Several shrines around the world were connected live to the rosary in the Vatican Gardens, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne in Nanterre, France, Our Lady of Sorrows in Kibeho, Rwanda, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at Carfin, Scotland.
Each decade of the rosary began with a Bible reading, followed by a description of the intention.
The intentions included the rediscovery of the value of community life, relief from unemployment, an end to domestic violence, recovery from illness, and the resumption of daily pastoral ministry.
The Hail Marys were led by members of families, ranging from young children to the elderly.
At the end of the five decades, the pope affixed a crown to the image of Mary, Undoer of Knots.
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After the recitation of the Litany of Loreto, the pope prayed: “O Mary, you always give light on our path as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross were associated with the pain of Jesus, firmly keeping your faith.”
“You, who know how to untie the knots of our existence, and know the desires of our hearts, come to our aid. We are certain that, as in Cana of Galilee, you will ensure that joy and celebration will return to our homes after this time of trial.”
“Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus will tell us, who took upon Himself our sufferings and took upon Himself our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.”
After giving the final blessing, he thanked the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization for organizing the rosary marathon, expressing satisfaction at the wide participation in the event.
He encouraged Catholics to continue to pray for the protection of the whole world from the pandemic and access to vaccines for all.