Interior of the Shrine
The Shrine is filled with symbols which remind us of the supernatural and
its unseen realities. Move mouse over the picture to show
detail of the features.
The
wooden tabernacle doors, with wheat and grapes carved in relief, point to Jesus
Christ who nourishes us through the Eucharist. The inner doors (not shown) remind
us of the Annunciation when the Immaculate Virgin became the living tabernacle
of the Lord.
A
specially designed crucifix above the tabernacle, expressing the unity between
Jesus and Mary in the work of Redemption, calls us to follow the example of
Mary and willingly share in the sufferings of Christ.
Schoenstatt’s
picture of grace (MTA picture) also portrays the close union between Jesus and
Mary. Mary offers us her divine Son as a blessing for the world.
The
Latin inscription in the light frame, “Servus Mariae Nunquam Peribit”
which translates “A child (a servant) of Mary will never perish”,
reminds us that the Blessed Mother leads us quickly and surely to Christ her
son, and through him in the Holy Spirit to the Father.
A
dove, as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, is mounted in the centre of the ceiling.
It is the Holy Spirit who endowed Mary with the fullness of grace, and who now
adorns the Church with his seven-fold gift (Gifts of the Holy Spirit - wisdom,
understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.)
Here in the Shrine, Mary constantly implores the Holy Spirit for us.
We
find the Father Symbol above the altar. This ancient sign of the Trinity tells
us of God’s provident care and love for his children. It also reminds
us to place our trust in him as we strive to fulfill our God-willed task in
life.
The
picture of grace (MTA picture) is crowned. With the crown we acknowledge that
Mary is Queen of heaven and earth.
The
altar is ornately carved. The statue of St Peter holding the keys, and St Paul
with the sword, flank the crucifix. These two statues reflect the apostolic
spirit of the Schoenstatt family.
As
the original Shrine was under the patronage of St Michael the Archangel his
statue remains part of the Shrine. Its presence assures us of God’s help
in the battle against the powers of darkness.
Schoenstatt’s
picture of grace (MTA picture) also portrays the close union between Jesus and
Mary. Mary offers us her divine Son as a blessing for the world.