Fourth Milestone: October 22, 1965
In spite of the difficulties caused by the separation from its founder, Schoenstatt continued to grow and mature. It remained spiritually vibrant and creative. Its aims and spirituality became clearer and parts of its organization came into their final form.
The Second Vatican Council realized the importance and vision of Fr. Kentenich’s work. On October 22, 1965, after 14 years of exile, Fr. Kentenich was reinstated in his duties as founder of Schoenstatt and received the blessing of Pope St. Paul VI. This marked the beginning of a new era for Schoenstatt’s mission within the Church.
Fr. Kentenich characterized the inner meaning of the fourth milestone as “standing in divine victoriousness.” To him, his freedom and the end of the exile were outward features reflecting a deeper reality that had been growing in Schoenstatt during the years of testing: a deep and unshakable trust and confidence in God’s power to win the victory.
Given its concurrence with the end of Vatican II, the fourth milestone is also connected with the mission of the Church “on the newest shores of the times.” In this light, Schoenstatt not only has a mission for the Church, but also a mission with the Church as she works to accomplish the work entrusted to her by Christ. This cooperation, including with the official structures and hierarchical leadership of the Church, took concrete form when Fr. Kentenich made definite promises to authorities of the Church.
