May 30, 2017
This year we mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima from May 13 to Oct. 13. It is my hope that the Archdiocese of Baltimore will observe this anniversary in a profoundly spiritual manner. Therefore, from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, an Archdiocesan Rosary Congress will be held on the campuses of several of our parishes.
The concept of a Rosary Congress originated in Poland in 1978. The people of Poland had observed seven days of continual Eucharistic Adoration and Rosaries in the hope that the newly-elected Pope John Paul II would receive permission to visit Communist Poland. The prayer was answered; the government relented and invited the Pope to visit his homeland. In 1988, the Rosary Congress was imported to the United States, where a Congress was held in Washington D.C. Rosary Congresses have been held around the country ever since.
It is fitting that our Archdiocese observe the 100th Anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima by hosting these Rosary Congresses. They will begin with a Vigil Mass on Oct. 7 (the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary) and culminate on Oct. 13 (the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s final appearance at Fatima).
The Rosary Congress in Baltimore is an effort that will be coordinated by and through the laity, with the leadership of several pastors and the support of the Department of Evangelization. Should you wish to contact someone with any questions you might have, please contact Dawn Walsh at dwalsh33@gmail.com.
I pray that through the Rosary Congresses in October we will deepen our devotion to Mary and receive her intercession on behalf of our people.
Archbishop William E. Lori