Whenever I walk down the tree-lined path leading to the Schoenstatt Marian Shrine on Milwaukee's Wisconsin Avenue, I get the sensation of coming home after being away for a while. And I know I'm not the only one to feel that way.

A replica of a 13th-century cemetery chapel, the shrine somehow feels familiar even to first-time visitors.

Burrowed into the grounds of St. Vincent Pallotti Parish and dedicated to the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt, the sanctuary was built by a group of Pallottine Fathers in 1954. The small, white chapel with its steeply sloped roof welcomes all who pass to come in and be uplifted by the Mother of God.

The shrine was a gift from parishioners, the Pallottines and members of the Schoenstatt Marian Apostolic Movement to the Blessed Virgin as they all marked the Marian year proclaimed by Pope Pius XII.

Father Joseph Kentenich, founder of the Schoenstatt movement, said more than 3,000 Masses here between 1952 and 1965. The provincial headquarters of the Pallottine Fathers, a historic building dating back to 1879, is situated behind the shrine. Across Bluemound Road, on the first road constructed in the Wisconsin Territory, is Calvary Cemetery. This was established in 1858 and is the burial place of Solomon Juneau, Milwaukee's founder.

On my most recent visit, I felt as if the Blessed Mother herself were softly inviting me to enter as soon as I reached for the handle of the heavy oaken door. Once inside, I had no trouble letting the cares of the world vanish from my mind as I was enveloped by Our Lady's love. The holy Eucharist was exposed in a small but elegant monstrance, so I genuflected and slipped into one of the pews.

In Mother's Arms

The most striking feature of the shrine is a picture of the Blessed Virgin. Originally titled “Refuge of Sinners” and now referred to as the “Mother Thrice Admirable,” the picture of Mary holding her son is prominently positioned in a baroque-style altar handcrafted of blended woods and imported from Germany. It's speculated the artist positioned the child in his mother's arms so as to overlap their hearts, so united is Christ with his mother. Gazing at the picture, I always find it easy to imagine I'm the child in her arms.

Nestled in the center of the altar is a simple but detailed wooden crucifix. Lifelike wooden statues of Sts. Peter and Paul stand guard on either side. On special occasions, the wooden crucifix is replaced by an unusual one of mixed materials called a unity cross. On it, the Blessed Mother stands next to her dying son and holds the chalice into which his precious blood pours. I never fail to be moved by this depiction of Mary's suffering and determination as she holds the chalice beneath Jesus' wound.

The tabernacle is a work of art. The outer doors are carved with grapes and wheat. The golden inner doors bear delicate lilies and the inside of the doors depicts the Annunciation. This is a fitting combination, for, without the Virgin's “Yes” to the Incarnation, there would be no Eucharist — and, without the work of human hands, there would be no bread and wine to consecrate.

The Father Eye, a brilliant crystal embedded in a triangular swirl of gold, is a reminder of God's watchfulness over his children. It rests above the altar. Affixed to the ceiling of the sanctuary is a golden dove flying amid a circle of flames; it represents the Holy Spirit with all his gifts and fruits. To the left of the altar stands St. Michael the Archangel, thrusting his spear into the mouth of the demon.

To the right of the altar hangs the ver sacrum light, or holy springtime light, a red, globe-shaped vigil lamp that symbolizes the ancient legend of a decaying civilization's renewal. Statues of Sts. Joseph and Vincent Pallotti stand in evident contemplation on either side of the shrine just outside the sanctuary. Etched tile Stations of the Cross hang above the pews. There is seating for about 30 people.

Seeing Schoenstatt

Founded in 1914 in Schoenstatt, Germany, by Father Joseph Kentenich, the Schoenstatt Marian Apostolic Movement comprises more than 170 shrines worldwide. Training and retreat centers next to the shrines focus on lay formation in living daily life according to the example of Mary in her constant unity with her son and his body, the Church. Small groups meet regularly for study, prayer and dialogue. Lay members are apostolic in the service of their parishes, their professional spheres and within their families. For more information on the movement, go to www.schoenstatt.de.

German Roots

The Schoenstatt Marian Shrine in Milwaukee is one of 175 such replica shrines throughout the world. The original in Schoenstatt, Germany, near Vallendar, is the result of a daring step taken in 1914 by Father Joseph Kentenich, founder of the Schoenstatt Movement, and a group of seminarians from the Pallottine Fathers' seminary there.

Under the spiritual direction of Father Kentenich, the seminarians formed a Marian sodality and sought an abandoned cemetery chapel dedicated to St. Michael for their meeting place. Following divine inspiration, Father Kentenich challenged the boys to petition the Blessed Mother to take up her dwelling in the little chapel. During the next few years, the chapel was transformed into a beautiful wellspring of grace. From this grew the Schoenstatt Marian Apostolic Movement, a lay movement of moral and religious renewal.

I'm amazed at the depth of the silence in this place. After all, its locale is just minutes from the downtown of a bustling, modern city — one whose best-known claim to fame is its unofficial status as “beer capital of America.” What little noise exists outside is drowned by the serenity and quietude inside.

The image of the Mother Thrice Admirable is so inviting that it draws me in and I can almost hear her whispering to me, renewing my heart and making me glad I've come home.

Marge Fenelon writes from Cudahy, Wisconsin.