National Rosary Rally on Oct 16

Catholics the world over honour the Blessed Virgin Mary by reciting the rosary this month. It commemorates the apparition of Our Blessed Mother to three children at Fatima, in Portugal, where she asked people to recite the Rosary for the reparation of sinners and the restoration of peace in the world.

In Sri Lanka Our Blessed Mother is venerated by taking her statue in procession through the streets, while reciting the Rosary and other prayers and singing hymns.

These events are organised by the Legion of Mary.

A National Rosary Rally on the theme "To Our Lord with Mary", will be held on October 16 in Kurunegala, under the patronage of the Most Rev. Dr. Cletus C. Perera, Bishop in charge of the Legion of Mary, and the Most Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, Bishop of Kurunegala.

The program will commence with the arrival of the faithful from all parts of the country at St. Anne's College, Kurunegala at 9.00 am on October 16. The procession will wend its way from the College grounds at 10.00 am and conclude with Holy Mass at the Maligapitya esplanade. The prayers and services will be conducted in all three languages.

Arrangements to cater to the needs of the large numbers expected to participate in this event will be coordinated by Rev. Fr. Basil Fernando, the Procurator General of the Diocese. Staff members of the Legion of Mary will also co-ordinate the arrangements at every diocese and parish, to unite the country in prayer.