Event Marks 50th Anniversary of 1961 SF Rosary Rally
Contact: Eva Muntean, 415-812-3101
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- On October 15th, thousands of Northern California Catholics will come together in San Francisco to pray the rosary, listen to inspirational speakers, and ask the blessings of God on their communities.
When: Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 12 Noon
Where: San Francisco Civic Center Plaza
Who: Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R to Speak
The "Family Rosary Crusade 2011," which will be celebrated on October 15 at 12 noon in San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza, commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Father Patrick Peyton's 1961 Rosary Rally. The 1961 event drew 550,000 people. It remains the largest gathering in the history of San Francisco. The Family Rosary Crusade 2011 is a joint effort by the San Francisco Legion of Mary, the Knights of Columbus, and Immaculate Heart Radio, and has the blessing of Archbishop George Niederauer.
Fr. Andrew Apostoli, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, will give the keynote address. Fr. Apostoli will be joined by Holy Cross Fathers Fr. Willy Raymond, National Director of Family Theater Productions; Fr. James Phalan, Director of Family Rosary International; and Fr. David Marcham, vice-postulator for the canonization cause of Father Peyton.
Fr. Lawrence Goode, the spiritual director of the San Francisco Legion of Mary sees the Rosary Crusade as an important public expression of faith. Fr. Goode had attended the 1961 Rosary Rally and shared fond memories of Fr. Peyton: "In those days, we went door-to-door inviting people to attend the rally," he said. "Fr. Peyton was an amazing priest, a friend of movie stars and celebrities, yet he always remained very simple."
While the October event honors and remembers the work of Fr. Peyton, Fr. Goode stressed that the 2011 Rosary Crusade is not an exercise in nostalgia. "You know, it was Fr. Peyton who popularized the phrase 'the family that prays together stays together.' His idea is even more relevant today than when it was then. We must pray for the strengthening of family life."
The Family Rosary Crusade is presenting an opportunity for young Catholics to express their faith publicly, many for the first time. On September 1 high school seniors Colleen and Kendall Scullion appeared on EWTN to promote the event. Their father had attended the 1961 rally. At least one San Francisco parish is processing to the rally with its CCD class. As old-timers remember the 1961 rally, a new generation of Catholics looks forward to the 2001 Family Rosary Crusade with excitement.
