Our Lady of Schoenstatt is a modern Marian devotion rooted in the Schoenstatt Movement, founded by Father Joseph Kentenich on October 18, 1914 in a small chapel in Schoenstatt, Germany. The name “Schoenstatt” means “beautiful place”. Unlike many Marian devotions tied to apparitions, it began with a “covenant of love” between the community and the Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting her to dwell spiritually in the chapel and draw hearts to Christ.
The devotion is centered on the image of Mary known as “Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt”.
Mother Thrice Admirable comes from the 16th‑century title inspired by Jesuit Father Jacob Rem.
Queen was added during the Nazi persecution period, when Schoenstatt members, including those in Dachau concentration camp, crowned Mary as “Queen of the concentration camp” as an act of trust and surrender. Victress is a later title, reflecting the movement’s ongoing spiritual battles.
The original oil painting, Refugium Peccatorum (“Abode of Sinners”) by Swiss artist Luigi Crosio (1835–1915), was later adopted by the Schoenstatt community in 1915.
Today, you will find Schoenstatt Shrines around the world. In addition to the shrine in Germany, there is a Schoenstatt Shrine in the U.S. in Austin, Texas.