Schoenstatt Scotland

Shrine Tour

The spiritual source of the Schoenstatt Movement is the shrine. It has an integral part to play in the community's Spirituality and prayer life. Since biblical times God has often used people and places to be near to us. The Schoenstatt shrine is such a place where people can come and experience the closeness of God. The chapels at each centre are modelled on the original one at Schoenstatt Germany. The Scottish shrine was built in 1989 and and was the first to be built within the British isles. To date there are over 170 such chapels in different centres through out the world.

The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady under the title of Our 'Mother Thrice Admirable' and offers three special qualities or graces to visitors and pilgrims.
The grace of feeling at home and being accepted for what we are.
The grace of transformation, becoming renewed people according to God's original plan for us
The grace of Mission, going out sharing and living the Christian life in today's world.

Shrine Symbols

Within the chapel there are many images and symbols which help tell it's story.

sanctuary light Tabernacle

The central image above the altar is that of Our Mother Thrice Admirable holding the Child Jesus. The original picture was presented to the Movement by the Founding Generation at Schoenstatt Germany in 1915.
The Light Frame round the picture reads "Servus Maria Numquam Peribit" (A servant of Mary will never perish). The crown directly above the picture is modelled on the Scottish crown and was first used in 1978 to crown the MTA in Scotland.


The central image above the altar is that of Our Mother Thrice Admirable holding the Child Jesus. The original picture was presented to the Movement by the Founding Generation at Schoenstatt Germany in 1915. The Light Frame round the picture reads "Servus Maria Numquam Peribit" (A servant of Mary will never perish).	The crown directly above the picture is modelled on the Scottish crown and was first used in 1978 to crown the MTA in Scotland.

The statue of St Michael the archangel is a reminder that the original chapel was dedicated to St Michael.

The figures of St Peter and St Paul a sign that Schoenstatt is an apostolic movement. The originals were introduced in 1935, highlighting that Mary is the Queen of Apostles and shrine is a new cenacle.

sanctuary light Tabernacle

The original sanctuary lamp was introduced into the shrine in 1940. A group of young seminarians called themselves the "Ver Sacrum " group (Holy Springtime). Expressing a desire for a world dedicated to Jesus and Mary. When open the tabernacle shows on the inside of the doors the annunciation scene, the angel Gabriel on the left and Mary on the right. Mary was the first tabernacle to bear Christ.


The original sanctuary lamp was introduced into the shrine in 1940. A group of young seminarians called themselves the "Ver Sacrum " group (Holy Springtime). Expressing a desire for a world dedicated to Jesus and Mary.	When open the tabernacle shows on the inside of the doors the annunciation scene, the angel Gabriel on the left and Mary on the right. Mary was the first tabernacle to bear Christ.

Placed at the peak of the altar is the Father symbol. A triangle symbolising the Trinity and the all seeing eye of God the Father. Schoenstatt is a Father centred movement. Jesus came into the world to announce the good news from God the Father and to lead us all back to his heavenly Father.

The two windows to the left and right of the Altar represent Mary (MTA) and Christ (PAX)

The star and crucifix recalls the Star of Africa and the Missionary work of the Pallotine Fathers out of which Schoenstatt grew.
The shrine and the sword is based on the movements founding document when Fr Kentenich used St Joan of Arc as an example youth of answering God's call.


The two windows to the left and right of the Altar represent Mary (MTA) and Christ (PAX)

The star and crucifix recalls the Star of Africa and the Missionary work of the Pallotine Fathers out of which Schoenstatt grew. The shrine and the sword is based on the movements founding document when Fr Kentenich used St Joan of Arc as an example youth of answering God's call.

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