A Nation at Prayer

I would like to make a shift in my column this week and take a break from the usual thoughts on the burning issues of the day. In this instance, I shall wear the hat of a Eucharistic Lay Minister of the Immaculate Conception Parish, and share some reflections on the rosary, this being the month of the Holy Rosary. In these times when our nation is plagued by crises on many fronts, prayer is needed, above all else, to accompany our collective action. This month’s remembrance of the rosary as one valuable form of prayer cannot be more timely.

The power of the rosary has been manifested in many inspirational stories. One such story is that of Blessed Bartolo Longo of Italy. Bartolo was said to be born in a time of great chaos in his country, and was fired up by his nationalism. His professors in college were mostly former priests who took a negative perspective of the Catholic Church, leading him to take part in satanic activities. He became a Satanic priest and consecrated himself to the devil. As his mental state deteriorated, he turned to a Dominican priest for help,

Bartolo was later traumatized with guilt at what he had done, and devoted himself to praying the rosary in his desperation. It was this devotion that healed him and changed his life. In many Marian apparitions, Our Lady would always urge those to whom she appeared to propagate praying the rosary every day. This was the case both in her apparition at Fatima and to St. Catherine Laboure.

Our country needs the prayer of its citizens. It would do us well to remember this in praying the rosary this month.

Let prayer be the source of our hope.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“GIVE ME AN ARMY SAYING THE ROSARY AND I WILL CONQUER THE WORLD”

-Pope Pius IX

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS FOR WELFARE AND NOT FOR EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE.”

-jEREMIAH 29:11