Children Providing Leadership

On the Solemnity of All Saints November first, we held the Children's Rosary at St Peter Claver Church in West Hartford, Connecticut USA. Benny pictured above, age 9, attended the Children's Rosary for the first time today. He was joined by 5 children who were around the age of 6. For all of these children it was the first time attending a Children's Rosary and I believe also praying a rosary. Benny immediately took the leadership role. He led the first decade and then an invitation was made to anyone else who wanted to join him. Richie lifted his hand and assumed a position next to Benny. We had another volunteer to help for the third decade and by the fourth decade Nora had expressed interest in leading and there were four children at the podium. Throughout the Rosary it was Benny who reassured the younger children and provided the steady voice to lead the prayers.

 We closed by playing the theme song for the Children's Rosary. Three children stayed at the podium. The song was new to all the children. Benny did something I had not expected. With the song playing and my poor accompaniment singing he started creating harmonies and also taking the song to higher notes that were beautiful. He had never heard the song but he anticipated where it was going and through talent did something remarkable with it. This is a link to listen to the theme song. It does not have Benny singing it but you can enjoy the song as it was originally recorded. As the song came to a close, he softly mentioned to me that he had something he wanted to say. He said a short prayer asking for God to bless all the children who attended. All who were there seemed touched by this impromptu prayer from the heart of a 9 year old boy. Benny assured us he will be at the December meeting. He also said he will invite more children. We were grateful for his leadership today and going forward with this group.