The India Sri Lanka Catholic Apostolate’s Rosary Rally took off to a flying start with mother nature providing us with a nice sunny day to celebrate our Blessed Virgin Mary’s Rosary Rally, despite there being a very severe thunderstorm and rain the previous evening.

St. John Neumann Church was the perfect picturesque location for this unique event, put together for the 1st time through the Apostolate, a brilliant suggestion in hindsight by our Director and leader Fr. Anthony Arockiadoss. We thought the Rosary rally would certainly set the stage to promote the recital of the daily rosary amongst families and participants. It was about six months back that this thought was put into action. The Apostolate Secretaries worked tirelessly to ensure that this event had the participation and enthusiasm to make it a success. Fast forward six months later to May 17, 2015, the Secretaries arrive promptly at 12 noon and started in earnest to get things organized for the congregation arriving at 2pm. Pastor of the church, Fr. Abraham Orapankal, gave us a warm and gracious welcome. He was most kind and generous in opening up his Parish Church, including the kitchen and beautiful lawns for our use. The Rosary rally started promptly at 2pm.

Every participant was given the holy rosary that was made available by Fr. Anthony. Opening remarks were given by Fr. Abraham, who welcomed all of us. One of the secretaries, Ronald D’Souza, addressed the gathering and explained the program for the rally. There certainly was a feeling of sanctity as children assembled carried the Crucifix, posters and flowers and took their positions in readiness for the procession. The children from various communities sang hymns as they processed from the Church to the lawns, followed by the rest of the congregation including the two priests, Fr. Abraham and Fr. Anthony. Each community group recited a decade followed by children singing the devotional song Ave Maria. The rosary then concluded with the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At this point the procession made its way back to the Church. There was an added sigh of relief as the congregation enjoyed the welcomed air-conditioned facility, as it was a very hot and a sunny afternoon!

After a short break with cold beverages, people were preparing themselves for the start of Mass, celebrated by Frs. Abraham and Anthony. The cantor and the children’s choir comprised from the Mangalorean Catholic and Tamil Associations, did a fantastic job.

The Organizing Committee comprising the Secretaries of the Apostolate did an outstanding job inspiring and coordinating the proceedings. Their practices bore great fruit as the celebration of the Mass was enhanced in such a wonderful way. The Organizing Committee comprising the Secretaries of the Apostolate did an outstanding job inspiring and coordinating the proceedings.

The readings were presented by representatives from various organizations. Fr. Abraham’s homily was a special one as he spoke about the role of media and how we could use it to our advantage – spiritually and for a better understanding of the word of God. St John Neumann Church has four large monitors and Fr. Abraham made sure he used these monitors all through his homily. Father was very happy with the Flag that the Apostolate put up at the altar of our Blessed Saint Joseph Vaz . He informed us that this great Saint was born in Goa and traveled to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and is popularly known as the Apostle of Ceylon. Fr. Joseph Vaz traveled throughout the island bringing the Eucharist and the sacraments to groups of Catholics. At the time of his death, Fr. Vaz managed to rebuild the Catholic church on the island. On 21 January 1995, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo.

For the offering, there was a line of children who eagerly took up the gifts of fruit, vegetables and other food essentials. The Mass ended with a solemn blessing from both Fr. Abraham and Fr. Anthony.

After Mass the congregation moved from the church to the luscious lawns where the Secretaries and their spouses were ready with refreshments. Hot dogs, samosas, potato chips, tea, coffee and juices were made available to the attendees, which everyone enjoyed. Fr. Abraham then took us for a tour of the beautiful acreage surrounding the church which included a walk down to the river that bordered the grounds.

The rally started to wind down around 5 pm so people could return home at a decent hour.

The event was well attended, with so many of the groups being represented participating in all aspects. There was a great sense of devotion and reverence befitting to our dear Mother Mary. For those that attended, there were blessings in abundance.

Saying the Rosary at the rally was solemn and a testimony of our solidarity as Catholics from different backgrounds and ethnicity coming together as one people in prayer. This Rosary rally has certainly been etched in our memory as a unique spiritual experience. May everyone, and even those who could not attend, be blessed and touched by our Blessed Virgin Mary. Our special thanks to all the children who did an outstanding job all through the event.

Our thanks to Fr. Abraham, Fr. Anthony, the Secretaries and spouses, and to all those who so generously gave of their time, talent and treasure to make this rally an outstanding tribute to our Lord’s precious Mother.

Report by Mr. Felix Menezes – Pictures: Mr. Anton Asoka Ranasinghe – TP Photo Video Media

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