As October 7, 2024, approaches, the Rosarian community is preparing with great devotion to celebrate the titular feast of their congregation, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, their patroness. This feast is an important occasion for the community to come together in prayer, reflect on their mission, and give thanks for the abundant blessings they have received.
The congregation’s focus is on praying for the General’s administration, all members of the congregation, benefactors, associates, well-wishers, and those who have gone before them. The Novena of Our Patroness, which runs from September 28 to October 6, 2024, is a key spiritual preparation. This novena is being held at the Rosarian Generalate Chapel, with special prayers of the Holy Hour conducted by the RG (Rosarian Generalate) and RTC (Rosarian Training Center) communities.
The Novena Days at the Rosarian Generalate
During the novena, the communities gather each evening at 6:45 PM in the Generalate Chapel for a solemn Holy Hour. The atmosphere is reverent, with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by vespers, scripture readings, and special preaching on the Holy Rosary. Each evening concludes with the Rosary devotion and Benediction. The presence of four Rosarian sisters, along with regular participants, adds to the spiritual richness of these nine days.
Notable Preaching Sessions
Each novena day features a different preacher, offering deep insights into the significance of the Rosary and its relevance to spiritual life.
September 28, 2024: The novena began with Rev. Fr. Justin Raj CR, the Prior General, who preached on “The Rosary as a School of Prayer.” He elaborated on how the Rosary is not just a repetitive prayer, but a profound method to deepen one’s relationship with God. He emphasized its importance in nurturing the spiritual life of individuals and shared practical ways to improve daily prayer life through the Rosary that can transform a person.
September 29, 2024: Rev. Fr. Jesurajan CR focused on “The Rosary and Marian Apparitions.” His sermon explored the history of the Marian apparitions that are officially recognized by the Catholic Church. He connected these apparitions to the call for holiness, emphasizing how the Rosary can help to fulfill the Blessed Mother’s requests for personal sanctity and devotion.
September 30, 2024: Rev. Fr. P.V. Mathew CR spoke on “The Role of the Rosary in Evangelization.” He explained how the Rosary, as a spiritual tool, can be shared with others as a means of evangelizing. He encouraged the faithful to relive the Rosary’s mysteries in their daily lives as a way of bringing the Gospel to the world.
October 1, 2024: Rev. Fr. Bastian CR preached about “The Power of the Rosary in Spiritual Warfare.” His sermon highlighted the Rosary as a powerful weapon against evil, both in the lives of individuals and the world. He drew attention to its protective power and encouraged the congregation to use it as a shield in times of spiritual battles.
October 2, 2024: Rev. Fr. Lawrence CR offered insights on “The Rosary as a Contemplation on Christ.” He described how each mystery of the Rosary allows us to contemplate key moments in Christ’s life, from His Incarnation to His Resurrection, making the Rosary a summary of the Gospel that can lead one to contemplation.
October 3, 2024: Rev. Fr. Jayakumar CR connected “The Rosary and the Holy Eucharist.” His reflection centered on how the Rosary complements the Holy Eucharist, both being pillars of Catholic spirituality. He encouraged a deeper devotion to both practices for a more complete spiritual life.
October 4, 2024: Rev. Fr. Jayaraj CR addressed “The Rosarians and Marian Contemplative Life.” He outlined the key aspects of the Rosarians’ spiritual practices, focusing on their dedication to the Rosary, Marian devotion, and contemplative prayer. He spoke about the importance of silence, community life, and the imitation of Mary’s virtues in their everyday lives.
October 5, 2024: Rev. Fr. Arul David CR preached on “Rosarian Life: A School of Saints.” As this day coincided with the first Saturday of the month, a solemn novena was held in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. Fr. Arul David emphasized the Rosarian life as a call to holiness and how the saints serve as models for living the Gospel through the Rosary.
October 6, 2024: Rev. Fr. Sahayadasan CR, the Vicar General, concluded the novena with a powerful sermon on “Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary.” He explored the theological and spiritual significance of Mary as Queen and the miracles associated with the Rosary. His reflections served as a fitting end to the novena, urging the congregation to embrace the Rosary as a means to enrich their spiritual lives.
The Titular Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary is a time of profound spiritual renewal for the Rosarian congregation. The novena has been a meaningful preparation, with inspiring sermons each day focused on the deep mysteries and power of the Rosary. As the community celebrates the feast on October 7, 2024, they do so with gratitude, praise, and a renewed commitment to their mission of devotion to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.
