Praying with the Rosary meditations from the Movement of the Holy Family the other day got me to thinking about Rosary Processions, especially was we approach October 7th, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Fruit of Nigerian Rosary Processions
One example cited was in Nigeria, where the bishop of Northeast Nigeria, Bishop Oliver Doeme Dashe, while in prayer, saw Jesus giving him a sword that turned into a Rosary in the bishop’s hands. As a result of Rosary processions the bishop led throughout his diocese, the Boko Haram terrorists who had wreaked havoc there turned tail and fled.
The Battle of Lepanto
This was not the first time that the Rosary of Our Lady overcame the enemies of her children. As noted in Champions of the Rosary and elsewhere, On October 7, 1571, together with Christians throughout Europe who also were praying, Rosary-praying sailors defeated a larger, more experienced Ottoman fleet at the Battle of Lepanto. But for this victory, Europe might have been conquered by the Ottoman forces. Following the victory, St. Pius V instituted the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, later renamed Our Lady of the Rosary, which we celebrate in the Church every October 7th.
The Rosary and the Battle of Vienna
Not as many people might be familiar with the Battle of Vienna, wherein King Jan Sobieski rode with his army from Poland to save Vienna, which had been under siege by Ottoman forces for two months. On their way to Vienna, Sobieski’s troops stopped for prayer and veneration of the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Jasna Gora. And then they prayed the Rosary in their procession toward Vienna. They freed Vienna within hours of engaging the Ottoman forces in battle on September 12, 1683.
20th Century Rosary Processions
Even into the 20th century, Our Blessed Mother has watched over her children and protected them. After World War II, part of Austria, including Vienna, ended up under the control of Communist Russia. Father Petrus Pavlicek began what become known as the Rosary Crusade for Atonement. In 1950 he began the crusade with annual public rosary processions along a main road of Vienna. Over the next five years, participation in these processions grew to an estimated half a million people. By October of 1955, the Soviets had withdrawn all of their forces.
Less than ten years later, the faithful formed rosary processions in Brazil to dispel Communist rallies being held there. On March 19, 1964 after the Brazilian president said Communism would save the people, not the Rosary, more than 600,000 people filled the streets of São Paulo with a Rosary procession. The organizers named the procession “March of the Family with God toward Freedom” to gain participation from non-Catholic citizens as well. By April 1, 1964 João Goulart, Brazil’s president, had fled the country.
A couple of decades after that, Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila, called for prayers to effect a change in governance of the Philippines. Tens of thousands of people joined together, praying the Rosary in a rally against dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his government. Religious sisters led the group in praying the Rosary while kneeling in front of army tanks. None of the soldiers fired on the people. Later, some of the soldiers spoke of seeing a beautiful lady, identifying herself as queen, telling them not to harm the citizens.
21st Century Need for Rosary Processions
Do we need Rosary processions now? If there’s any doubt about this, just take a look at some current headlines from the United States:
- Pro-lifers face up to 11 years, but George Floyd rioters get awarded $13 million
- Mobs damage and loot multiple stores in the city of brotherly love; stores close due to theft; and retailers estimate $112 billion in shoplifting losses
- California governor signs more pro-LGBTQ bills
- Little children continue being subjected to drag queen shows, and their parents continue to take them to the shows
- Biden administration seeks to remove terms like “mother” and “father” from laws related to childcare
- Artificial intelligence is ruining us in more ways than one
- Nearly 60 million Americans claim no religious affiliation now
- Only 17% of adult Catholics attend Mass at least once a week
The foregoing list represents a smattering of the insanity and calamities occurring in the present moment. Now, more than ever, we need Our Lady’s aid in the battles we’re facing. St. Paul’s words to the Ephesians apply to these times:
For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12)
So, How About It–Will You Engage the Enemy?
There’s no doubt about the battles we face. And there is no doubt that the weapon for these battles is the Most Holy Rosary of Our Lady. Will you pick up your weapon and join in one of the many Rosary processions being held throughout the world?
We all have an opportunity to participate in Rosary processions no matter where we live on this year’s Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Your local diocese or parish may have something planned for the day. Even if they don’t, In the United States, the Rosary Coast to Coast will take place at numerous locations. I suspect that the various confraternities and other apostolates, ministries, etc. will have special events as well. Men in over 40 countries are going to be praying the Rosary together. If you don’t see an event listed in your area, volunteer to lead one yourself.
