DUBLIN, Ireland – Thousands of Irish Catholics celebrated the 109th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima by holding 586 Public Rosary Rallies today, on May 16. The rallies, organised by Irish Society for Christian Civilisation, (ISFCC) represent one of the largest and most widespread public manifestations of the Faith in Ireland in recent years.
“The Rosary has always been dear to the Irish, said Mr Gregory Murphy of Ireland Needs Fatima, “and has been a spiritual weapon against sin. Oliver Cromwell credits his failures of breaking the Irish to their devotion to the Rosary. Today, we see an ever-growing need for the Rosary.”
ISFCC and its Ireland Needs Fatima campaign organised these rosary rallies as a fitting way to commemorate Our Lady’s call to challenge the culture and resist the waves of sin and aberrations rocking the nation. The number of Rosary Rallies has steadily grown over the years since ISFCC began the campaign in 2013.
Each Rosary leader is given a 6ft banner of Our Lady of Fatima and a prayer programme, which details the prayers to be said and the intentions. To put the event in context, 586 Rosary rallies mean over one million Hail Marys prayed in the public square!
“One person described it as many small fires of the action and grace from the Holy Ghost across Ireland, and it really was!” Rosary Rally campaign coordinator Gregory Murphy said. “Surely, this will be a beautiful call to God, through His mother for the grace of peace, conversion and courage.”
At the flagship Rosary Rally on O’Connell St., hundreds of passersby witnessed the gathering, made the sign of the cross, or even joined in. One young attendee, Edward, said that it was an honour for him to be there. He continued, “It’s lovely to pray privately, but as St Louis de Montfort said, private prayer solves personal problems, and public prayer fixes societal problems. So, that is what we are doing here today: praying to Our Lady to solve Ireland’s societal problems.”
One Rosary Rally leader from Cobh wrote in to say, “I was delighted with the numbers, as it far exceeded my expectations. It was supposed to rain, but we had sunshine all the time. All the usual faces turned up, but some new ones I hadn’t seen before were there too. It was a happy, prayerful meeting, and I think everyone went away satisfied with the whole venture.”
“More and more people are looking to the Fatima message because it offers a sure remedy to the moral crisis in society.” Gregory Murphy continued. “In other words, prayer, penance and conversion are the answer to a world that has abandoned God.”
Photos from the various Rosary Rallies can be found at this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/b5JXuqJPcGrsbtV19
For more details, contact Gregory Murphy at 089 461 7935 or gmurphy@isfcc.org.
This year, it is more crucial than ever that we turn to prayer and intercession to increase devotion to Our Lady across our country. That’s why you’re invited to join us in the Three Hail Marys Pledge, a powerful devotion that can bring personal spiritual benefits and national transformation. By reciting three Hail Marys daily, you honour the Immaculate Heart of Mary and seek her intercession for the conversion of sinners, the salvation of souls and the restoration of Ireland’s Catholic Faith. This ancient devotion, revealed to Saint Mechtilde, promises spiritual benefits including protection from mortal sin and the assurance of a good death. Your daily prayers will contribute to an increase in devotion to Our Lady, the conversion of sinners and the moral renewal of our country. Let us commit to this powerful devotion and seek the guidance and protection of Our Lady.
