Saturday Morning Rosary Group: Leaning on the Blessed Mother

Perhaps now, more than ever, we can all appreciate the steady rhythms of life that bring a sense of calm and normalcy. For many, prayer is one of those things that brings a sense of profound comfort amid a seemingly everchanging world. For those who gather every Saturday morning to pray the Rosary together, inviting the Blessed Mother into their lives brings a feeling of peace.

“It’s just reassuring that we’re sustained by our Blessed Mother,” says parishioner Kevin Larios, who coordinates the group. “There’s something about getting up on Saturday morning and going and saying the Rosary. This is just another important routine that I thrive on — I’ve got to have it.”

Except for a brief period at the beginning of the pandemic, the group has continued to meet in person — masked and socially distant — every Saturday at 8 a.m. in the church. On the first Saturday of the month, they pray a unique form of the Rosary, which includes additional reflections, to aid in prayer and meditation on the Mysteries of the Rosary.

“It’s a beautiful Rosary, it really is,” Kevin says of the First Saturday devotion. “It helps me go deeper into each of the mysteries.”

Praying this version of the Rosary has influenced the way that Kevin prays, even when not with the group.

“It probes deeply into each mystery and expands upon each Hail Mary,” Kevin says. “You go deeper into each mystery.”

Although parishioners are certainly encouraged to pray the Rosary on their own at home or join in the parish livestream Rosary each evening, for some there is something special about gathering in person.

“I find it very satisfying and fulfilling to be able to pray with others, to our Blessed Mother,” Kevin says.

The group does miss their weekly post-Rosary breakfast fellowship, however, and looks forward to when they will be able to socialize that way again.

“We visit for a little while before and after the Rosary, there in the narthex, but it’s just not the same as sitting around a dining room table and chatting and sipping coffee,” Kevin says. “We miss that.”

Praying the Rosary has become an important part of Kevin’s prayer, meditating of the Mysteries of the life of Christ and the Blessed Mother, as well as interceding for the needs of those he loves.

“It’s repetition, but you’re meditating at the same time,” Kevin says. “You’re not just rattling off words, but you’re prayerfully meditating and reflecting on the Mysteries. Your mind may wander but as you say the prayers, but it allows you to get focused. I’m reflecting on that scene as I’m praying the prayers.”

The weekly Rosary is also an opportunity for the group’s members to share in the parish’s mission of evangelization, by inviting others to deepen their faith and relationship with the Blessed Mother.

“There are always opportunities to invite others to join us in praying the Rosary,” Kevin says. “It might be a family member, co-worker, neighbor, or maybe that friend who is not Catholic, but had inquired about what the Rosary is all about. Extending that invitation to come along at the next available Saturday is a great example in helping fulfill the parish’s mission of evangelization.”

Kevin encourages fellow parishioners to consider joining the group for prayer. He hopes that even if people aren’t familiar with how to pray the Rosary, they will come, and those present will help them learn along the way.

“All are welcome to come pray with us on Saturday morning,” Kevin says.

If you would like more information on the Saturday Rosary group, please contact Kevin Larios at klarios357@earthlink.net or 405-780-3009.

Every Saturday morning at 8 a.m., a group of parishioners gathers to pray the Rosary together.