The people reciting the Hail Marys wore blue baseball caps, while those saying the “Glory Be” prayer sported white caps.
On Oct. 13, 59 parishioners of St. Luke in Long Valley donned those caps to experience the communal power of prayer in a profound way as part of a Living Rosary devotion. Each represented a rosary “bead” and took turns reciting the corresponding prayer. This public witness occurred after the 11 a.m. Mass on beautiful parish grounds in a part of Washington Township.
The parishioners embodied the beads as they sat in folding chairs, forming the shape of a large rosary on the grass. They united their voices and intentions in this meditative prayer. On this sunny afternoon, another 40 people sat off to the side and joined them in prayer. A drone filmed the event.
“It was moving and touching to pray with other people in the presence of God in nature. It was a great way to honor the Blessed Mother,” said Pat Turner, one of two women from St. Luke’s Rosary Society who suggested the Living Rosary — a first for the parish.
Father Michael Szwarc, St. Luke’s pastor, led the Living Rosary. This public prayer occurred near the parish sign on West Mill Road, where passing motorists could see it.
“Everyone was actively engaged in this beautiful and symbolic prayer. Together as a parish, we experienced this meaningful devotion in a profound way,” Father Szwarc said. “It was a great community builder.”
That’s because the event also brought St. Luke’s together in fellowship as a community. After the rosary, participants stayed for a barbeque. The Knights of Columbus cooked while religious education students and confirmation candidates set up for the gathering.
Turner and Gina Tupaczewski, another Rosary Society member, had proposed the Living Rosary to Father Szwarc. Turner saw a video of an eighth-grade class praying online. It was held at St. Luke’s on the anniversary of Mary’s last apparition at Fatima, known as the “Miracle of the Sun,” on Oct. 13, 1917.
St. Luke’s started strengthening its devotion to the rosary in 2022 when a group of parishioners began praying together after 9 a.m. Mass on Saturdays. This initiative eventually led to the formation of two new ministries: the Rosary Makers and the Rosary Society.
“We older folks in the Rosary Society grew up praying the rosary. We want to help bring it back for the younger people,” said Turner, adding that younger parishioners also belong to the Rosary Society.
Last year, under Father Szwarc, St. Luke’s initiated the Rosary Box. This traveling devotional ministry visits households to promote a greater appreciation of the rosary, especially among children. On Oct. 7, 40 parishioners participated in World Rosary Day 2024.
“Our parish is devoted to the Blessed Mother, especially in the rosary. She promised us many graces coming from her son, Jesus,” Father Szwarc said.
Watch the Living Rosary drone video on St. Luke’s YouTube channel. Video by Jonathan Stampf.
