Praying with their feet: Rosary Congress kicks off with walking pilgrimage

Praying the rosary while walking up Charles Street from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland to the Baltimore Basilica downtown, a group of 30 pilgrims set a brisk pace on their more than 4.5-mile journey between the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s co-cathedrals.

Setting out on a cool morning at around 8 a.m. as part of the Oct. 2 kickoff for the archdiocese’s weeklong Rosary Congress, the pilgrims made it to their destination within about an hour and a half – arriving in plenty of time before the Rosary Congress’ 10 a.m. opening Mass.

The small band of pilgrims encompassed people in the 20s through their 60s, including seminarians and three Dominican sisters from Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, whose sneakers peaked out from beneath their black-and-white habits.

The walking pilgrimage was a first in the history of the Rosary Congress, an annual gathering commemorating the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, more than a century ago.

“It was just an inspiration of prayer,” said pilgrimage organizer and the basilica’s director of evangelization, Angelus Virata. “It’s what I loved – people together of various backgrounds, praying the rosary together in unity.”

Virata said she had been praying over the summer when the inspiration for this year’s pilgrimage came to her. She thought it would be good to unite the two cathedrals of Baltimore.

She was impressed that pilgrimage participants were intergenerational and international. She noted one pilgrim was praying the rosary in Spanish as they walked while others prayed it in English. Virata herself is a native Filipino.

Pilgrim Matteo Belli, a parishioner of Ss. Philip and James in Baltimore, is a native of Italy.

“I decided to be here today with my friends and to pray together,” he said. “I try to offer my daily work to God, to pray for my friends, my family, my colleagues every day.”

C.J. Wild, a seminarian from the Diocese of Buffalo studying at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Roland Park, said walking in the pilgrimage was a great way to become more familiar with the archdiocese and what’s important to its people here.

“Not to mention it’s a great way to start the month of the rosary, respect life month (and) pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother,” he said. “This is a tumultuous time in our nation.”

Mary reminds him of tender love.

“I think of the fact that she was so willing to say yes to the Lord,” he said. “She’s such a great example for us to say yes to the Lord as well.”

Prior to the start of the pilgrimage, Father Louis Bianco, rector of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, gave a blessing and read a passage from St. Paul.

“We walk by faith not by sight,” he proclaimed.

Dominican Sister Mary Raymond Thye, principal of Mount de Sales, called the pilgrimage a “great opportunity.”

“I think there’s nothing more powerful we can do than pray,” she said. “What better way to pray for all the intentions of our world, of the archdiocese, and all the people who are experiencing tribulation at this time. This is a pilgrimage of prayer for all those who are suffering, whether it’s COVID (-19), or injustice, or just their own personal losses and not being able to find God in this world.”

She said the pilgrimage brought those participating a sense of solidarity as they prayed and bore witness to their faith. They continued with that witness as they entered the basilica for a Mass attended by about 100 people. Father James Boric, rector of the basilica, celebrated the liturgy wearing Marian vestments from Poland given to him by his mother. He wears them for special Marian celebrations.

Father Joseph Aytona, a member of the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy, gave the homily at the opening Mass, focusing on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s power over evil. God could easily crush the head of the devil, he said, but Mary is useful in defeating Satan and his plans because she is a humble servant of the Lord. The devil can take no pride in being bested by a very human saint, Father Aytona said.

“Devotion to the rosary can keep that evil at bay,” he said, “to give us grace to practice worshiping, to say yes to God’s plan, and fend off the devil.”

In this Year of St. Joseph, the Rosary Congress’ theme is “In the Arms of St. Joseph.” The Congress includes Masses, round-the-clock eucharistic adoration and opportunities for confession. Events are being held through Oct. 8 at the basilica and St. Mark in Fallston.

The organizers hope that more pilgrims will participate next year. Pilgrim Belli reported that in his native Italy, many people turn out each year to join similar Marian pilgrimages.

“We do go to the house of the Mother of God in Loretto,” he said. “Usually 10,000 to 20,000 people attend the pilgrimage.”

A pilgrimage of thousands begins with a few steps.

Kevin J. Parks contributed to this report.

For more information about the Rosary Congress, click here.

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