Episode 2589: Rosary Rally: Reflection and Takeaways with Nancy

Opening Prayer:
O God, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to reveal the message of repentance and peace at Fatima, grant us, through her intercession, the grace to obey your will and lead lives of prayer and penance, so that we may one day enjoy the eternal reward promised to those who follow your commandments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

The idea to participate in the Rosary Rally came about unexpectedly. However, given our nightly rosary devotion and weekly MOPH novena, it felt like a natural extension of our prayer efforts.
We had about a month to prepare, although I wasn’t entirely sure what the preparation would entail at first.
Planning and Preparation

America Needs Fatima provided exceptional resources, including event details, promotional posters, and a ready-to-print prayer packet. They even sent a rally banner, making it easy to organize everything.
Social media, especially Facebook, seemed like the best platform to spread the word and invite participants.
I decided to keep this first rally simple, following the basic framework recommended by America Needs Fatima. When organizing an event for the first time, it's best to follow tried-and-tested formats, as many unforeseen challenges can arise.
Since October is the month of the Holy Rosary, marking the third apparition at Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun, we incorporated these themes in our messaging.
Challenges with Social Media Engagement

Before delving into the rally itself, I want to address a challenge: the lack of response on Facebook.
Over the weeks leading up to the event, I posted about it multiple times on my personal page:
Sept. 18: 2 likes
Sept. 26: 27 likes (boosted by a sunset photo at the St. William Grotto)
Oct. 1: 17 likes (plus one spammer)
Oct. 8: 7 likes
Oct. 11: 6 likes
Day of the Rally (morning): 3 likes; final post just before the event: 1 like
After the rally, I shared photos, and that post received 22 likes and two comments.
Reflections on Social Media Culture

Why focus on the number of likes? Because I believe it reflects the state of our culture. People eagerly post about meals or vacations and receive plenty of likes and comments. Yet, when invited to a Rosary Rally, the response is underwhelming.
This raises important questions: Are people uncomfortable expressing their faith publicly? Do they fear judgment from others? Or have they become indifferent to faith-based activities?
It amazes me how often people share “prayer chains” on social media—perhaps because it’s an easy way to appear caring and faithful. But our rally was an invitation to do more: to gather, pray, and act as a community.
Personal Motivation and Rediscovered Faith

Let me be clear: I’m not a “holy roller” or self-righteous. I’ve simply rediscovered my faith and a renewed devotion to prayer that has brought joy and peace I hadn’t experienced before. And if it can happen for me, it can happen for others too.
The Rally Itself

Now, let’s focus on the rally. We kept it simple, as planned, and had about 30 participants. Two attendees even brought an additional banner to display during prayer.
The event was held at noon on Saturday, October 12, in alignment with America Needs Fatima's nationwide rally to honor the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun. We emphasized that taking an hour to pray could provide a peaceful break from weekend routines and express devotion to Christ and the Blessed Mother.
Whether attendees came alone, with friends, or as a family, the rally offered a unique opportunity to pray together as a community.
A Thought-Provoking Comment

Walt, you had an interesting—and somewhat troubling—conversation with one of the attendees. Could you share the comment about the food?
Overcoming Disappointment and Finding Joy

Initially, I felt disappointed by the turnout, as I had hoped for more people to honor the Blessed Mother. However, after reflecting on today’s homily, I realized that the enemy tries to steal our joy by planting such thoughts. What truly matters is the people who were there, not those who weren’t.
Two participants even drove all the way from the Joliet Diocese, representing the Blue Army, which was a beautiful surprise.
Lessons and Moving Forward

What can we take away from this experience? First, it’s important to reflect on what worked well and what can be improved. Every event provides an opportunity to learn.
More importantly, we need to keep going. Keep praying, keep organizing, and keep inviting others. A Rosary Rally in May and another in October could be a wonderful tradition to establish.
As St. Padre Pio reminds us:
“Love the Madonna and pray the Rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today.”

Let’s take joy in what we’ve accomplished and continue to move forward with faith and perseverance.

There were six apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal, occurring monthly from May 13, 1917, to October 13, 1917. These apparitions were witnessed by three shepherd children: Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto.

Here is a brief overview of the six apparitions:

May 13, 1917:
Mary asks the children to return on the 13th of each month for the next five months. She invites them to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the world and the end of World War I.

June 13, 1917:
Mary reveals her Immaculate Heart and explains that God wishes to establish devotion to it. She promises that Jacinta and Francisco will soon be taken to heaven, but Lucia will remain longer to spread the message.

July 13, 1917:
Mary shows the children a vision of hell and calls for prayer and penance to save souls. She foretells future events, including World War II, and requests the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. The “Third Secret” is given, later revealed to involve suffering within the Church.

August 19, 1917:
This apparition occurred a few days late because the children had been imprisoned and threatened by the local authorities.
Mary emphasizes prayer and sacrifices for sinners.

September 13, 1917:
Mary promises a great miracle in October and asks the children to continue praying the Rosary.

October 13, 1917:
The Miracle of the Sun occurs, witnessed by thousands of people.
Mary identifies herself as the Lady of the Rosary and again asks for repentance and prayer.

These apparitions remain central to the Church's call to pray the Rosary, practice penance, and promote devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Closing Prayer (Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary)
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and Mother most merciful, we consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart. To you, we entrust our families, our hearts, and our wills. Obtain for us the grace to live faithful to your message at Fatima: prayer, reparation, and love for your Son.

Mother of the Church, guide us always closer to Christ. May your Immaculate Heart triumph in our lives, our families, and the whole world. Amen.