From the Vatican to Our Lady of Africa, a common Rosary against Covid-19

“Devoted with one accord to prayer, together with Mary,” was the theme of the Rosary event led by Pope Francis on Saturday, May 30, 2020, from the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens. Pope Francis asked the Blessed Virgin to intercede for an end to “this terrible pandemic” as he recited the Rosary with Marian shrines worldwide via videolink. The pope was joined by 50 shrines in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa as he implored God’s help amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 365,000 lives so far.

Among the shrines connected live to this prayer of the Rosary with the Pope were the Shrine of Our Lady of Africa, Mother of All Grace in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and the Shrine of Elele in Nigeria. The rector of the Abidjan shrine, Father Eugène Adingra, said: "When the news reached us, I announced it to my (Marianists) brothers in our community and it was a great joy for us. We all blessed the Lord and even recited the Magnificat with Mary to say that we bless the Lord for having chosen us!"

Due to restrictions to avoid contagion during this time of pandemic, the number of people who could take part in a liturgical celebration had to be limited. The Shrine of Our Lady of Africa, Mother of All Grace of Abidjan, contacted all the consecrated persons of the Marian Shrine, as well as other Marian movements to join this prayer with the Holy Father. "The others were in communion in front of the TV or on the radio," Father Adingra explained.

Father Adingra urged all devotees of the Blessed Virgin not to be afraid, as Pope Francis continues to remind us: "Let us trust in our Mother, the Blessed Virgin, and be sure that she watches over us."

Jean-Pierre Bodjoko, SJ - Adapted from: Vatican News