Schönstatt-Frauenbund

Schoenstatt Women's Apostolic Union

Biographical Information

Founder: Getraud von Bullion and María Christmann

Foundation: Founded in 1920 by first women members of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement

Ecclesial Recognition: Recognized on September 15, 1996 as an international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right by the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Membership: Present in 10 countries: Europe (7), North America (1), and South America (2).

Membership: about 350 members
- female only
- unmarried lay

Organization

Lay/Religious: lay only

Individual/Community: Members are organized in "free communities (courses)" which are grouped into official communities (regions)." Ultimate responsibility is vested in the International Directorate.

Commitment/Vows: Members make an act of consecration to Our Lady; members follow a rule and live according to the evangelical counsels of virginity, poverty and obedience without vows.

Purpose and Activities

Overall Purpose: To provide spiritual formation for Christian unmarried lay women.

Apostolic commitments: The association participates in the apostolate of the Church by cooperating with Schoenstatt communities and other apostolic forces. After sufficient formation, members are required to perform permanent apostolic activities according to the needs of time, place and nation.

Marian Characteristics

Major Inspirations: Members strive to imitate Christ by living according to the Evangelical Counsels.

General Marian Characteristics: Observance of the evangelical counsels; consecration to Mary.

Spiritual\Devotional Exercises: Members make a covenant of love, the Mater admirabilis, as an act of consecration to Mary; formation of adoration groups; free giving of self; detachment from worldly goods.

Pastoral/Apostolic Endeavors: Caring for the spirit by observing a rule, respecting community uses and customs, setting up groups to deepen specific spiritual dimensions.

Sources

www.s-fb.org

Directory of International Associations of the Faithful, Pontifical Council for the Laity, available at: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/laity/documents/rc_pc_laity_doc_20051114_associazioni_en.html