MEXICO CITY, AUG. 1, 2001 (Zenit.org).- More than 140 countries are expected to participate in the sixth annual World Rosary on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Last year, John Paul II led the World Rosary from the Vatican. Sister Lucia dos Santos, 93, the last surviving Fatima visionary, led one of the mysteries, via satellite, from Portugal.
As in previous years, the rosary will be prayed by thousands gathered in parishes, stadiums, cathedrals, convention centers, schools, factories, prisons and hospitals.
The initiative began in 1996, when a group of lay Mexicans called for a large group-recitation of the rosary, as a gift for the Holy Father on the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. The venue for the first rosary was Mexico´s Plaza de Toros, led by the archbishop of Mexico City. Twenty countries participated.
The organizers offer practical suggestions to those planning to join the rosary:
–consecrate the event to the Immaculate Heart of Mary;
–have the Blessed Sacrament exposed during the rosary;
–make provisions for administering the sacrament of reconciliation;
–let it be known that a plenary indulgence may be obtained for praying the rosary in community;
–keep the date as a day of fasting and meditation;
–accompany the event by praying the rosary as a community, family or individual novena.
For more information see http://www.churchforum.org/rosario.
Those communities organizing a World Rosary on Oct. 6 should send a confirmation to rosario@churchforum.org.
