Local and national Marian devotees celebrate Rosary

On Oct. 7, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in the Diocese of Corpus Christi will hold a Rosary procession at 5 p.m., followed by a Mass and a fellowship dinner. The day will culminate a three-day preparation program consisting of a daily Rosary, Mass, Novena and talk by Msgr. Mark Chamberlin on Oct. 4 and 5 and on Oct. 6 a Spanish presentation by Father Fernando Gámez.
 
Father Gabriel P. Coelho, pastor at Our Lady of the Rosary, calls on all Marian devotees to come with their families, friends or relatives to participate in the Rosary Fest. Our Lady of the Rosary is located at 1123 Main Drive in Corpus Christi.
 
At the national level, Catholic clergy and faithful will gather for a National Rosary Rally at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 7, concluding a 54-day novena. The rally will include speakers comprised of nationally known Catholic clergy and laypeople.
 
Among the speakers are Doug Barry, founder of Battle Ready and EWTN co-host of Life on the Rock; Father John Zuhlsdorf, known for Fr. Z's Blog; Father Stephen Imbarrato, from Priests for Life and EWTN co-host of Defending Life; Cathy and Austin Ruse, with the Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute; Father Richard Heilman, president of Holy League, founder of Knights of Divine Mercy and author of Roman Catholic Man website; Sister Mary Brigid Callan, director Office of Stewardship & Development at Diocese of Steubenville Ohio; and Chuck Neff,  host of The Inner Life on Relevant Radio.
 
Father Imbarrato said the 54-day Novena comes "at a critical and most serious time of crisis in our country. I cannot think of a more powerful response on the part of Catholics than to pray, fast and come together for the conversion of our nation."
 
"Today we find ourselves in a spiritual battle. Government actions and court rulings are in conflict with God's law. Persecution of traditional religious belief and practice is unprecedented. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we are called upon to help turn our country back towards God. We will accomplish that through prayer; prayer that can change hearts, change our families, change our communities and change our country. There is no stronger weapon in this spiritual battle than the Rosary," Father Heilman said.
 
The National Rosary Rally takes place in Union Square to the west of the U.S. Capitol in front of the Capitol reflecting pool starting at noon on Oct. 7 and is expected to conclude around 2:30 p.m. All four Rosaries will be prayed along with intentions, which include: respect for life at all stages of development; the sanctity of marriage and families; upholding constitutionally protected religious freedom; and the return of our nation to God and holiness.
 
"Importantly, this is not intended to be a political event. Our hope is to influence the direction of our country through prayer," Father Heilman said.
 
"For Roman Catholics who have always been known for their faith-filled patriotism, the first response to this crisis is fervent prayer, and in particular, prayer through the intercession of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Mary Immaculate who is also the patroness of our nation," Cardinal Burke said.