Yesterday I attended the 40th Annual Arizona Rosary Celebration in Phoenix, Arizona, with my mom and cousin. I felt the need to attend this year’s Rosary celebration for two reasons: first, mom and my cousin both lost their husband’s this year. For our side of the family, losing Dad has been pretty rough, but we definitely have been able to see God’s hand in all of it. I wanted both of them to have the chance to spend a couple of hours in prayer with the particular church of Phoenix. The second reason why I wanted to attend was simply because I hadn’t been in a couple of years. As the Director of Adult Evangelization and Catechesis, it’s important for me to attend these events.
The Arizona Rosary Celebration is one of the largest events that shows honor to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary in the United States. This year, the celebration displayed devotion to our Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of – Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Many of the parishes from the Diocese of Phoenix are in attendance as well as the Marian ministries that find their home in these parishes. This year, there were three bishops in attendance – Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix, Eduardo Nevares, and Gerald N. Dino, Bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Eparchy of Phoenix. The keynote speaker was the Redemptorist Priest, Rev. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
One of the big attractions of this event is the massive procession that walks around the civic center hall. Participating are the parishes, ministries, Arizona Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies, and Los Matachines. The parishes and the Knights of Columbus carry and wave their banners, while Los Matachines dance to the beat of the drums. I love being Catholic in general, but being Catholic in the Southwest United States has a whole different element to it. Many of the Los Matachines have a great devotion to the Blessed Mother under her title of – Our Lady of Guadalupe.
After Fr. Billy’s teaching on the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, everyone in the hall prayed the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese while we adored the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration. We concluded Adoration and 40th Annual Arizona Rosary Celebration with Solemn Benediction.
As we made our way back to my vehicle, we stopped outside to watch the Los Matachines dance and venerate an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I realized how very blessed we are to live here in Phoenix. We have such faithful and holy Bishops who are willing to attend such events and lead us in prayer assisting us to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and Blessed Mother.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help…Pray For Us.
175th “Mondays with Mary”
Categories: Diocese of Phoenix, Mariology
TOM PERNA 
Tom, his mother and myself attended Rosary Sunday. I, Tom’s cousin was so happy to be with so many people who have a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. My heart is filled with pain for the loss of my husband. I always had a devotion to the Blessed Mother and I know she is by my side during these difficult times I could feel her presence when saying the rosary.
Thank You Tom.