers the grace of a home in her Mother heart for everyone who seeks answers in the confusion and uncertainty of life.
Visitors are welcome to come and walk the grounds, enjoy the Mary garden and visit the Shrine. Mount Schoenstatt also includes a Religious Center that is used for workshops events for the Movement and local parish activities. In addition, there is a Religious gift shop for visitors. The “Cor Unum in Patre” is open daily.
The History of the Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio
In 1962, the Schoenstatt spiritually came to the Archdiocese of San Antonio with the arrival of four Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary to a new parish, St. Lawrence, the Martyr, in the far Southside of the city. These Schoenstatt Sisters, born in Germany, enduring the challenges of language and culture, quickly organized the new parish school.
Through the 1970’s and 1980’s, more groups were developed and the Shrine of Unity, built by the parish men near the Sisters residence, became a place of pilgrimage. Masses were often celebrated by parish priests or visiting Schoenstatt Fathers.
In 1973, the Schoenstatt community crowned their Mother as Queen of Unity with the petition that she would help them build a replica shrine of the Original Shrine in Germany for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In 1985, the local Schoenstatt family was inspired to acquire the Father Eye as the first symbol for their future daughter shrine and as a gift in advance for Fr. Kententich’s canonization.
In 1988, the Schoenstatt Sisters due to lack of vocation returned to their provincial house, the Confidence Shrine in Lamar, Texas. The doors of the Unity Shrine on Petaluma Street were permanently closed after the covenant day devotion on December 18, 1988.
The Fountain of Family Unity Wayside Shrine
For two years, the dedicated Schoenstatt Movement members continued the monthly covenant devotion from one parish to another until the property for a replica shrine was located and purchased. A temporary wayside shrine, the Fountain of Family Unity, was built and dedicated on April 29, 1990, by Archbishop Patricio Flores. The new spiritual home celebrated Covenant Day Masses, devotions, and weekly rosaries.
In 1995, a generous benefactor offered to purchase the property for the future shrine. After years of searching for the “beautiful place” for a daughter shrine, this 52 acre property, later named Mount Schoenstatt, was found. The Schoenstatt family agreed that this was the long awaited place where the Blessed Mother would finally make her home in San Antonio.
A Place of Grace and Pilgrimage
Mount Schoenstatt was dedicated as a place of grace and pilgrimage on October 18, 2008. The Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio, officiated the dedication ceremony and Holy Mass. Our Mother Thrice Admirable and Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt continues to ask her Son to bestow many graces and blessings upon all who visit this holy place.
Upcoming Events at Mount Schoenstatt
Find time for prayer, community and reflection. Explore the upcoming events at Mount Schoenstatt, including Mass on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. See what's coming up and join us!