On October 7, we joyfully gathered to celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary, dedicating the day to profound reflection on prayer. This beautiful occasion included seven hours of Eucharistic adoration centered on the Rosary, which allowed us to deepen our understanding of the Intercessions prayed during Good Friday.
So, what is the Rosary really? For some, it may seem like a repetitive and tedious prayer, perhaps suited for simpler individuals. Others question why the Church emphasizes the Rosary when there are more profound prayers available.
In reality, the Rosary serves as a school of meditation, guiding us to grasp the central mysteries of our salvation that are at the heart of this Marian devotion. This is why it’s essential to pray it thoughtfully; when we contemplate a mystery, we should keep its reality in mind with each Hail Mary we recite.
The Hail Mary acts like a background melody, yet its impact is much deeper than simply listening to music while meditating on the life of Christ. As we recite this prayer, we unite ourselves with the Virgin Mary, our guide in reflecting on these mysteries. This is why, in many of her apparitions, Our Lady emphasizes the importance of praying the Holy Rosary.
The evening concluded with the final talk, where we explored the significance of the Jubilee, especially in light of our parish being designated as a pilgrimage site in the upcoming year. Ricardo Casimiro presented insightful topics that emphasized the power of prayer in our lives and the transformative nature of the Rosary, urging us to embrace these practices as we prepare for the Jubilee. He encouraged us to see prayer not just as a routine but as a vital part of our spiritual journey, equipping us to face life's challenges with faith and hope.
Looking ahead, our agenda for preparing for the Jubilee during this Year of Prayer includes a visit to the Shrine of Mother Cabrini and The Met Cloisters museum. We can begin taking our first steps as pilgrims of hope by visiting a sanctuary that is close to us. Additionally, in December, we will have the consecration to the Immaculate Conception.