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October 13, 2017
Fired up and ready to save T&T by praying the rosary. This was the dominant emotion expressed at Santa Rosa RC Church, Arima as we concluded our Marian journey on September 29.
In July, Archbishop Joseph Harris gave his blessings to a project for introducing the Parent’s Rosary Prayer to all parish communities and, as a result, we will begin this effort in October as we conclude this special year of grace in celebration of the 100th year of Fatima.
As a build up to this initiative, we prayed the rosary followed by Mass, with a Marian theme as homily, for four consecutive Fridays commencing on Mary’s birthday.
Fr Derek Anton used his own life story to illustrate Mary’s persistence in her love for us and the Church, despite our resistance, reluctance, and even rebellion. He demonstrated how Mary protects her brood incessantly and how much joy and humility we could receive through our relationship with the best of all nurturers.
Msgr Allan Ventour took us on the journey which followed Mary’s “YES”. It was a journey of waiting and waiting, with deep faith and trust. It was difficult, lonely, and at times agonising as Mary waited for God’s fulfilment of His promises to her. Yet she waited and trusted, while growing in the strength which she so needed at the foot of the cross, before the glorious victory of her children’s salvation.
Fr Rosario Serrato presented Mary as a quiet woman who, while always present in the community, was only heard saying “My soul magnifies the Lord”. She was a keen observer and quiet listener. He emphasised that it is in silence we hear God’s voice and, if we listen carefully, we may obtain the guidance needed for difficult journeys. He stressed that a culture of peace and quiet listening created the appropriate environment for dialogue which our Church communities so desperately needed.
We climaxed the series at Santa Rosa with children from our parish schools walking in procession, followed by the crowning of Mary’s statue with flowers. Fr John Theodore CSSp stressed the power of Mary’s prayer for us. Father presented countless historical and personal examples of Mary’s intervention in protecting her children, the Church and the world from all forms of evil, highlighting her determination to save ALL of God’s people.
After Mass the schoolchildren were given a rosary and a copy of Fr Theodore’s children’s book on praying the rosary so that, along with their parents, teachers and school principals, they could join the crusade for saving our nation – with Mary’s help.
We thank our parish priests Frs Steve Duncan and Rosario Serrato for their support and we urge all parish communities to join us in praying the Parent’s Rosary Prayer daily for just 15 minutes of your time, for we know that we have obtained much healing, peace and blessings while praying this Parent’s Rosary over the last two years. For information, send an email to parentsrosaryprayer@hotmail.com. – Mona Jones
