Recent Publications

The Shrine Source of Life
Selected Texts from Fr. Joseph Kentenich

Peter Wolf (Ed.)

On its way to the centenary of its foundation, the Schoenstatt Movement had a Year of the Father Current. Its next step is a Year of the Shrine. In this second year of preparation, the worldwide Movement is concentrating on its source of life in the Schoenstatt Shrine.

The texts presented here are taken from the rich legacy left by Fr Joseph Kentenich. The introductions to the tests are designed to aid understanding of the text.

The selected texts were collected following the suggestion of Team 2014 by the Sektion Mittelrhein of the Josef-Kentenich-Institut and edited by Msgr. Peter Wolf. He is the Rector General of the Schoenstatt Institute of Diocesan Priests and member of the General Presidium of the International Schoenstatt Movement.

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The Hidden Years:
Father Joseph Kentenich Childhood and Youth (1885-1910)

by Dorothea M. Schlickmann

In this biographical work about Father Joseph Kentenich, the author sheds light on his childhood and youth – "the hidden years" up to his ordination and priesthood. Until now little has been known about this period of his life. In an effort to present a comprehensive portal, all the material about his historical, social and family environment known at present has been taken into account. In this context newly discovered sources and results of research are being published for the first time, as are numerous historical photos. A book that invites us to discover the life's secret of a great personality.

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Brushstrokes of a Father: Stories from the Life of Fr. Joseph Kentenich Volume 1: The Storms of Youth

by Fr. Jonathan Niehaus

Who was Father Joseph Kentenich? A priest, a founder, an educator, a Christian prophet, a pastor of souls. But more than all else he was a father. In this series, the "brushstrokes" of his personality, life, and mission are painted by weaving together anecdotes, memories of those who knew him, and texts from his own hand. The first volume, "the Storms of Youth," paints the picture of his early years – his family, childhood, upbringing, and the adventures of youth. As he began to pursue his vocation, he met with exterior difficulties and interior struggles. This volume culminates with his ordination as a Catholic priest and his first two years of priestly ministry. The reader will find much in these pages that sheds light on the person of this man of God, and how God prepared him for his extraordinary mission in the Church.

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Brushstrokes of a Father: Stories from the Life of Fr. Joseph Kentenich Volume 2: Marian Trailblazer

by Fr. Jonathan Niehaus

Many outstanding leaders appeared in the 20th Century who blazed new trails in the sciences, humanities, and arts. No less important were the pioneers in faith and holiness. Among them was Fr. Joseph Kentenich. In this series, the "brushstrokes" of anecdotes, memories, and texts from his own hand form a portrait of his personality, life, and mission. The second volume, "Marian Trailblazer," paints the picture of how his work as spiritual director laid the foundations for the Schoenstatt Movement, and how it began to spread and grow in Germany from 1912 to 1938. In these years we discover a keen observer of the times, a dedicated priest and educator, and a fatherly friend. Through it all, his love of Mary was blazing new trails of modern sanctity, inspiring the many people who began to follow him.

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Ecce Educatrix Tua: The Role of the Blessed Virgin Mary for a Pedagogy of Holiness in the Thought of John Paul II and Father Joseph Kentenich

by Danielle M. Peters

Ecce Educatrix Tua discusses the Apostolic Letter Novo millennio ineunte (NMI), wherein John Paul II outlined the path the Church should adopt in the third millennium. The necessity "to rediscover the full practical significance of Chapter 5 of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, dedicated to the universal call to holiness" (NMI 30) is at stake. John Paul II stressed that a concrete "pedagogy of holiness" is required, including a "spiritual path," without which "external structures...will serve very little purpose (NMI 43)." The Polish Pontiff invited ecclesial movements to present their original pedagogy of holiness (cf. NMI 31). Peters highlights the Blessed Virgin Mary as educator in a pedagogy of holiness from the teachings of John Paul II and Father Joseph Kentenich, founder of the Schoenstatt Movement.

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In Union with the Father: Selected Texts of Father Joseph Kentenich

Peter Wolf (Ed.)

On October 18, 2014, the Schoenstatt Movement will celebrate the centennial of its founding. In a common undertaking, the international Family prepares for this jubilee by means of a spiritual three-year-journey. The journey begins with a "Father Trend Year" centering on Father Kentenich, the founder of the Movement.

The present texts, selected from the abundant legacy of Father Joseph Kentenich, are intended to help broaden an understanding of the development of relationships to the founder throughout Schoenstatt's history and to safeguard it.
At the suggestion of Team 2014, this selection of texts was undertaken by the Middle Rhine Division of the Joseph-Kentenich-Institue and edited by Msgr. Dr. Peter Wolf. He is the Superior General of the Schoenstatt Institute of Diocesan Priests and a member of the General Presidium of the International Schoenstatt Work.

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A Hero Today – a Novena to Deacon John Pozzobon

by Celina Garza

We have witnessed the abundant blessings that come to us from the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign so intimately linked with the Schoenstatt Shrine. The holy rosary is a Marian prayer that opens thousands of hearts. With the riches of the holy mysteries, it is an effective weapon against which not even doors of steel can resist.

The novena a "Hero Today" was written in honor of Our Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen, and Victress of Schoenstatt and to make the life and work of Deacon John Pozzobon better known.

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The Gift of Purity

by Father Joseph Kentenich, edited by Father Jonathan Niehaus

Among the most profound questions of life are those involving love and human sexuality. Are they only about pleasure and selffulfillment? Or is there something more?

The texts in this book have been selected to give a broad context for appreciating the gift of human sexuality and the gift of purity. This collection can serve as a companion viewpoint to Pope John Paul II's theology of the body, especially because of Father Kentenich's unique way of speaking to the applications of everyday life.

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Conquering All Hearts

by Enrique Soros

Analyzing the phenomenon of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign and the fruits it globally produced in such a few years, we can verify that it has become, along with other apostolic currents, a profound means of evangelization in the Church today. This is something new, unique, and original. A legion of small apostles go out as missionaries in a personal, open manner to work places, neighborhoods, businesses, homes, hospitals, and prisons. Wherever she goes, the Blessed Mother works miracles as Mother and Educator in hearts, opening the way for Jesus.

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Message and Mission of Schoenstatt

by Edith Raidt

For three decades the group outlines in Message and Mission of Schoenstatt have helped Schoenstatt members of different branches and interested friends to get a fairly comprehensive introduction to Schoenstatt. This 2009 book is the latest revision of the original and provides a comprehensive and up-todate list of references for background information and intensive study material.

Order online here or purchase at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center