The Schönstatt Chapel is located in the middle of the forest along the dream loop "Rabenlay". A place to linger.
On February 19, 1948, the Schönstatt Sisters of Mary opened a branch in Gondershausen. They became very active in social work, training young people, and pastoral care in the parish. They have also taken over the management of the kindergarten to this day.
In the early 1950s, the Schönstatt Sisters developed a plan to build a chapel in the forest between Mermuth and Gondershausen. It was to be a replica of the Grace Chapel in Vallendar, of which over 200 now exist worldwide. The municipality of Gondershausen leased a 105 square meter area at an idyllic spot near the Mermuther Path. The lease agreement dated December 8, 1955, stipulates that the municipality leases this site (7 x 15 m) to the church community for 99 years for a symbolic rent of 0.50 DM per year. On June 5, 1954, the foundation stone for the chapel was already laid during a ceremony. A year later, a topping-out ceremony could be celebrated on a beautiful summer evening, and the consecration took place on October 23, 1955.
A long procession moved from the parish church to the forest chapel, which was consecrated by the three clergy: Pastor Lake, Pastor Schlegelmilch from Emmelshausen, and Oblate Father Adolf Börsch from Niedergondershausen, in honor of the “Three Times Wonderful Mother, Queen and Victress of Schönstatt.” In the festive speeches, gratitude was repeatedly expressed to the many volunteers from Gondershausen and Mermuth who had selflessly worked on the construction for countless hours. The project was also significantly supported by generous monetary and material donations.
Over the decades, the Schönstatt Chapel has become a popular place of prayer and a meeting point for pilgrims from near and far.
The 50th anniversary with Auxiliary Bishop Jörg Peters and many participants was a particularly festive event.
