Pope Francis Blesses Global Rosary Relay for Priests

“To all he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing.”

Archbishop Neary is the episcopal adviser to Worldpriest, which was founded in 2003 by Irish entrepreneur Marion Mulhall. She established the organization to “affirm the dignity, beauty and gift of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ to Humanity.”

In 2009, Mulhall oversaw the launch of the Global Rosary Relay, which takes place annually on the feast of the Sacred Heart. 

Due to the coronavirus crisis, organizers are encouraging participants in this year’s rally to livestream their prayers or, if that is not possible, to pray in small numbers in churches, respecting measures to restrict the spread of the disease.  

The Worldpriest website explains that all Catholics can participate in the event from any location.  

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“Simply join in prayer with many of the livestreaming presentations, such as the live television broadcasts by Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) -- our media partners -- or through radio, Facebook Live and YouTube, all broadcast from many prayer locations worldwide,” it says.

The global rosary rally began with 24 locations in 24 countries. Last year it recorded 255 locations in more than 70 countries. 

This year Catholics in more than 85 countries are expected to take part. Locations include Our Lady of Magadan in Russia’s Far East, the Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda, the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.