Invitation to participate in this year’s Arizona Rosary Celebration

For weeks now you’ll likely see the 2024 Arizona Rosary Celebration promoted in your parish. It isn’t until October 26 but we, the Arizona Knights of Columbus, are excitedly promoting the diocesan wide event because we want you to join us for this special event. You see, every year, since 1976, the Arizona Knights of Columbus have hosted a statewide Rosary to honor Our Lady. We believe in the power of prayer and that is exactly what this event is about. We are bringing together faithful Catholics from throughout the Arizona to pray for our Catholic community and beyond. I’m especially excited because more than a month in advance we already have 1,000 men, women, and children registered to attend in Tucson! What’s more is that over the next 40 days or so, we expect that number to grow to at least 1,400. Isn’t that great news?  

Our celebration brings together families, priests, and other religious to pray together, all at once. It’s a powerful moment. This year, like all others, we honor our Blessed Mother, under one of her many titles, this year she’s Our Lady Queen of Peace.  

This year Father Zachary will serve as our guest speaker. Fr. Zachary of the Mother of God is a Priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). He serves as Formation Director for the American Region of SOLT. Fr. Zachary is a former Attorney at Law in the State of California and testifies that he has experienced the infinite Mercy of God in a profound and personal way.  His love and commitment to the Priesthood, the Eucharist, Our Lady and Holy Mother Church is evident throughout his life and mission. Through his gifts of preaching and spiritual direction many Catholics are inspired to deeper and lasting conversion as they continually discern and live out God’s plan for their life. Father Zachary presents the faithful with the necessary tools of the spiritual life and directs them to Our Blessed Mother, Mary, so she can form them in her heart where they can become “the Saints they were created to be.” I hope you will prayerfully consider attending to witness his love for the faith.  

As you know prayer is especially important, but this event also collects prayer petitions that are then taken to the Santa Rita Abbey near Sonoita, AZ. For the next year the Sisters at the Abbey will pray for each intention. We also ask that everyone pray for the success of the Arizona Rosary Celebration as a similar celebration will take place in Phoenix. 

If you’ve never participated in the Arizona Rosary Celebration you will be among other faithful Catholics and many of our priests serving the Diocese of Tucson. Our bishop The Most Reverend Edward Weisenburger will lead us. He will be accompanied by dozens of deacons and altar servers. Our Rosary leaders will lead us as we pray, we will also enjoy a Blessing Procession. It is quite the site to come together as faithful Catholics and enjoy fellowship. I’m especially proud that at least half of the 77 parishes in the diocese are represented at the event. The night before we also gather for Holy Hour. This is a glorious event that only happens once a year so on behalf of the Arizona Knights of Columbus and the Diocese of Tucson I cordially invite you to join us for a special night of prayer. Please visit our website to learn more https://www.azrosary.net/ 

If you cannot attend, please keep this prayer and pray for a successful Arizona Rosary Celebration: