St. Maximilian Kolbe once said, “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
With rosaries in their hands and special intentions in their hearts, nearly 400 people expressed their love and affection for Mary, Mother of God, during the fifth annual “Rosary Around the Lake” on Sunday, October 2, in the Diocese of Lake Charles.
Bishop Glen John Provost recites the Apostle’s Creed at the beginning of the fifth annual “Rosary Around the Lake” at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Sunday, October 2.
The event, organized by the Ruth Institute as part of the national Rosary Coast to Coast, took place at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The picturesque blue sky, combined with the warm breeze by the lakefront, provided the perfect backdrop to be united in praying for the welfare of the community and country, and the strength of families.
The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary were recited in three languages — English, French, and Spanish — a new addition to the meditations reflecting on key moments in the life of Christ.
The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, led the recitation of the Apostles Creed — in English — to begin the Marian devotion, followed by the children of Our Lady’s School in Sulphur leading the first three Hail Mary’s.
Members of the Diocese of Lake Charles Youth Core Team led the first Glorious Mystery, The Resurrection.
Bishop Glen John Provost, from left, Senator Jeremy Stine, and Rev. Canon Jean-Marie Moreau, Rector of St. Francis de Sales Oratory in Sulphur, served as prayer leaders during the annual “Rosary Around the Lake” event at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
State Senator Jeremy Stine led — in French — the Second Glorious Mystery, The Ascension. He was assisted by Canon Jean-Marie Moreau, Rector of St. Francis de Sales Oratory in Sulphur, and Bishop Provost.
The Third Glorious Mystery, The Descent of the Holy Spirit, was led by members of the Knights of Columbus, followed by the Hispanic Community of St. Henry Catholic Church leading — in Spanish — the Fourth Glorious Mystery, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
To conclude the rosary, members of the Men’s ACTS Team from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Charles, led the Fifth Glorious Mystery, The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin.
Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, PhD, Founder and President of the Ruth Institute, acknowledged several people and groups for the event’s success:
Members of the Diocese of Lake Charles Youth Core Team led the first Glorious Mystery, The Resurrection.
• The Catholic Daughters of the Americas at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, and the Lay Carmelites, for decorating the staging area
• Lucas Orsot, Richard Suarez, and John Pellerin for the sound equipment
• St. Louis Catholic High School students and McNeese State University Students for Life for help with setting up
• Lucas Orsot, Ricardo Ruvalcaba, and Bianca Gonzales for help with the music
• Catholic Scouts for bringing the flags and their willingness to lead the Pledge of Allegiance
• The Knights of Columbus for providing chairs and tables
• Paula Michalko, for arranging for boats to take part from the lake
• All the volunteers who helped, not only on the day of the event but also during the planning stages
The Rosary Around the Lake was also broadcast on FM 107.1 in the immediate area around the Civic Center to allow anyone on boats to participate as well as anyone wanting to remain in their vehicles.
St. Maximilian Kolbe was correct. One cannot ever love Our Blessed Mother more than Jesus does. But the faithful in the Diocese of Lake Charles came close.
