Father Hathaway’s Column — October 2, 2022

MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY

The Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, Thursday, October 7, was established in 1571 by Saint Pius V in thanksgiving to God for the victory of Christians over the Turks at Lepanto, attributed to the people of Rome praying the rosary. Called a “compendium of the Gospel,” the rosary is a beautiful meditation on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to pray the rosary often, even daily, especially as a family. (See more by clicking here.)

You also are invited to join your parish family in praying the rosary before our 8 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday. Our Basilica of Saint Mary Rosary Society, Knights of Columbus and Legion of Mary also lead parishioners in reciting the rosary following the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass in those months with five Sundays. The next Fifth Sunday Rosary will be Sunday, October 30; watch the bulletin for more details.

A plenary indulgence is granted when the rosary is recited in a church or oratory or when it is recited in a family, a religious community or a pious association. A partial indulgence is granted for its recitation in all other circumstances.

BASILICA STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Thank you to everyone who has completed and submitted a Commitment Card for our “…Do this in remembrance of Me” program. If you have not yet had the opportunity to submit your card, a final letter will be mailed to you with a personalized card. All parishioners are invited to complete a card as our parish goal is 100-percent participation! You may return your card by mailing it to the church using the pre-addressed envelope included with the letter, by bringing it to Mass or by visiting here to complete an electronic Commitment Card. Your card needs to be returned to the Parish Office by Sunday, November 13.

(Electronic giving is an easy, safe and secure way to support the Basilica of Saint Mary. To set-up a recurring weekly or monthly gift, or to make a one-time donation directly from your bank account or credit card, click here. Thank you for your ongoing support!)

ANGELS AMONG US!

October 2 is traditionally the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. Because it falls on a Sunday this year, it does not appear on the Church calendar. Still, we can and should take some time this week to think about the role of angels in helping us lead good, holy lives. The angels most often protect us from physical danger and from committing sin. They also aid us at the time of our death. Saint John Bosco said: “When tempted, invoke your angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped! Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him: He trembles and flees at the sight of your Guardian Angel.”

TWO REMINDERS!

ALEXANDRIA LIFE CHAIN – 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. this weekend, Sunday, October 2. Click here for more information.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, in the parking lot at the corner of Wolfe and South Royal Streets.