The Covenant of Love with the Virgin Mary is a renewal of the original Covenant of Love that God makes with all men and women. As Christians, we come into the New Covenant through baptism and become a part of the Family of God, which is the Church. Within this context, the Covenant of Love in Schoenstatt is understood as an original way of assuming the baptismal covenant, of renewing and deepening it in close union with Mary.

The Covenant of October 18, 1914, in the Shrine is just one other concretion of God's will to set about a dialogue with men and women through Mary. This search found its reply in the figure of Father Joseph Kentenich, accompanied by the young men who were under his spiritual direction.

The Covenant of Love creates a zealous mission awareness in all Covenant partners. Those who faithfully live in the Covenant of Love become willing instruments in the hands of Mary to assist her in the religious and moral renewal of the world in Christ.

The Six Promises

What does our Lady promise in the Covenant?

1. It will please me to dwell in your midst.

2. I will distribute favors, gifts, and graces in abundance.

3. I will draw from here youthful hearts to follow me.

4. I will educate them

5. to become useful instruments in my hands

6. and send them out from here to renew the world.

What does our Lady expect of US?

1. Show me that you really love me.

2. Strive heroically for self-sanctification.

3. Lead an intensive prayer life.

4. Fulfill your daily duties most faithfully.

5. Do the ordinary things extra-ordinarily well.

6. Bring everything you do as a contribution of the Capital of Grace.

After being in a group for one year, members are eligible to make their Covenant of Love.  The area or state coordinator should be contacted with the number of people who wish to do so.  Covenant books, medals and certificates will be provided.  There will be a sheet for members to sign on the Covenant Day which will be sent to Wisconsin.  There, the sheet will be placed in the original Covenant Book which was signed by the Founder of Schoenstatt.  Each 17th -18th of the month, this Covenant book is placed in the shrine during adoration.  All  who have made the Covenant of Love and their loved ones will be prayed for in a special way. 

Each member to make the Covenant should write his/her own private dedication prayer.  This prayer will be read by them in silence at the appropriate time during the ceremony.

Every member who has already made their Covenant of Love may rededicate themselves at the same time as those making their first Covenant. 

"The Covenant of Love with the Virgin, in terms of its development and historical projection, is a profound and efficacious renewal; it is a confirmation and an assurance of the baptismal covenant which is the Covenant of Christ and the Holy Trinity. Each consecration, renewal, and further deepening of the Covenant embodies for the intellect and the will a new, free, and conscious decision towards Christ: a new decision in terms of His being, His interests, and His Kingdom.... The Covenant of Love is the equivalent of a more profound growth within an intimate communion of love between us, Christ, and the Triune God." (Father Joseph Kentenich, 1952).