Over the weekend, Catholics from around the world gathered in Lyon, France, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Living Rosary. First established by Blessed Pauline Jaricot, the Living Rosary is an expression of faith created to support the Church's missionary work through prayer and solidarity.
Today, the legacy of Blessed Pauline Jaricot continues through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, known in Australia as Catholic Mission.
In the lead-up to the celebrations, faithful gathered at the Church of Saint-Nizier in Lyon, where the tomb of Pauline Jaricot is located, to pray and reflect on the enduring legacy of the Living Rosary. Among those present were Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, and Fr Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, OFM Conv., Secretary General of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
During the gathering, Cardinal Tagle reflected on the "missionary dimension of the Rosary", referring to the various prayers that make up each decade. “I believe it is called the 'Living Rosary' because it is meant to form living communities that live their Christian mission.”
The celebrations served as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together as sisters and brothers in Christ, united in prayer and committed to building the Kingdom of God.
“Can you imagine what a vast international network of ‘Roses’ praying regularly for the same missionary intentions would represent?” said Fr Anh Nhue. “Groups from Poland, France, Italy, Vietnam, the Philippines, Tanzania, Brazil, and Mexico could feel united in the same spiritual mission. This international dimension would allow us to concretely manifest what the Second Vatican Council calls the communion of particular Churches in the one mission of the universal Church.”
By joining together in faith and action, we can bring hope to communities experiencing hardship and uncertainty. This shared commitment reflects our baptismal call to participate in the Church’s mission and witness God’s love in the world.
Inspired by Blessed Pauline Jaricot's vision of prayer leading to action, Catholic Mission continues this work of connecting Australian Catholics with communities in need around the world.
This June, Catholic Mission is inviting Australians to support the Church in Myanmar as it accompanies families facing ongoing civil unrest and displacement. Through education programs, food assistance and boarding hostels, the local Church is helping to provide safe pathways and renewed hope for children and young people.
Join us in prayer and solidarity with the people of Myanmar, and together let us continue the legacy of the Living Rosary, bringing hope, faith and practical support to communities in need around the world.
Learn more about supporting the Church in Myanmar and make a tax-deductible donation before 30 June.
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