In the October 2025 issue of denverlink, Fr. Anthony Nguyen, C.Ss.R., shares an inspiring article and photos from his mission experiences.
During this month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, I had the privilege of preaching at various parishes during the weekends. What struck me profoundly was the almost universal practice among these communities of offering prayers and reciting the Rosary before Mass. This collective devotion showcased not only the beauty of the rosary being held in the hands of the faithful but also the deep-rooted commitment of the congregations to this cherished tradition.
Observing the pastors and parish priests, especially those from religious orders, added an extra layer of beauty to these gatherings. Seeing them wearing their religious habits adorned with the Holy Rosary is a sight of spiritual significance. The Rosary, a powerful tool for meditation and prayer, symbolizes a deep connection to our faith and heritage.
Seminarians Scott Partin and Antonio Montoya with Fr. Kevin Zubel, Provincial Superior of the Denver Province 
A triptych of Our Mother of Perpetual Help that Fr. Anthony saw during his travels
In the rich tapestry of religious history, the faithful have long revered the sight of religious leaders wearing the rosary as an integral part of their spiritual attire. For male religious orders, this practice is particularly noteworthy. For instance, the Dominicans, who are recognized for their preaching and teaching and often wear the rosary as a symbol of their commitment to spreading the Gospel. Similarly, the Carmelites, known for their contemplative life, embrace the rosary in their daily prayers, weaving it into their spiritual journey.
Furthermore, the Franciscans, with their profound connection to poverty and simplicity, also wear the rosary as a reminder of their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Cistercians, dedicated to a life of prayer and labor, carry the rosary as a significant part of their monastic life. We Redemptorists, who focus on missionary work and evangelization, proudly wear the rosary, reflecting our mission to bring hope and salvation to others.
Each of these religious orders highlights how the tradition of wearing the rosary is not merely a formality but rather a deep expression of their faith and commitment to a life of prayer. It was truly heartwarming to witness this practice alive and well in the parishes I visited, reinforcing the importance of the rosary as a spiritual anchor for many believers.
As Redemptorists, we take great pride in wearing our 15-decade rosaries cinctured around our waists, a visible symbol of our deep-rooted devotion to our Blessed Mother. This practice is a cherished tradition passed down from our founder, who exemplified a profound commitment to Mary. The letter “M” that adorns our rosaries serves as a powerful reminder of our relationship with her, highlighting her role as Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The Holy Rosary, with its repetitive prayers and meditations, is an essential component of our spiritual lives, helping us cultivate a closer bond with our Blessed Mother in our day-to-day activities. Through this devotion, we express our praises and gratitude to her, particularly under the cherished title of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, which reflects her compassionate support and assistance in our lives.
The identity of the Redemptorists is recognized not only through our active preaching in parishes and our dedicated service to those experiencing spiritual and physical poverty, but also through our passionate promotion of devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. These outreach efforts, including retreats, the distribution of devotional literature, and community gatherings, foster greater awareness of her maternal care among God’s people, encouraging them to seek her intercession and guidance. In every aspect of our ministry, we strive to emulate her love and compassion, serving others as she has always served the faithful.
During one of the Liturgies of the Eucharist at the recent North American Conference meeting held at the serene San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, NJ, the presider warmly invited participants to join in reciting the Our Father in their own native languages. This thoughtful gesture enabled the diverse group, including attendees from various cultural backgrounds, to pray in English, French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and more languages.
As I listened to the rich tapestry of voices offering this central prayer of our faith, I felt a profound spiritual connection among the Redemptorists present.
It was a moment that transcended language barriers, uniting us in our shared devotion and mission. Building on that spirit of inclusiveness, I envision the Hail Mary being recited in multiple languages at different ministerial sites throughout the North American Conference. This practice could foster a deeper sense of community and strengthen our bond as we collectively embrace the mission of hope in the journey towards unification. Such shared prayers would not only celebrate our individual heritages, but also deepen our collective commitment to one another and the values we uphold.
Let us always be grateful to our Blessed Mother for her daily intercession and let us remember to praise her tremendous love through the Holy Rosary.
(Courtesy: denverlink Oct. 31, 2025)
