The family that prays together, stays together

If you are a frequent reader of this blog or if you take a look at the “widgets” and “links” on the right side of the page, it won’t come as a surprise to you that I love the rosary.  When I heard about the “Rosary Rally” in San Francisco that was to be held today, I couldn’t wait!  I took the day off and hoped that the family could join me, but Alicia had to work so the task of watching Lily fell to Marilyn.  Since we weren’t sure if Lily could sit in a stroller or anywhere else for that matter for 2 hours, we decided that I would go alone.

For those who don’t know, the rosary is a contemplative prayer that takes us on a “journey” with the Blessed Mother as we meditate on the life of her Son.  With our rosary beads in hand, we contemplate the “Joyful”, “Luminous”,  “Sorrowful”,  and “Glorious” mysteries found in the Bible.  As I meditate on today’s rally, I realize that each of these “mysteries” were a part of my experience.

It was Joyful; the joy that comes with hope for the future of the Church and of the whole world.  Seeing so many people in one place praying the same prayers was a source of great joy for me.  Meeting new people who share my faith and enthusiasm for the rosary was also joyful.  It was nice going to a crowded venue and not hear one negative word or see one negative action, only smiles and courtesy.

It was Luminous; in that I learned some new things about the rosary, our Lady of Fatima, Father Patrick Peyton, and several other holy people who knew the power of the rosary.  I also learned how to ride the BART system and get home safely! (lol)

It was Glorious; the weather was absolutely gorgeous!  It was very conducive to prayer, at least for me.  Since I was praying with well over 1,000 others, I was able to meditate deeply on each Joyous mystery as we recited the Hail Mary’s. 

It was Sorrowful; because the day had to end.

A woman whom I met at the rally today (I’ll call her “Susan”, only because that’s her real name J), upon learning about my blog, told me she expects to see the Prayer for the Beatification of Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, C SC posted here.  Since she asked me so nicely, and because it’s the right thing to do, here it is:

Dear Jesus, Father Peyton devoted his priestly life to strengthening the families of the world by calling them to pray together every day, especially the Rosary. His message is as important for us now as it was during his life on earth.

We beg you, therefore, to hasten the day of his beatification, so that your faithful people everywhere will remember his message that the family that prays together stays together, will imitate him in his devotion to your Mother and ours, and will be inspired by his holy life to draw ever closer to you with childlike confidence and love. Amen.

Here’s some of the photos I took of the event today.

It was a glorious day, with joyful people, illuminating San Francisco's Civic Center.



The procession began

Father Andrew Apostole, from EWTN was a special guest invited to speak.  He has written a book on Our Lady of Fatima that is worth reading. 

Not only was his talk informative and inspiring, it was funny in several places--especially when he was explaining why people confuse him with Father Benedict Groeschel.  "We have the same same barber and the same tailor", he said.