Huni Alang Kang Maria: Song Of The Holy Rosary, Of Salvation (Part 1 of 2)

In September, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish coordinators gathered to discuss preparations for the various activities set on the said month: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mooncake Festival, and Vocation Month. Instantly, a bright image came out from the mind of Sr. Marianita Castillanes Tenoso, an Hijas de Jesus Religious nun. A supposed to be adjournment of the meeting is suddenly the beginning of a new discourse—an idea of organizing an activity to culminate the Month of the Holy Rosary. Something to offer to the Our Lady. Something to be thankful for – a living Rosary and song for Mary!

A beautiful and amazing narration of Sr. Nitz, as she was fondly called, about the beauty of the Holy Rosary and how its importance and value will be shared to people, especially to the youth of today’s generation. Sr. Nitz expressively shared the detailed events that happened every time we recite the Holy Rosary. We were astonished as we imagine the images described by Sr. Nitz. The Holy Rosary’s illumination, an angelic chorus, and the scent of roses seemed to encircle us. A song for Mary! as Sr. Nitz intimately recounts the flow of the songs to be offered alongside narrating the life of our beloved Mother Mary. Also, the team invited Sr. Nitz to give a talk to enlighten people on the benefits of the Holy Rosary and how it helped attain peace and protection yesterday and today.

THE LIVING ROSARY

Conducting the living Rosary to culminate the month of the Holy Rosary became a tradition in the parish however, it was disrupted when the global pandemic struck. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish-Obrero this year made it over the moon! The prayer of the glorious mystery of the Holy Rosary was wonderfully cantillated. It is prayed in Cebuano, Filipino, and English. The portrayal of the living Rosary is wonderfully performed. A white rose is used to symbolize the Our Father prayer, and full-bloomed red roses symbolized the Glory Be. On the other hand, the Hail Mary beads from the first to fifth mysteries are represented with red, white, pink, orange, and yellow roses, respectively. Each mystery is offered as intentions for church leaders, political leaders, families, culture, and the world, and protection from evil.

The music ministry beautifully sang the Salve Regina. With the desire of the Parish to get more youth and be active in all the church activities, the Parish Youth Apostolate, Altar Servers, and the Our Lady of Lourdes are among those who offered their time to participate as the living Rosary beads.

May the living Rosary become a culture so that today’s youth will share this extraordinary act of love for God to save humanity. (Gresiel E. Ferrando | SHJP SocCom Coordinator)