Press Release

DAYTON, Ohio — An unusual procession dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, will travel from a hill high on the University of Dayton campus to its heart during a “Rosary Rally.”

Along the way, participants will stop at five stations to explore the major events in the public life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary with dance, music, prayer and meditation.

“When you look at the history of religion, one of the activities that attracts people the most is the pilgrimage,” said the Rev. Johann Roten, S.M., director of research and special projects for the University of Dayton’s Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute. “There is great joy in moving toward a goal and doing it in the company of other people.”

The rally begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, near the Marycrest Residence Complex. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. It’s free and open to the public and is part of the “Our Faith and Mary: A Symposium to Celebrate the Year of Faith” symposium scheduled for July 30 – Aug. 1 at the University.

The University of Dayton rosary procession follows in the tradition of the Rosary Rally movement, said the Rev. John Phalen, C.S.C., president of Holy Cross Family Ministries, which carries on that work.

“Part of the richness and the genius of Our Lady’s rosary is how adaptable it is to pastoral settings and the spiritual needs of the Church in different moments,” said Phalen, who will attend the event. “We will walk peacefully visiting some of the sacred places of the University of Dayton; praying the rosary as an integral part of the symposium is a wonderful way to turn to her.”

Roten said the stops represent the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002 to bring focus to events in the public ministry of Jesus:

• The Baptism of Jesus: Serenity Gardens

• The Wedding at Cana: Marianist Hall statue of Mary

• Proclamation of the Kingdom of God: Humanities Plaza with Hispanic dance from Holy Trinity Church in Dayton

• The Transfiguration of Jesus: College Park Circle, Our Lady of the Pillar statue

• The First Eucharist: Immaculate Conception Chapel

For more on the symposium, CLICK HERE.