THE ROSARY CONGRESS
A BRIEF HISTORY

The Rosary Congress is a wonderful proven spiritual event of prayer, for seven days and nights before the Eucharist and the praying of the Rosary. In May 1979 Poland was led to use this powerful proven scriptural method of prayer. Because of the sensitivity of the government it was called, The Siege of Jericho.

"And to Joshua the Lord said, 'I have delivered Jericho and its king into your power. Have all the soldiers circle the city, marching once around it. Do this for six days, with the seven priest carrying rams' horns ahead of the ark. On the seventh day march around the city seven times and have the priest blow the horns. When they give a long blast on the ram's horns and you hear that signal, all the people shall shout aloud. The wall of the city will collapse, and they will be able to make a frontal attack'" (JOSH 6:2-5)

The first Rosary Congress was held in Poland. The people wanted Pope John Paul II to visit his native country. The government put on many sanctions, which made the visit impossible. The people decided to go to God in prayer. They prayed 7 days and nights, in Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with the Rosary at their National Shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa. On the seventh day, the government sanctions were dropped. The Pope was allowed to visit his native country.

In 1988, The Rosary Congress was brought to the United States.  John Downs, a paraplegic chosen by God, was inspired to organize the Rosary Congress at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington, D.C.  Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the United States. John was imitating the Polish people who prayed at their National Shrine, Our Lady of Czestochowa.  John's great vision encouraged others to bring the Rosary Congress back to their towns and cities.  This was a way for a greater number of people to experience, first hand, the power of these prayers.

In 1989, a delegation from the New Orleans area went to the Second Rosary Congress held at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  This delegation was so impressed and the idea was brought back to the city of New Orleans. All the organized prayer groups in New Orleans agreed to help make this a success.

In 1990, the first Rosary Congress was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, patroness of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. We prayed for life, reparation and peace. The last day of that first Congress, the oldest abortion clinic in the city closed. The building was torn down! What a great testimony to the power of gathering together in prayer, being with Jesus in the Eucharist, and praying the Rosary.

                                                THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES

For 19 years The Greater New Orleans Rosary Congress has been a yearly event. It has drawn thousands of people from all over the area and beyond.  St. Dominic’s parish, the second largest church in the city, was the first parish to open its doors to the Rosary Congress. The pastor, Rev. Neal McDermott, O.P. was told by the noted Sister Briege, that his church was like a great heart pumping life throughout the area. He said, "Rosary Congress!"  Each year, while pastor, he completely welcomed and supported the Rosary Congress in his parish. The new pastor, Rev. Donald Dvorak O.P., did likewise.  Fr. Pat Wattingy has now welcomed us to his parish St. Benilde in Metairie Louisiana.  After years of asking us to come we finally agreed and this is now our third year at St Benilde.  It is such a faith-filled parish and has welcomed us so warmly.

The church is open day and night for seven days. That is 168 hours, of continuous prayer and adoration of Jesus. Many spiritual groups, families, and individuals from local and adjoining areas cover the time.  Prayer begins hourly, except when other activities are taking place. There is time for Mass, Adoration, Rosaries, processions, spiritual talks, periods of silence, and singing. The beauty and diversity of the Catholic Church is demonstrated in the many activities held during this week.

In 2011 The Greater New Orleans Rosary Congress will be held October 1 to the 7, at St. Benilde Church, 1901 Division Street, Metairie, Louisiana 70001.  This year's theme is Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady has often told us that she has many graces to give that are not requested.  We are praying for Life, Reparation and Peace in our city, state, nation and the world.

At Fatima our Lady encouraged us to pray for peace.  On July 13th 1917, Our Lady said "Continue to pray the Rosary daily, in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, in order to obtain peace in the world and the end of the war, because only Our Lady can help you".

There is plenty room for all to come and pray together, here in the New Orleans - Metairie area.  Those who come experience the proven power of these prayers. It is also time to share the Rosary Congress with other cities.  The Rosary Congress is a powerful effective weapon of prayer and America needs prayer now.  Let the Lord inspire you to bring the Rosary Congress back to your own town.  In this way we will help renew America’s mission of  life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all - under one God - in whom we trust! 

If you wish to come and be a part of the Greater New Orleans Rosary Congress or be a helper or be a representative from different areas, call Marie at 504-508-7100 for more information.