Monday, December 28, 2020

"We offered prayers and Mass for all members of the Children's Rosary all over the world"

 

Today we received the wonderful message from Br. Cleophus, "We offered prayers and Mass for all members of he Children's Rosary all over the world." The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Wilson Wachira at St. Mary's Church in Simba, Kenya at 10 AM local time. We thank Br. Cleophus, Fr. Wachira, and the children for their prayers and this wonderful gift. During the summer of 2019, we were able to visit Br. Cleophus, Fr. Wachira and the children from St. Mary's Church in Simba. It was a very special experience to spend time with them.

Br. Cleophus is pictured above in white. 

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Christmas Peace 1914


A few members of my family love history. Recently our youngest son, age 13, shared a story with us. It is the story of Christmas 1914. World War I was raging and on the Western Front something beautiful happened. Beginning on Christmas eve, soldiers on both sides began singing Christmas Carols. The following day two-thirds of the front observed a truce. Fighting stopped. Some soldiers even ventured into no-man's-land to share gifts with their enemies. It is reported a games of soccer was played between members of the German Royal Saxon Regiment and the Scottish Seaford Highlanders. The Germans won the game three to two. 

It is reported that in some places the truce lasted a week. 

Peace is a great gift and it is one that our Prince of Peace is most eager to give us but we need to ask for this gift. Even in the midst of World War I Christmas Peace was felt.

Source for artwork: A.C. Michael - Guardian. Originally published in The Illustrated London News 1915.

Saturday, December 26, 2020

A Gift for all the Members of the Children's Rosary this Christmas

 

A Mass was celebrated on December 25th for all the members of the Children's Rosary. This is a little gift to all of you! 

The picture above was sent to us leading up to Christmas. This is Fr. Julius Luswata of St. Jude Parish in Masaka Diocese of Uganda. Fr. Julius Luswata helps coordinate the Children's Rosary groups in his parish. The children behind him are members of the Children's Rosary from Vision Park Primary School.

Friday, December 25, 2020

All Nature Glorifies God: Christmas 2020


 This is a picture we took at sunset on the first day of Christmas.

The First Day of Christmas 2020


The Children's Rosary began an effort 6 years ago. We invited people to put a sign in their window through Advent that read: Patiently Waiting. It was a gentle way of witnessing where our hearts were during the journey toward Christmas. On Christmas eve, we replaced the Patiently Waiting sign with one that read simply: Christ is Born. 

We live in a place where people spend a good deal of time walking into town and pass this sign. Through Advent there are always people who do not understand the Patiently Waiting sign. But now we hope that all those questions are answered. For those who hear and see so many signs of the commercial side of Christmas this is a little sign that puts the focus on the true meaning of this season. 


We also replaced the purple bow on our wreath with a red one on Christmas eve. So often it seems Christmas appears to be the signal to take down the decorations. Frequently we see on December 26th Christmas trees start appearing by the curb of the street for pick up. It is sad to see the decorations thrown out so early in the true Christmas season.

These little things we do through the Christ is Born sign and the change to a red bow are our gentle witness to help others realize that Christmas is not a one day celebration. The 12 days of Christmas start on December 25th instead of end on this date.


We wish you all a very blessed Christmas from the Children's Rosary!

Monday, December 21, 2020

Fourth Sunday in Advent 2020

 

Yesterday we received these pictures from the Children's Rosary in Darweshky Church in Pakistan.

The children are preparing for the coming of Christmas.



Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Join Us for a Christmas Novena Starting December 16th

 

Christmas Novena

Prayer to the Miraculous Infant of Prague

In anticipation of Christmas December 25th consider saying this 9 day Novena from December 16th-December 24th.  

O Divine Infant Jesus, Who said: "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you." Through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted.

(Make your request.)

O Divine Infant Jesus, Who said: "Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Grant me the simplicity and wonder, the tenderness and gentleness of a child. Fill me with innocence, hope and love. Grant me the grace that I need.

(Make your request.)

O Divine Infant Jesus, help me know how close You are to me and how powerful is Your embrace. Help me to trust that You hold the whole world in Your hand. I place my every need and care in Your hands. I ask that you fulfill my request according to Your holy will.

(Make your request.)

Miraculous Infant of Prague, have mercy on us.
We humbly ask that you join us in praying this novena and include as one of your intentions: for all those who help the Children's Rosary through time, talent or treasure may they receive Christmas peace and joy. 
This is spiritual gift we would like to share with all those who have supported the Children's Rosary this year. In addition, a Mass will be celebrated for all the members of the Children's Rosary and all who help the Children's Rosary on December 25th.