The Holy Rosary
Madonna of the Rosary with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Dominic by Francesco Guardi 1745-1750
The Holy Rosary is a very powerful sacramental of the Catholic Church and a tremendous source of grace and spiritual protection guaranteed by Our Lady herself. Many saints have testified to the effectiveness of praying the Holy Rosary, not only for an increase in grace and virtue but also for their various needs. Sister Lucia Santos, one of the children to whom Our Lady of Fatima appeared in 1917, wrote, “There is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all spiritual, in the personal life of each one of us, of our families … that cannot be solved by the Rosary. There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.”
Composed from Sacred Scripture, the Rosary presents the complete Life of Christ for our meditation and is a sure way to practice the admonition: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2)
There is perhaps no better way to show our devotion and gratitude to Mary, Mother of God, as we celebrate our anniversary year than by taking up the practice of reciting her Holy Rosary daily.
Proposed days connected to our diocesan history
for common recitation of the Rosary:
January 12 – Consecration of Bishop Michael Begley, first bishop of Charlotte (1972)
Intention: For those faithfully departed bishops who led the diocese in the past
February 1 – First Spanish-speaking Mass is celebrated early in 1980 (date uncertain)
Intention: For our Spanish-speaking population, that they may find a welcoming embrace in our parishes and communities
March 19 – Erection of St. Joseph College Seminary (2016)
Intention: For an increase in vocations to the priesthood from our families and parishes
April 13 – Installation of Bishop William G. Curlin, third bishop of Charlotte (1994)
Intention: For continued fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church, that through our bishop and priests we may cling more faithfully to God’s revealed truths
April 20 – First affordable housing project for seniors through the Diocesan Housing Corp. (2010)
Intention: For our elderly, that those who have grown weak under the burden of years may know our compassion and loving support
May 17 – Incorporation of Catholic Charities (formerly Catholic Social Services) (1973)
Intention: For all who seek help from the parishes and agencies in the Diocese of Charlotte, that they may find in us hearts of ready generosity and service
May 29 – First permanent deacon class ordained (1983)
Intention: For all deacons, that the Holy Spirit may renew within them their love for the poor and reverence for the mysteries at which they serve
June 6 – Opening of the first Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (1975)
Intention: For our priests, that they may be zealous in their preaching, adroit in their leadership, and eminently holy in their daily lives
June 13 – Mother Teresa visits Charlotte and establishes a Missionaries of Charity convent (1995)
Intention: For the end of abortion in our land and for all who work in the pro-life ministries within the Diocese of Charlotte
June 21 – Faithful Servant Catholic Leadership Institute, a high school students’ Christian leadership program begins (1981)
Intention: For our youth, that they may grow in wisdom and grace before God and men
September 6 – Establishment of the Catholic News Herald (1991)
Intention: For all who work in ministries of evangelization, that God give them the gift of clarity in their spreading of the Word of God
September 8 – Creation of the Office for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese (1972)
Intention: For all immigrants, that they prosper as members of our community and diocesan family
September 15 – St. Joseph College Seminary building celebrates its opening (2020)
Intention: For our seminarians, that God strengthen their hearts, enlighten their minds, and sanctify their souls
September 24 – First annual diocesan Eucharistic Congress (2005)
Intention: For greater love, honor, worship, and reverence of the Blessed Sacrament in our parishes
October 24 – Consecration of Bishop Peter J. Jugis, third bishop of Charlotte (2003)
Intention: For our bishop, Peter, may God give him a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love, so that, by governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, he may build God’s Church as a sign of salvation for the world
November 12 – Papal Bull of Pope Paul VI establishing the Diocese of Charlotte (1971)
Intention: For our Holy Father, Francis, may the Lord preserve him, give him life, make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him from the will of his enemies
December 18 – Consecration of Bishop John Donoghue, second bishop of Charlotte (1984) and dedication of the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory (1988)
Intention: For all diocesan apostolates, that they faithfully extend the ministry of the Church by forming hearts to be faithful to the Gospel in daily life