Now in its fifteenth year, the Worldpriest Global Rosary Relay for the Sanctification of Priests has once again seen the world enveloped in prayer for the ministry of priests around the globe. Greatly assisted by technology and social media, along with conventional communications channels, the Global Rosary Relay has, in a sense, reached saturation point, as Catholics – people of all countries, cultures and ages around the globe – participated in vast numbers on 7 June, the feast of the Sacred Heart.
While acknowledging the huge success of this extraordinary prayer event, Worldpriest founder Marion Mulhall states that global penetration can reach even higher levels, like a pebble in a lake rippling out and further out. This is how she sees the GRR expanding, locally, nationally and globally. Over time it will reach far and wide into every corner, until it touches every individual, worldwide.
‘I believe we can build on the success we have achieved in terms of geographical coverage’, she says. ‘Using all available technology there is scope for each prayer location to expand its influence within each country, by promoting and inviting many more participants. So while we may have covered every corner of the world, there is a wonderful opportunity to build further on that amazing foundation’.
This powerful video promotion, produced by Colm Flynn of EWTN fame and a director of Worldpriest, greatly contributes to the success of the event. https://youtu.be/qHHwydzEFJ0?si=dfc0KSt25R4AjtNM
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, USA.
The relay this year was given significant acceleration in the United States, when Bishop John O’Hara of the Archdiocese of New York – a recently appointed director of Worldpriest Inc. in the United States – led the Global Rosary Relay time of prayer from St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. His participation heightened awareness throughout the United States and beyond and significantly increased participation this year, not forgetting that currently every state has a participating prayer location, while many have much more than one as the prayer expansion, interest and awareness continues.
Father Benjamin Shehzad and Father Dilawar Samuel pictured with Archbishop Benny Mario Travas.
Mary’s Guidance – a gift to priests and faithful –Archbishop Benny Mario Travas of Karachi
The Archdiocese of Karachi witnessed an event on 27 June 2024 as Archbishop Benny Mario Travas presided over a special rosary prayer service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, praying for the sanctification of priests worldwide. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a new initiative by the archdiocese to promote prayer for priestly sanctification.
The service was attended by a large number of priests, religious and lay faithful, who gathered in unity to pray for the spiritual fathers of the Church. The event was organised by the Worldpriest Global Apostolate, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Karachi and was held on the last Thursday of the month, which is designated as Worldpriest Rosary Thursday.
Special mention is made to the dedicated work of our Worldpriest representative for Pakistan, Naveed Anjum, and his team Worldpriest PK for his untiring efforts that add to the success of the relay year upon year. Naveed has once again delivered astonishing results again this year for people all over Pakistan and the Global Rosary Relay Prelude was graced this year by the presence of the Archbishop of Karachi, Benny Mario Travas. Naveed and his team have great expertise in maximising the power of social media and various novel promotions which proved to be highly effective.
Attendance at Nuestra Madre Santisima de La Luz Parish Church Mexico.
The Annual Global Rosary Relay on 7 June 2024 at Family Rosary Mexico
The Annual Global Rosary Relay was coordinated locally by Family Rosary Mexico. The Rosary was prayed in two parishes in Guadalupe and Nuevo León, México.
Nuestra Madre Santisima de La Luz Parish led by Fr Armando Morales, CSC
About 100 hundred people gathered to pray for the sanctification and needs of priests. Among them there were the Holy Cross Priests, Armando Morales, the pastor at La luz and Fr Angel de la Cruz and Fr Marín Hernandez; as well as the Sisters of the Holy Cross, including Sr Areli and Sr Esperanza.
Some of the groups from the parish took turns to lead a mystery, as for example, ACTS Women and Men, Liturgy, Prayer Group for Vocations, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Bible Group, among others.
Holy Family Parish led by Father Arturo Alberto Guzmán Lara
The Rosary was attended by about 80 people. The following groups took turns to lead the Rosary: a group of older brothers, Bible Group, Matrimonies, Father Peyton Group and Cristeros Group.
The Rosary was followed by Mass and flowers were offered to Jesus. The special prayer cards for priests were distributed among all people to continue praying with their families for all priests.
After mass, food and refreshments were offered to participants.
