BRAZIL, Volny Enrique Martoni. On 28 February, the Men’s Rosary was launched at St. Anthony’s Parish in Ourinhos Diocese (State of Sao Paulo). Fifty-one men who belong to the Men’s Rosary in Jacarezinho travelled by bus, kindly provided by Esconorte Construtora belonging to Avanilton Batista, to Ourinhos. Fr. Rogério, the parish chaplain, Fr. Luiz and the members of the Men’s Rosary in the parish welcomed the visitors.
The coordinator of the Pilgrim Mother Campaign, Vicente Ambrósio, gave a brief presentation about the Schoenstatt Movement and the attachment of the Men’s Rosary to the Shrine. He also gave a brief explanation of the origins of the Schoenstatt Movement, its founder, Fr. Kentenich, and João Luiz Pozzobon who started the Pilgrim Mother Campaign and Rosary in 1950.
The importance of the Men’s Rosary in the parish
Volny Enrique Martoni, the coordinator of the Men’s Rosary in Jacarezinho Diocese, spoke about the importance of the Men’s Rosary campaign in the parish, the spread of the campaign throughout the country, and the benefits that it brings not only to the men who participate, but also to the parish itself as the men become more involved in parish activities. He praised Fr. Rogério and recommended that the men meet once a week at the parish to reflect on the Rosary.
Contemplating the mysteries of the Rosary
This was followed by praying the Rosary, reflecting on the Glorious Mysteries. After the invocation sung to the Holy Trinity, the intentions for this Rosary were made: for Pope Benedict XVI on the last day of his pontificate, the presence of the Holy Spirit on the cardinals during the conclave and the election of the next successor of Peter. Each of the five mysteries was led by groups of men representing the parishes present: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Joseph the Worker and finally, a group of about sixty men from the host parish. At the end of each mystery, they sang a verse and chorus of the Men’s Rosary hymn.
One of most important pastoral projects in Brazil
After the final prayer of thanksgiving for the Rosary, the Ministry of Music, made up of four men with their guitars, led the sung Litany to Our Lady and the Consecration.
In conclusion, the Prayer of the Holy Angel, they sang a song asking for heavenly blessings from Our Lady of Aparecida, Patroness of Brazil, and Fr. Rogério gave the final blessing.
Fathers Rogério and Luiz and the parishioners welcomed the visitors in the parish hall, providing delicious cocktails which had been prepared with much love and generosity.
Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Johannesburg, South Africa
