As the feast day of St. Dominic de Guzman approaches, the Dominican order and numerous Catholic believers are engaging in a nine-month novena in preparation for a significant rosary pilgrimage in Washington, D.C. The novena, organized by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph, commenced in January and will culminate with a national pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 30.
The Novena and Rosary Pilgrimage:
The novena invites participants to pray on the 30th of each month, while encouraging additional prayers and rosary recitations.
The prayerful devotion seeks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening faith, hope, and love for God and others.
Father Patrick Briscoe, OP, one of the organizers, expressed overwhelming enthusiasm and excitement for the response received, with nearly 500,000 prayer cards distributed and an expected attendance of 10,000 people at the pilgrimage.
The Call for Prayer and Expression of Faith:
Joining the Novena and Pilgrimage:
The Sept. 30 Pilgrimage Schedule:
The pilgrimage on September 30 promises a spiritually enriching day with various activities.
Beginning at 9 a.m., the doors will open, followed by a conference led by Father Gregory Pine, OP, on “The Virgin Mary, Our Refuge in Heaven” at 10 a.m.
The day will include eucharistic adoration, confessions, and conferences on “The Holy Rosary, Our Recourse on Earth,” and a talk on the rosary.
Attendees will recite the rosary together, culminating in a vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m.
St. Dominic and the Rosary:
The feast day of St. Dominic on August 8 commemorates the founder of the Dominican order.
Although historical records do not confirm the legend of St. Dominic receiving the rosary from the Blessed Mother, 15th-century Dominican theologian Alan de la Roche, who popularized the rosary in Europe, connected St. Dominic to the rosary based on tradition and testimonies of writers.
The Dominican order has been a strong advocate and preacher of the rosary ever since.
Conclusion:
The nine-month novena and subsequent rosary pilgrimage honor the legacy of St. Dominic and the profound devotion to the rosary within the Dominican order.
This pilgrimage offers believers an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and an expression of faith in these transformative times.
With an invitation extended to all, the pilgrimage promises to be a powerful experience of grace and unity among Catholic believers.