Testimonies
‘I leave this Rosary with the joy of knowing that we all have the responsibility to pray and see for the priests of our community. By leaving everything to follow God, they are now part of the family and the community’
‘Thank God that I came with my family so that they can also learn, and together we prayed and were attentive to priests’, Mrs. Margarita Valadez
‘I was invited to the Rosary Relay for Priests and I invited my friend. Thank God we were able to come. I had never prayed for priests. On the contrary, I thought they were very overbearing. Hearing in the intentions about their needs and challenges, such as health problems, sadness, serving in the war, etc., helped me to realise that priests needed us. So let us play our part to support them’. Mrs. Tomasa Hernandez
‘It is very exciting to prepare the community to pray for priests. It is something we are not used to doing. When we pray regularly it is to ask God for our needs, but now the families participate more in praying for the priests and we are aware of what they are doing, so we are attentive to what they need’, Mrs. Máyela
His Grace Frank Nubuasah, SVD Botswana Gaborone Diocese honoured with the Worldpriest Annual Global Rosary Relay Award.
Father Moarabi Molefe, Chaplain for the Sacred Heart Sodality and Grace Frank Nubuasah receiving the award from Fidelma Webb, Worldpriest representative for Botswana.
On 4 May 2024 the Catholic Diocese of Gaborone gathered in the Christ the King Cathedral to witness a momentous occasion as His Grace Frank Nubuasah, SVD was honoured with an esteemed award from Worldpriest Global Apostolate, presented by Fidelma Webb, Worldpriest representative for Botswana and President of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Sodality. This accolade recognised the diocese’s exemplary participation in the global initiative to pray for the sanctification of priests, a movement that saw an unprecedented turnout from the deaneries and parishes in Gaborone on 16 June 2023.
A tribute to collective devotion
In 16 June 2023, the Sacred Heart Sodality of the Diocese of Gaborone joined the world in a dedicated effort to pray for the sanctification of priests. This initiative saw a remarkable response from the faithful, with large numbers participating in prayers and activities aimed at supporting and uplifting the clergy. The diocese’s enthusiastic and devout participation earned it recognition from Worldpriest Global Apostolate, an organisation committed to fostering Rosary prayer and support for priests worldwide.
The award, presented to His Grace Frank Nubuasah, SVD, on this special day, celebrated not only his leadership but also the collective faith and dedication of the Catholic community in Gaborone. The event, held during the investiture ceremony for new members of the Sacred Heart Sodality, was a testament to the vibrant spiritual life within the diocese.
A day of mixed emotions
While the day was marked by joyous celebration, it was also touched by sorrow. On this very day, the Catholic Church in Botswana received the heartbreaking news of the passing of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Anthony Pascal Rebello, SVD and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Francistown. This loss was profoundly felt across the community, adding a sombre note to the proceedings.
The life and legacy of Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello, SVD
Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello, SVD, was a pillar of faith and service in the young Church of Southern Africa. Known for his deep spirituality, humility, and unwavering commitment to missionary work, Bishop Rebello’s life was dedicated to the principles of love, service, and evangelisation. His journey began with a calling to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), through which he devoted his life to spreading the Gospel and supporting communities in need.
Appointed as the Bishop of Francistown, he focused on fostering unity, promoting social justice and enhancing the Church’s outreach through education and healthcare initiatives. His pastoral leadership was marked by a keen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within his diocese, helping to strengthen the faith and cohesion of the Catholic community.
The impact of losing a bishop
For a young Church in Southern Africa, the loss of a bishop like Rt. Rev. Anthony Pascal Rebello, SVD, is particularly significant. Bishops play a crucial role in guiding the spiritual and administrative aspects of the Church, serving as shepherds to their flock. Bishop Rebello’s passing leaves a void in leadership, but also in the hearts of those who knew him and benefited from his wisdom and compassion.
The Catholic Church in Botswana, while mourning this profound loss, is also reminded of the strength and resilience of its community. The faithful are called to honour Bishop Rebello’s legacy by continuing his work and upholding the values he cherished. His memory serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging the Church to persevere in faith and unity.
A day of reflection and commitment
The events of 4 May 2024 encapsulated a blend of celebration and reflection for the Catholic Diocese of Gaborone. His Grace Frank Nubuasah, SVD’s recognition by Worldpriest Global Apostolate highlighted the power of collective devotion and the importance of supporting the clergy. Meanwhile, the passing of Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello, SVD underscored the enduring impact of dedicated leadership and the strength of the Church community in times of sorrow.
As the Catholic Church in Botswana moves forward, it does so with a renewed commitment to faith, service, and unity, inspired by the lives and legacies of its esteemed leaders.
