Schoenstatt movement asks for information on founder

The Schoenstatt movement in Germany is asking anyone who knew its founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, to share documents and memories to assist in ongoing research into allegations against him. In an appeal published October 15, the movement specifically invited accounts of experiences perceived as abusive or as crossing boundaries.

The movement stated that historical research into the allegations is currently underway but far from complete, noting that the process could take years. Schoenstatt said it will collect and treat all submissions confidentially without prejudging the information. The organization noted that the evidence gathered may either confirm incriminating claims or show that the suspicions against Kentenich cannot be substantiated.

These investigations follow 2020 accusations by Church historian Alexandra von Teuffenbach, who cited files from a 1950s apostolic visitation to claim Kentenich engaged in coercive and manipulative behavior with members of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. The Diocese of Trier suspended the beatification cause for Kentenich in 2022.