Today Fr. Ignatius and I prayed the rosary with about 375 families from our parish (who were in their homes, praying with the live stream).  It was beautiful.  After getting over the self-consciousness of being on camera, I was able to really pray, and felt that I was not alone.  Several parishioners have expressed their gratitude.  One wrote: 

Fr Anthony - I just prayed the rosary with you and Fr Iggy live, and I just had to tell you I had the most powerful experience! As I prayed along with you I was completely overwhelmed with joy and tears streamed down my face. It was almost a feeling of euphoria I had never felt before. It was so strange but so comforting. I just had to tell you. I know our Blessed Mother and our Lord are hearing and answering us. Thank you for all that you do! God bless you!

Growing up, I didn’t pray the rosary.  It wasn’t a family practice.  As many of you know, I had a conversion experience in college in which I embraced the faith as an adult.  I was part of a Knights of Columbus council at the university.  I was tasked with leading the weekly rosary for the council.  Then, God reinforced the importance of the rosary in many ways, such that it became a daily habit.  I remember distinctly watching a video about Marian apparitions narrated by the Fantasy Island actor Ricardo Montalban.  Mary was warning everyone to repent of their sins and turn to her Son Jesus; otherwise, chastisements would come. 

One little known church-approved apparition took place in Akita, Japan.  A nun, Sister Agnes, had mystical experiences which included hearing directly from the Blessed Virgin Mary about a future time in which there would be great division in the Church as well as a great chastisement.  I am not asserting that those prophecies are being fulfilled now.  Also, I know that God can change His plans based on how we respond, as He did with Nineveh in the days of Jonah. 

Sr. Agnes went on to live the quiet life of a nun until late last year. It was reported that the Blessed Virgin Mary gave Sr. Agnes a new message to share with others: “Cover with ashes and pray a penitential rosary every day.” 

Make of this what you will. Ecclesiastical authorities have said nothing about this purported new message. Still, I am recommitting to the daily rosary, and I hope you will commit as well.