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 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 were 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 and
been compelled to embrace Islam. 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 By October of 1955, the Soviets had withdrawn all of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 processed through the streets of São Paulo. 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:
- Pro-lifers face up to 11 years, but George Floyd rioters get awarded $13 millio
- 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 American Catholics attend Mass once a week
The foregoing list represents a smattering of the insanity and calamities
occurring in the present moment. Now, more than ever, it seems, 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 for prayer in general to address what we face in our nation
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
