Rosary Rally planned for September, 2003 in the New Ulm diocese

In anticipation of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his election as Pope, His Holiness John Paul II declared that from October, 2002 to October, 2003 every diocese celebrate a "Year of the Rosary." He hopes that this emphasis on the rosary as a spiritual exercise will educate Catholics about their faith and help them meditate and grow in their relationship with Christ.

The Holy Father also added five new "Mysteries of Light," also referred to as "The Luminous Mysteries" which focus on the public life of Christ:

- The Baptism in the Jordan;

- The Wedding Feast at Cana;

- The Proclamation of the Kingdom;

- The Transfiguration; and

- The Institution of the Eucharist.

The Year of the Rosary will culminate in the Diocese of New Ulm with the Rosary Rally, which will take place on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 p.m., at the Church of St. Catherine, Redwood Falls. All the faithful of the New Ulm diocese are encouraged to attend.

The celebration will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, scripture readings, a homily by Bishop John C. Nienstedt and the recitation of the rosary.

The afternoon will conclude with Benediction and a reception. Free rosaries and pamphlets on "How to Pray the Rosary" will be available and Bishop Nienstedt will bless rosaries at the event.

The event is sponsored by the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in conjunction with the diocesan offices at the Catholic Pastoral Center in New Ulm.

To get an estimated number that will be attending the Rosary Rally, please watch for an attendance response form in your parish bulletin sometime later this summer.