In August, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila launched a Rosary Crusade to ask for Mary’s intercession and God’s protection during these uncertain times. He personally asked all Catholics to join him in praying the Rosary for 30 days.
“The last several months of the coronavirus epidemic, the civil unrest that has broken out in different parts of the archdiocese and our nation, and the challenges the Church is facing have made the need for Mary’s intercession abundantly clear. Mary is our Mother and desires only our good like the Father,” said Archbishop Aquila.
The 30 days of praying the Rosary began on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, August 15, and ended on the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, September 15.
It didn’t take long for the community to respond. From day one, the Archdiocese of Denver shared different prayer intentions on its social media platforms that were immediately shared by the faithful who began to pray the Rosary pleading for the intercession of Mary.
The Archbishop highlighted the importance of praying the Rosary and turning to Mary in times of hardship, remembering how throughout history, Mary has answered our prayers and she, herself, has asked us to pray the Rosary for world peace, as it happened in the apparitions at Fatima.
“We know, too, from history that Mary has answered prayers brought to her through the Rosary and that she has personally asked people to pray it for the most serious needs, especially for the conversion of souls,” Archbishop Aquila recalled.
While some people chose to pray the Rosary individually, some parishes created prayer groups to pray the Rosary daily via Zoom or other digital platforms.
“It has been a great opportunity for our parishioners to pray together as we are spread over great distances here in the mountains. Thanks again and God bless all you do!” said Denise Cook, participant of a prayer group.
The Rosary Crusade not only brought communities together, but also helped many get closer to God by making this prayer part of a daily routine and having an intimate moment with Him.
“I pray at least one decade of the Rosary every day but during the Rosary Crusade I prayed all five decades every day, said another local parishioner, Jason Roberts. “There were times of not really wanting to but did it anyway and times where I was almost in tears when praying the Rosary and really focusing on the Mysteries. A few times I prayed the Rosary during Adoration at our parish and that was when Jesus spoke to me very directly. Still praying the Rosary every day!”
Without a doubt, the Rosary is a very powerful prayer that not only brings us closer to our mother in heaven, but it can also bring us the peace and harmony that many of us seek for. During these times of crisis, it is crucial that we continue to ask for the intercession of Mary by praying the Rosary with devotion and confidence that she will respond to our prayers.
During the Rosary Crusade, the Archbishop asked the faithful to pray for these intentions:
For a growth in faith, hope and charity in the heart and soul of every human being, and most especially in our own that we may seek only the will of the Father
For a recognition of the dignity of life from the moment of conception until natural death and that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God
A quick end to the coronavirus pandemic
For all who are suffering from COVID-19, for their caregivers, and for those who have died from the virus
In reparation for the sins of abortion, euthanasia, and racism
In reparation for the sins and failings of our spiritual leaders and for our personal sins
For healing and justice for all those who have been discriminated against because of their race
For the conversion of the world and the salvation of souls
For all those who are persecuted throughout the world for the Faith
For the conversion of those who carry out acts of desecration against our churches, statues and religious symbols
In reparation for these acts of desecration, especially against Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
For our civic leaders and those who keep us safe to experience a deeper conversion, to govern justly, and to seek the common good
That we may learn how to love and forgive from the example of Jesus
For all marriages and families, neighborhoods, churches and cities to be strengthened
For an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life
We invite you to continue praying the Rosary and asking for these intentions!