I came for three months to Campsie Glen to spend time in another country between my 13 years of school and my university studies.

From the beginning, I was enthusiastic about this place: the wonderful park around the shrine, the big ancient trees, the silence and quiet - only birds and rabbits. Really, Our Lady looks for and finds only the most wonderful places to be.

In my daily life, I lived in St. Joseph's house (upstairs of course) and every day I went to the Centre to help there. I have to say, I found it was very interesting. The guests came from all walks of life, and many different types of groups came for conferences or meetings. Also families came for holidays and days out here - you were never bored with the work that needs to be done, so that the Centre never stopped.

But what really impressed me was how many people throng to the Shrine to bring their requests to our Lady and to get new power and strength. Often people were sitting on a bench, or couples enjoyed a cup of tea together. I think many people are coming to this place to find silence and to enjoy the peace that is here. Because where in the world today can we find a place where there is no rush and hurry? Where else can you sit down in such an amazing and peaceful place to have a break and relax – to give yourselves time out? This was a big reason for me to come, a time out from the everyday life and I think it was lovely to find in Schoenstatt a place where this was possible. And I am really lucky that I have seen that also other people take the chance to enjoy this relaxed and peaceful atmosphere (which is what makes Schoenstatt special and unique.) Thank you!

Also I want say thank you to the whole Schoenstatt family, especially for the Covenant Novena and the talks they also brought Schoenstatt closer to me. In the same way, thank you for the work, which the families do here, the projects and programmes for the schools and particularly for the support of the Sisters.

Now, my three months are already over and they passed so fast, I can´t believe that it is now over and I will be at home when you read this small report. I had a wonderful time here. I met a lot of terrific people and I had many interesting and beautiful conversations, thank you for these.
This place and all the people will be forever in my memory and my heart.

I hope I will have the chance to return some time to see you all again but we will always be connected in prayer and in the Covenant of Love.

Yours Verena

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