“The Rosary has accompanied me in moments of joy and in moments of difficulty. To it I have entrusted any number of concerns; in it I have always found comfort.”
These words of Pope St. John Paul II in Rosarium Virginis Mariae have guided many of my recommendation both to spiritual directees and to penitents. In meditating on the Glorious, Joyful, Sorrowful and Luminous Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray that we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. That is why St. Dominic and with St. John Paul we confidently entrust any number of concerns to the intercession of the Blessed Mother – Our Lady of Victory.
Here at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe, a familiar sight is pilgrims praying the Rosary and maybe the most purchased items from our Giftshop – Mary’s Dwelling – are rosaries. Everyday I am asked to bless rosaries bought here. Yes, we do not promote the praying of this Scripture-based prayer which according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, summarizes the mysteries of the Catholic faith. It is a powerful tool of evangelization and of accompaniment.
For over 30 years, Mary, Queen of the Universe has been involved in this two-fold mission of evangelization and accompaniment – not only for the people of Central Florida, but for others from all corners of the world. We do this through the ministrations of priests, deacons and Religious Sisters, and we ask you to support us in any way you can to keep this mission going. Your gift of prayer and or money would be greatly appreciated. We have started to pray the Rosary communally before our daily noon Mass. Know that you and your concerns will be entrusted to God and to Mary’s intercession during that time of prayer. May you find comfort.
In Jesus and Mary,
Father Anthony Aarons
Very Rev. Anthony Aarons, Missionary of Mercy
Rector
Unite yourself with us in prayer by allowing the community of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe to pray for your special intentions.