You Heard It Right, a Rosary Relay

The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is participating in the Eighth Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests on Friday, June 23, at 5 p.m., and we invite you to participate, whether you can be here or not. The following is everything you need to know about this special event:

What is the Rosary Relay for Priests?

The Eighth Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests involves dozens of shrines in more than 50 countries united in prayer, each praying a particular set of mysteries of the Rosary at a particular half hour in thanksgiving to God for our priests and to implore the protection and loving care of Our Lady, Mother of all priests, for all her priestly sons. With the coming of midnight on June 23, the entire world will have been encircled in prayer for our priests.

The National Shrine's alloted time is 5-5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).

World Priest Day, by the way, was established by St. John Paul II as a call for prayers for the sanctification of priests. Each year, it falls on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Why are the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception participating in the Rosary Relay?

Because the Congregation's mission includes supporting parish priests. The Marians' Renovator, Blessed George Matulaitis, encouraged his fellow Marians and the laypeople who share in their spirituality, to assist all priests, but especially parish priests who are in what we may call the "trenches" of direct service to the People of God. One important way is by praying for priests to persevere in their vocations focusing on their own sanctification.

This is a wonderful opportunity to show how much we support our priests and their vocations.

Why should you participate?

Because it's an opportunity for millions in the universal Church to be united in prayer and show gratitude and support for our priests. After all, we need them! We live in a world that does not typically encourage priestly vocations. Did you ever think what it would be like without our Catholic priests? We would not have the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist!

Furthermore, in the case of the Marian Congregation, which administers the National Shrine, we now have more than 30 men in formation. This is a time to celebrate. God is answering all our prayers for more priests.

Do I need to be at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy to participate in it?

No.If you can't come here, there are shrines throughout the world participating in the Rosary Relay. Go to worldpriest.com to see if there is a shrine participating that's closer to you. Join them! If you cannot attend the event at a shrine, please consider praying a Rosary for this intention.

For more information on the Rosary Relay for Priests, visit Worldpriest.com.


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