| Rally calls faithful to pray for country By CHRIS WILLIAMS Source Staff Writer Hundreds of residents concerned about the state of the nation are invited to come to the Shelby Township municipal grounds and gather in prayer next month. The second annual Public Square Rosary Campaign will take place Oct. 4 at the Shelby Township veterans’ memorial on the municipal grounds at noon. Believers from every faith are invited to come and pray the rosary, and ask for guidance and intervention in national affairs. “We gather together and pray for America, pray for abortion and for the upcoming election,” said local organizer Christine Mooney. “We don’t mention any names or favor any candidates; we just pray for what’s on our hearts.” During the event, attendees are invited to pray the rosary together as a public show of solidarity and concern for the United States. Last year’s event was originally intended to be a one-time only gathering in communities across the nation, but Mooney said response was so positive that the event’s sponsors, The Tradition Family Property and its America Needs Fatima Campaign, decided to make it an annual event. “Last year we had a great response; we had 100 people and this year we’re hoping to have 200,” said Mooney. “The people were so happy to be there. We sang ŒGod Bless America,’ and it didn’t last too long, maybe about an hour. It was bitterly cold, but not one person left.” This year, Mooney said, the election will be a topic of prayer. However, people’s requests are not limited to the topics of politics and government. “It’s not just the nation,” Mooney said. “There are people who are concerned about their families and their jobs. They can pray about whatever is on their heart; last year we had people praying about everything and I didn’t hear one person pray for money.” Similar rallies will be held throughout the nation; last year’s Public Square Rosary Campaign attracted more than 2,000 people across the country. Although the group will pray the rosary, Mooney said it is not only Catholics who are invited. “I’ve had a number of non-Catholics attend. It’s open to anyone,” she said. “There have been similar rallies at abortion clinics and other areas across the state, and people come from all over to attend.” Mooney, however, said the future of the nation, especially in an election year, will likely be a primary concern among the faithful. “I think Americans are very desperate for some kind of help and I think, at that time, they really look to God for answers,” she said. The Public Square Rosary Campaign will occur at the Shelby Township veterans’ memorial on the municipal grounds Oct. 4 at noon. Attendees are welcome to bring a lawn chair if needed. Click here to return to story: http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/stories/092808/loc_story5001.shtml |
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