Ronald N K Moipoledi
Diocesan Communications and Media Office
Rosary Thursday goes from strength to strength
The monthly Worldpriest Virtual Rosary Thursday prayer event is giving a heightened global awareness to Worldpriest Apostolate, as a powerful prayer community has now formed from all over the world. It invites an excellent team of exceptional priests to lead the Rosary from around the world. Since the beginning of October 2020, over forty priests have led us all in prayer each with their teams of prayer responders, who are equally from various locations worldwide, who join the time of prayer in various languages.
You may visit and view recordings on our Worldpriest YouTube. All are most spiritually enriching, like the luminous mysteries of the Rosary in celebrating the public life of Jesus. But do not forget that every Thursday is Rosary Thursday as we pray with great gratitude and thanksgiving for the gift of all priests.
Worldpriest Global Apostolate are patrons, along with The Dominican Order and the Pan European Forum, to the Word Rosary Day prayer event on 7 October 2024.World Rosary Day – Please register in order to join this great prayer event, uniting with Pope Francis.
As a lead-up to the 2025 Jubilee of Hope being led by Pope Francis, a special ‘symphony’ of prayer will take place at 7pm on 7 October 2024, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. In order to ensure the success of this event, the pope called upon ‘the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, confraternities all over the world, especially Marian sodalities of the Holy Rosary, as well as Marian congregations, sanctuaries, parishes and all Marian and rosary prayer groups, and all people of good faith and good will to unite in an extraordinary twenty-four hours of prayer for the success of the 2025 Holy Year.’ The Papal Bull, entitled Spes Non Confudit’, meaning ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint’, declares that the Jubilee Year will officially begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024.
The pope further decreed that every Catholic cathedral around the world should offer Mass on 29 December 2024, as the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year for their local communities. Pope Francis encouraged dioceses to organise pilgrimages to the cathedrals for the occasion.
Deacon Don Devaney is a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland. He is married with seven adult children and eleven grandchildren. He is Chairman of the Divine Mercy Conference in Ireland for the last 33 years. He is a presenter with Radio Maria Ireland of the Divine Mercy Hour, God’s Healing Power Hour, The Healing Power of the Sacraments, Can we Be Saints, The Cell Communities (for prisoners) and a weekly Catechesis Programme Seeking Truth.
This virtual Rosary Thursday will make use of Zoom technology. Zoom Room will open at 17.45 hours; the prayers begin at 18.00 hours concluding at 18.30 hours.
The following time zones will assist your time of prayer.
USA/CANADA – Eastern Time: 12.00
USA/CANADA – Central Time: 11.00
CENTRAL EUROPEAN Time: 18.00
USA/CANADA – Mountain Time: 10.00
SOUTH AFRICA: – 18.00
UK/IRELAND: – 17.00
This virtual Rosary Thursday will include a welcome by Marion and introduction to our 25 July 2024 Worldpriest Virtual Rosary Thursday led by Deacon Don Devaney.
Prayer leaders will pray the Luminous Mysteries in the following order, with special guided meditations/reflections for each decade by Deacon Don Devaney.
Father Eamonn McCarthy Radio Maria Priest Director in studio.
- First Luminous Mystery – The Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan – to be prayed by Deacon Don Devaney prayer responder Joan and Dave Maroney. Divine Mercy for America. Mother of Mercy Messengers Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception Stockbridge MA USA
- Second Luminous Mystery – Wedding Feast of Cana – to be prayed by Deacon Don Devaney prayer responder Rebekah Comerford Editorial Assistant Radio Maria Ireland.
- Third Luminous Mystery – Proclamation of the Kingdom – to be prayed by Deacon Don Devaney prayer responder Father Barney McGuckian S.J. Chaplain to Worldpriest Global Apostolate
- Fourth Luminous Mystery – The Transfiguration of Our Lord – to be prayed by Deacon Don Devaney prayer responder Marion Mulhall Founder Worldpriest Global Apostolate.
- Fifth Luminous Mystery – The Institution of the Eucharist – to be prayed by Deacon Don Devaney prayer responders Joan and Dave Maroney. Divine Mercy for America. Mother of Mercy Messengers Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception Stockbridge MA USA
Final rosary prayers with a special blessing for our Rosary Thursday time of prayer of the 25 July to be prayed by Deacon Don Devaney to all prayer participants.
Register Here
To register, just click on the link provided here.
On the 27 June 2024 Father Mark-Mary Ames CFR, led the Worldpriest Virtual Rosary Thursday time of prayer along with friends of the Worldpriest Global Apostolate. At any time of your choosing pray with Father Mark-Mary and this special time of prayer youtu.be/cHMLk7Iq5S4
If you have any questions, please contact;
Marion Mulhall
info.worldpriest@gmail.com