Understand The Times, International

From its humble beginnings in the church of St. Francis Xavier in Phoenix, Rosary Sunday has grown into an annual event that draws more than 5,000 people in devotion to Mary. Last month, Catholics in the diocese marked the 34th year the faithful throughout the state gathered for adoration, confession, benediction and the recitation of the rosary.

�People come because they see this as an opportunity for grace,� Westfall said. �Not only for themselves, but for their family, the country and the world.�

�I am very impressed. We need one of these in the Rockford Diocese,� said Fr. James Parker. �When we pray those beads, we touch the heart of the Mother of God and simultaneously touch the heart of God.�

The Illinois priest used imagery and stories to emphasize Mary�s love, concern and protection of the faithful.

�When we pray the rosary, she wraps us in her mantle,� Fr. Parker said. �When we are close to her, we are able to maintain a peace of heart.�

The event proved to be an uplifting and spiritual opportunity for many families to pass the torch of faith and tradition on to their children.

In his opening address, the bishop said Mary will help each person as they join with Christ by offering daily sacrifices.

The festivities are a visual and auditory array of music, singing, dancing and drumming, but nothing holds a candle to the silence that befalls 5,000 people, many on bended knee, during the benediction.