Maine needs Fatima
“Rosary Challenge” to Launch at Rosary Rally in Gorham on Saturday, July 14
Release date: July 10, 2018
GORHAM—A rosary rally will be held on the lawn of St. Anne Church, located on 299 Main Street in Gorham, on Saturday, July 14, at noon. Youth members of the parish will lead the praying of the rosary at the event. In addition to parishioners, non-Catholics and people who have never prayed the rosary are also encouraged to attend. Volunteers will offer rosaries and guidance for anyone interested.
The event on Saturday is the latest organized by “Maine Needs Fatima,” which hosted six outdoor rallies in 2017 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the appearance of Mary to three young visionaries in the town of Fatima, Portugal.
“This year, we’re continuing the monthly public rosary rallies as we usher in the second century promoting the message of Fatima,” said Fr. Louis J. Phillips, pastor of St. Anne Parish in Gorham. “I would encourage anyone to attend these events. Our devotion to the Blessed Mother is a path to greater unity and joy with her son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We would do well to heed the call to greater devotion to her Immaculate Heart and, along the way, we might just touch the hearts of the hurting world around us that’s in need of love and hope.”
Over 100 people have gathered at the rallies which have taken on different looks from month to month. For instance, May’s rally featured an outdoor Mass and, in June, a procession from the University of Southern Maine to the front lawn of the church preceded the rally. Another procession is scheduled for the August rally and an outdoor Mass is set for the October gathering.
“This Saturday, for the July rally, we will introduce the ‘Rosary Challenge,’” said Dan Kasprzyk, who, along with his wife Ellen, came up with the idea for the rallies. “Participants will be asked to take a photo or video as they pray the rosary in their daily lives. We will post them on social media to encourage the public praying of the rosary and increase devotion to our faith.”
Information on how to participate in the “challenge” will be available at Saturday’s rally and next week on the initiative’s website (link below).
In addition to the rosary rallies and “challenge,” the initiative has grown to also include a “First Five Saturdays” program at St. Anthony Parish in Westbrook that features the opportunity for confessions, a rosary recitation, and Mass. The Kaspryzks are also offering in-home visitations with the Fatima statue.
“Our Blessed Mother is calling all of us to renew our dedication to Jesus, her son,” said Dan. “What better way to honor Jesus and Mary than with these lovely celebrations.”
A website to promote the initiative (www.maineneedsfatima.org) will livestream the rally on Saturday. The livestream will also be available at www.facebook.com/maineneedsfatima.
To learn more about “Maine Needs Fatima” including a schedule of future rallies, visit the website or call (207) 615-0575.
Views: 0