Saturday, June 12, 2010

Catholic group marking end of Year for Priests with global Rosary relay

A non-profit group will mark the closing of the Year for Priests with a 24-hour 'Rosary Relay' to be held in countries across the globe, in what they called an “unbroken chain of prayer.”

Worldpriest Inc., a non-profit dedicated to promoting the priesthood, has organized a 24-hour, global Rosary to commence on June 19.

Twenty-four shrines from around the world will each be assigned an hour of prayer, with the first one starting in Brisbane, Australia at 01:00 GMT.

“As the family of the Church, we are all invited to join our prayers to the prayers of millions throughout the world on 19th June as the 'Year of the Priest' draws to a close,” said the organization in a statement.

“It is an opportunity for us to raise our hearts to God for all priests in the exercise of their ministry; that they will be blessed, through our prayers, with God's grace for their priesthood,” the statement added.

The group hopes that the “worldwide communion of prayer” will help priests “experience our gratitude and support.”

The non-profit reported that participating shrines are located in Australia, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Levant and Middle East, South Africa, Bosnia, Italy, Poland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, England, Mexico, Argentina, Canada and the United States.

“I am happy to support and highly recommend the current initiative of The Worldwide Rosary Relay on June 19th to mark the end of The Year of the Priest,” remarked Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, Ireland.

“I believe it has great potential and will bring many spiritual benefits to all involved.”

SIC: CNA