Rosary Sunday set to draw thousands in prayer

The Diocese of Phoenix will celebrate the 35th annual Rosary Sunday at the Phoenix Convention Center Oct. 11. The event combines a blessing procession, music, prayer and a keynote address all centered on the Blessed Mother and the rosary.

Rosary Sunday draws thousands of people each year, and planning it is a time-consuming endeavor. It’s also very much worth it, said Betsy Sherf, who runs the Katzin Classical Music Program for the diocese.

“Rosary Sunday is the culmination of a year-long planning process woven together with the prayers of the many who participate each year. I’ve been very happy to work with the parish musicians and their directors who add such a magnificent dimension to the day,” Sherf said.

The day begins at 12:15 p.m., with a procession in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on Ninth and Washington streets to the Phoenix Convention Center on Third and Washington streets.

Confessions will be offered in the convention hall from 12:30 p.m. onward. Also at 12:30 p.m., the matachines will dance in the lobby of halls F and G of the convention center. The matachines are Hispanic performers who dance in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

There will be a pre-program beginning at 1:30 p.m. featuring the Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral and School choirs and orchestra. Then, at 2 p.m., the main program for the event kicks off with a blessing procession in front of Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. Fr. Jim Parker will give the keynote address, and the crowd will pray the rosary together after a eucharistic procession at 3:15 p.m. The day will end with benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 4 p.m.

Fr. Fred Adamson, vicar general and moderator of the Curia, has led the public recitation of the rosary in years past. He said the day provides a good opportunity for the diocese to embrace its heritage.

“I find it a time of renewal in the rich traditions of our Catholic faith,” he said. “The procession of various schools, youth groups and ethnic communities are a wonderful way for us to recognize our one love for the Blessed Mother, her Son and His Bride, the Church.”

Sherf agreed and said she’s always struck by the diversity on display at the yearly event.

“This event gathers the faithful from all parishes, [even] beyond our own diocese,” she said. “They are there as the family that we are in the eyes of Christ, many in ethnic costume, representing organizations of faith that flourish in our Catholic community. Who would not be renewed and uplifted by such an outpouring of faith?”

Rosary Sunday draws a number of young families to the event, many of whom participate in the blessing procession. It can be a good way to introduce children to the traditions of the faith, Fr. Adamson said.

“Take the time to go,” he said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to share with your children the richness of our Catholic faith through praying the rosary with hundreds of others. The annual procession captures the attention of the young people who witness first hand the great love so many have for our Blessed Mother.”

Feedback | Print This Page | Back to Top