The Primate of All Ireland launched a Rosary Crusade

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, called for a Family Rosary Crusade against Covid-19 during the month of October. "I invite families all over Ireland to pray the Rosary together at home each day for God’s protection during this time of Coronavirus."

"These past six months have reminded us of the importance of the domestic Church– the Church of the sitting room and kitchen–the Church that meets every time a family stands or kneels down, or sits down to pray together," Archbishop Martin said. "It has also helped us realize how important is the vocation of parents to be the primary teachers and leaders of their children in faith and prayer."

"That is why I am calling for a ‘Family Rosary Crusade against Covid-19’ during October–encouraging you to pray the Rosary, or even a decade of the Rosary, each day during the month of October. Pray for your own family and loved ones and for all those whose health or livelihood is being seriously impacted by the coronavirus crisis.” Archbishop Eamon is also inviting families to spread the word online. He said, "Using the #FamilyRosaryCrusade or #OctoberFamilyRosary hashtags please feel free to share a picture or a short sound clip of your family saying a ‘Hail Mary,’ ‘Our Father’ or ‘Glory Be’ on social media."

Archbishop Eamon’s inspiration for the Rosary Crusade came from a visit to the Missionaries of Charity in Armagh who reminded him of what Mother Teresa, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, once said: "Cling to the Rosary as the creeper clings to the tree–for without Our Lady we cannot stand."

Adapted from an article by Justin Kelly in Express, September 2020