WORLD MISSION ROSARIES

Mater Christi makes 500 rosaries for Sheen beatification

The Parish of Mater Christi in Albany made 500 World Mission rosaries for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, which was celebrated on Sept. 24 in St. Louis. Sister Joseph Stedina of St. Colman’s Convent (below) contacted Mater Christi to offer her participation in the project. (Photos provided)

The Parish of Mater Christi in Albany joined Catholics across the United States in a special project organized by The Pontifical Mission Societies to provide 75,000 World Mission rosaries for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

As part of the nationwide effort, Mater Christi parishioners made 500 World Mission rosaries. These rosaries were among the 75,000 that were blessed and distributed to those attending the beatification ceremony of Archbishop Sheen in St. Louis on Sept. 24.

The project has a particularly meaningful connection to Archbishop Sheen. Seventy-five years ago, in 1951, Sheen designed the World Mission Rosary during his years as National Director of The Pontifical Mission Societies (1950-1966), and devoted much of his ministry to spreading the Gospel and supporting the Church’s missionary efforts. The World Mission Rosary became one of the lasting expressions of that missionary vision. Each decade of the rosary uses a different color to represent a region of the world and invites Catholics to pray for the Church and its missionary work throughout the world.

The Pontifical Mission Societies launched the 75,000-rosary effort in preparation for the beatification, asking religious communities, parish groups, families and individual rosary makers to help meet the need. The response came from throughout the country, with groups taking on commitments ranging from individual rosaries to hundreds and even thousands.

Mater Christi’s contribution is a fitting expression of the parish’s Marian identity. Named for Mater Christi  — Mother of Christ — the parish has a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, making participation in a project centered on the rosary a particularly meaningful way for parishioners to join in this historic occasion.

The project also brought an unexpected connection to Archbishop Sheen. Sister Joseph Stedina of St. Colman’s Convent contacted Mater Christi to offer her participation. Sister Joseph had the good fortune years ago of sitting next to Bishop Sheen on the subway. Her personal memory of that encounter added a special link to the parish’s participation in a project honoring his life and ministry.

For Mater Christi parishioners, making the rosaries became more than simply assembling beads. It was an opportunity to work together in prayer and to reflect on the rosary as a means of bringing people closer to Christ through the intercession of Mary. Many people stayed after Mass or came to the church office during the week to volunteer their time. Whether they made one or dozens, all became part of this historical event. We are grateful to all of the Mater Christi parishioners who gave their time, talent and prayers to this beautiful project. 

Two Mater Christi parishioners who participated in making the rosaries took that connection one step further, and made the journey to St. Louis to attend Archbishop Sheen’s beatification in person.