October, Month of the Rosary at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in the Philippines
By Joyce Bustamante
[FIN Province] There is no doubt that Don Bosco Village in Better Living, Parañaque City has a strong love for our Blessed Mother. Aside from perhaps being the record-holder for having the most number of images erected in a single village, the devotion to her is so strong that we find many communities, parish volunteers, and their families flocking together to pray the rosary, imploring the intercession of Mary Help of Christians for various concerns.
As shrine rector Fr. Cris Magbitang, SDB said that “we run to her maternal embrace for protection against evil forces that can easily overwhelm us and devour our souls to despair. “ He cited that we need her powerful intercession for the many problems and challenges that the world is facing at this time in our history: “The threat of a catastrophic nuclear war as the fighting continues to escalate between Russia and Ukraine; the looming global recession facing all nations because of rising inflation; the hopeless resignation to a bleak future many young people feel as a result of the high cost of living and fewer job opportunities; and the covid pandemic that continues to disrupt our lives and most especially the education of our children.”
As such, on October 8, in the Parish-led “Living Rosary”, before the 100-year-old crowned image of Mary Help of Christians, families representing the different parish ministries and organizations were called to lead the devotees of Mary to the praying of the rosary for the above-mentioned intentions and for “the stability in the family, the nucleus of society, and for the healing of the Earth and sustainability of the environment.” In between the joyful mysteries, the Music Ministry’s Rondalla and Youth Choir, led by Jomar Soriano, rendered Marian songs. These songs further helped express the love for our Mother, while the members from parish organizations and ministries made their floral offerings.
The Marian Commission and PWPN also led the parishioners in praying the rosary after the Holy Hour, on the First Friday of the Month, on Oct. 7 – the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Meanwhile, even when most of these communities have no chapels in their areas, they have organized the praying of the rosary together. And, our Salesian priests from our Parish have been taking these scheduled gatherings as an opportunity for a personal visit. Participating communities are Sacred Heart (Oct. 5), Taiwan (Oct. 7), F. Serrano (Oct. 11), Switzerland Dulo (Oct. 12), CWI (Oct. 4), MCM (Oct. 18), Denmark (Oct. 19), Malacanang (Oct. 21), Sagrada Familia (Oct. 25), Sitio Fatima (Oct. 26) and San Lorenzo Ruiz (Oct. 28).
The month of the rosary is a month of love: for her and with Her, our Blessed Mother.