Let’s Combine Forces
If they’re not already doing so, it occurs to me that nationwide, and even global, cooperation and collaboration among groups like Rosary Coast to Coast, The Rosary Confraternity, The Flame of Love, The Marian Movement of Priests, the Militia of the Immaculata and others would be beneficial. It could create an even greater awareness of the power of the Rosary and of Our Lady’s intercession. We also might see even greater recognition of the need for prayer in general to address what we face both nationally and globally at this time. Enhanced solidarity, including coordination of Rosary processions, rallies and other events among these and similar groups would send a powerful message.
“Pray very much the prayers of the rosary. I alone am able to save you from the calamities. – Message of Our Lady in Akita, Japan – Oct. 13, 1973
19 thoughts on “Rosary Processions – It’s Time!”
Dom Cingoranelli: There are Catholics who regard filial entrustment to Mary, and the filial entrustment that is only possible to Christ through Mary, as a substitute for latria entrustment to Christ.
Peter as I said this conversation has drifted from the topic of the article. I’ve given you specific resources to go to in order to learn more about the faith if you actually are interested. Good bless you.
Dom Cingoranelli: An example would be official latria consecration directly to Jesus, and unofficial consecration to Jesus through consecration to Mary.
This conversation has drifted from the original topic of the article. That said, the Church’s official teaching is based on Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium, and you can see what it entails in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and elsewhere, as it relates to Marian devotion (not worship), inter alia. (As Catholics, we don’t subscribe to sola scriptura). You might find Redemptoris Mater an interesting read – an encyclical of Pope St. John Paul II, if you’re interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.
Dom Cingoranelli: At times, unofficial Church teaching is valued more than the official.
Your statement is a broad generality that needs clarification. What you do you believe to be “unofficial” Church teaching, and what do you believe is “official” Church teaching, and what are some examples of each; who values some more than others at times?
Dom Cingoranelli: I agree.
Dom Cingoranelli: Christ is the only High Priest intercessor in heaven. There can only be one regardless of who else intercedes. The functions of the High Priest can’t be done by anyone else, even when they were done on earth. The earthly one entered into the Holy of Holies alone as Christ did after He ascended.
Peter,
Your response is puzzling. My precious note to you indicated that Jesus intercedes with the Father. So, I believe we can agree on that.
I’ve asked you to read the CCC which contains the teachings of Holy Mother Church. Following, from Tim Staples, may help you understand if you are open to it.
“Immediately after requesting that we pray for each other in 1 Timothy 2:1–4, Paul affirms that Christ is the one mediator… A mediator is one who comes between two parties with the purpose of uniting them. Christ played a role of mediation that only the God-man could, but Christians are still called to serve as mediators between Christ and the world. In no way does this diminish the unique work of Christ. On the contrary, it manifests it…
Christ is our only high priest, but we are all called to be a nation of priests (1 Pet. 2:9). Christ is the only Son of God, yet we are made sons of God through adoption (Gal. 3:4). The Christian life consists in being conformed to Christ, and as Paul says, being “God’s fellow-workers” (1 Cor. 3:9) in his plan of salvation….
To think of those in heaven as unwilling or unable to pray for us is to have a grave misconception of heaven. It is not an isolated part of the body of Christ that exists without concern for the other members of the body who are still working out their salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). Those in heaven surround us as a “great cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1), and the book of Revelation teaches that the prayers they offer for us “saints” is an integral part of the eternal worship given to God.”
Previous note not precious 😎
Dom Cingoranelli: CCC 970 does say that “No creature could ever be counted along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer”. Without Christ’s intercession, there is no salvation from anything, regardless of who else intercedes for us.
Peter, read the rest of that section and the Church’s teaching on Mary. Christ intercedes with the Father. Mary intercedes with Christ.
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I thought that Christ’s intercession is what saves us from calamities.
Check out the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Church’s teaching regarding Mary, Peter. There are various sections in it that will help shed light on this, including, but not limited to, 968 – 970. Thanks!
Yes Dom we need the Rosary today more than at any other time. We
are facing great spiritual battles. On this day the Feast Day of Our Lady
of the Rosary pray the Rosary every day. As Father Peyton the Rosary
Priest used to say, A family that prays together stays together.
Indeed, Francisco, especially on this day, we should be praying the Rosary, but we should be praying it every day–and what a great family spiritual activity to engage in!
“Not as many people might be familiar with the Battle of Vienna, wherein King Jan Sobieski rode with his army from Poland to save Vienna, which had been under siege by Ottoman forces for two months.”
Oddly enough, thanks to Sabaton’s song Winged Hussars (and the viral memes that came with it), loads of people are familiar with the Battle of Vienna.
I did not know the rosary connection though. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment and added info, Codex!