By S.L. Hansen
for the Register
During the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, the Cor Mariae Schoenstatt Center north of Crete was one of eight pilgrimage sites designated by Bishop James D. Conley for the faithful to obtain a Jubilee Indulgence. Now, the center is welcoming a second wave of pilgrims.
Pope Leo XIV has granted the gift of a plenary indulgence through 2026 for all Schoenstatt shrines, churches and chapels in recognition of the Schoenstatt Institute’s 100th anniversary.
Last year, pages in the Center’s guest book filled with visitors from across the Diocese and around the nation, in addition to more frequent visits from their “regulars.”
“We had many new, first-time visitors to the Shrine,” said Ruth O’Gara, who is part of the Center’s diocesan leadership team as a layperson from St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln.
Several parishes brought groups of pilgrims to the Shrine for tours and presentations about Schoenstatt spirituality and the history of the Institute. School groups also visited the Shrine to give the students a day of reflection. Families, friends, and solitary people all made pilgrimages to the Shrine, leaving inspired and refreshed.
The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Nebraska are three of the approximately 145 Schoenstatt sisters in the United States and 1500 sisters worldwide. They have been in the Diocese of Lincoln since 1994.
In 2000, the Diocese of Lincoln gave the sisters land and buildings in Crete previously occupied by a small group of Cistercian monks. The sisters began hosting retreats, youth summer camps and celebrations. In 2007, the Shrine was built as an exact replica of the original Schoenstatt Shrine in Vallendar, Germany.
The sisters offer frequent programming for the lay faithful. Each month, there is a First Saturday Mass at 10 a.m., followed by a fellowship meal. On third Thursdays, the Shrine has Holy Mass at 6 p.m., with a meal afterward. Other events are also on the calendar, such as group sessions for women, family-friendly movie nights, day camps and more.
Last October, the Holy Father announced that pilgrims to all shrines and chapels under the care of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary would be granted the gift of a plenary indulgence throughout the Institute’s centennial year.
“The Nebraska Schoenstatt family is delighted that our Cor Mariae Shrine will have another year in which visitors can receive a plenary indulgence,” O’Gara said. “We feel it is a sign that the Blessed Mother wants to work from her Cor Mariae Shrine to bring many hearts to her Son, Jesus.”
The season of Lent is an ideal time to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine, whether for an hour or all day.
“To make a conscious effort to travel to the Shrine and step out of your normal patterns of life, reinforces the importance of spending time alone with the Lord in prayer,” O’Gara reflected. “The peace and beauty of the Shrine and the Cor Mariae property help to quiet the heart and mind and allow the pilgrim to focus, spending time with the Lord in prayer and adoration.”
In October, there will be a special celebration for the Sisters’ Jubilee.
“This will be a part of our yearly Covenant Day celebration,” O’Gara explained. “It will include talks, a new motto for the year and fellowship.”
All the faithful are invited to make a pilgrimage to visit the Schoenstatt Shrine any day, dawn to dusk, to receive the plenary indulgence, which can also be offered as intercession for deceased believers. Conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence are sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father (the decree specifies: the Our Father, the Creed, an invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Peace and Mother of Mercy), as well as a work of penance and charity.
Parish or school groups are asked to call 402-826-3346 in advance to arrange for the best day to visit and to arrange for a talk about the history and spirituality of Schoenstatt. The hall can be reserved for presentations, religious education or meals.
O’Gara recommends beginning one’s pilgrimage as soon as one leaves for the Shrine. Silence, hymns, or praise music can help a person enter into a prayerful disposition. Praying the Rosary while enjoying the beautiful Nebraska countryside is another option.
Once at the Shrine, pilgrims may want to have a rosary, prayer book, journal or spiritual reading for their devotional time. If planning a longer stay, packing a snack or picnic would be practical. For those who like to walk, comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for a windy Nebraska jaunt are recommended.
“Bring your prayers and petitions,” encouraged O’Gara. “We have a jar at the foot of the altar where you can place your prayer requests.”
For more information about the Schoenstatt movement, the Crete Schoenstatt Shrine and upcoming events, please visit Schoenstatt-nebraska.com.
