Blooming Hearts for Blessed Mother: Spring Clean-Up at Mount Schoenstatt
It was a beautiful Saturday morning on March 29 when the small group of volunteers began arriving at Mount Schoenstatt, the peaceful shrine nestled in the Texas Hill Country. The sun had just started to peek through the trees, casting a golden glow over the quiet paths still shaking off winter’s dead branch whispers. Though the air was cool from much needed rain, the mood was warm—alive with the energy of purpose.
Spring Clean-Up Day, organized and led by Alfredo Garcia, Vice Chair of the Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio Board of Directors, had arrived, and with it, a small army of hearts for Mary ready to serve.
Gloves pulled tight, our group of men stood ready to give back to a place that had given so much to them. Mount Schoenstatt, known not only for its natural beauty but also for being a place of reflection and deep spiritual connection, has become a second home to many. The clean-up wasn’t just about tidying up. It was about showing love—for the land, the community, and Blessed Mother.
By mid-morning, the air buzzed with laughter—and sweat! One group of men filled the dumpster with dead branches, clippings and debris that had been unsightly for some time. Another group of men clipped the overgrown trees that line the driveway to make way for more scratch free parking for vehicles. Finally, a group of ladies found the most interesting items as they reorganized the shed for better storage and retrieval of needed items.
What made this day special wasn’t just the hard work—it was the spirit behind it. Mount Schoenstatt had been transformed. The shrine stood even more radiant, surrounded by freshly trimmed trees and paths cleared for prayerful walks.
Visiting pilgrims that day were captured by the ‘beautiful place” and the positive energy rolling off the volunteers filled with joy and love for Blessed Mother.
But that was not the end of giving to our Mother Thrice Admirable. Later in the month, another set of volunteers joined together to help complete clearing the higher pathway and help repair Stations of the Cross (see Family Branch Update in this newsletter).
“You know the old saying,” says Alfredo Garcia. “‘It takes a village to grow and teach a child.’ Well, it takes a community of people like you all to take care of our MTA. We have great members that do that very well, and I'm humbled to be part of this village.”
This Lenten season was not just about cleaning up. We know the Blessed Mother was with us —guiding our hands, lifting our spirits, and filling Mount Schoenstatt with her gentle love. All the trimming, brush clearing and paths improved felt like her way of preparing a place of peace for all who come here.
A huge thank you to all those volunteers that helped. It was a success—not just in tasks accomplished, but in love shared for this place of grace. Get ready and join us for our next one this Fall.
Maintaining the property is a work in progress. We have been clipping the trees up the driveway from the entrance gates and will be scheduling another day to bring the dumpster back to Mount Schoenstatt.
