Representatives of several Southern Tier parishes will hold a Living Rosary for the Unborn on Friday, May 20, in Corning. This first-time event will begin at 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 375 Park Ave.
The service will feature people representing beads of the rosary, standing alongside luminary bags at dusk. Participants will appeal to the Blessed Mother for support in convincing young women to choose life, rather than abortion, for their unborn babies. In addition, prayers for reconciliation and a change of heart will be offered for people who are, or were, involved in the practice of abortion. Organizers are encouraging people of all ages to participate in the Living Rosary, regardless of whether they’re experienced in praying the rosary.
The Living Rosary is an outgrowth of the work of several area parishes’ Respect Life ministries, reflecting their ongoing efforts to promote pro-life awareness and prayer. These groups pray the rosary regularly at Planned Parenthood facilities in Corning, Horseheads and Elmira.
"We have gathered to pray, usually two chaplets of the rosary, at least once a month and during Lent and Advent every week, regardless of the weather — cold, rain, snow or blistering hot," said John H. Brennan, Living Rosary organizer, who belongs to St. Mary Our Mother Parish in Horseheads.
Brennan noted that he recently created a website, www.TwinTiersCatholic.com, that provides a variety of pro-life information as well as links to Catholic media, parish/faith community websites in Chemung, Steuben and Schuyler counties, area Mass times, Scripture readings and Catholic educational material.
Brennan said that since St. Mary Our Mother has connections with other nearby Respect Life ministries, "it seemed to make sense to create a regional Respect Life website." He added that he has also begun a link devoted to garnering interest in Emmaus Retreat weekends for men. The retreats assist participants in enhancing their personal relationships with Jesus.
