Article – Happy Second Anniversary Holy Rosary Shrine!
Thanks be to God for our first two years as a shrine at beautiful Holy Rosary Church. I have to say once again thank you to all in the shrine community who have been so supportive and encouraging to us friars as we work together to build up the Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Viva Cristo Rey! Our broader mission as a shrine has been gradually taking shape, while many continue to make Holy Rosary their regular place of worship.
I would like to share some highlights which for me show the hand of Our Blessed Mother working in her little shrine to call her children to union with her Son. First of all, the number of people coming to confession has been slowly increasing. Here the priest has the great privilege of seeing the Holy Spirit working powerfully in souls by the grace of repentance and conversion.
Many comment on the beauty of our Masses and other Liturgies. While any change will usually have some disagreement, overall there seems to be an increase of individuals and families coming to the shrine. A special thanks to our musicians and choir members who do so much to help us pray and give God greater glory. If our worship is authentic, then we will become more and more the salt and light that Jesus commands us to be.
The number of groups using our facilities, and different events at the shrine, have also been increasing. All share the goal of spreading the Good News of God’s love for us. We also hope to initiate additional opportunities to serve the poor in the future.
The fire insurance settlement has providentially given us the means to do many needed projects to improve and augment our facilities. These include the new parking lot, friar residence, lift project, shrine gift shop, needed church repairs, shrine center fire protection system and many others. We have also applied for a grant which may provide a new shrine van and possibly funding for a facilities manager position.
May Our Lady of the Holy Rosary guide us in all things, and may the Good Lord bless you all greatly!
–Fr. Peter