Mount Laurel continues tradition of Rosary for Life
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By Dubravka Cortese | Correspondent
Respect Life Sunday in Mount Laurel drew nearly 150 pro-life supporters to St. John Neumann Parish where they prayerfully recited the Rosary and walked through the Rosary Garden on the parish grounds.
The Family Rosary Rally has been a tradition at the parish for more than 25 years, thanks to the efforts of Our Lady of Fatima Council of the Knights of Columbus in Mount Laurel and the Cistercian monks of Our Lady of Fatima Monastery, which is located on the parish grounds.
“It is dedicated to life from conception to natural death,” said Peter Cassiano, a Knight and one of the founders of the annual event. “At the beginning, we had very few people, but now we average 250 people and have had up to 500 people.
“It’s something we believe in,” Cassiano said. “We pray to the Blessed Mother, we say the Rosary.”
Cistercian Father Maurizio Nicoletti led the procession in saying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary along a meandering path, dotted with statues of saints and winding around a large, fowl-inhabited pond, followed by a benediction.
After the Rosary, Past Grand Knight Joseph Daverso channeled St. Francis and Pope Francis in his reflection speech.
“Pope Francis’ presence created an outpouring of love, respect and curiosity between Catholics and non-Catholics alike,” Daverso said.
“We need to try to understand where others are coming from and offer them some words of hope. If we truly love first, our light will draw people to conversion.”
The road leading to the garden was lined with 500 small, white wooden crosses, meticulously placed there by the Knights to represent the graves of unborn children.
“Take that picture home with you tonight,” Cassiano told the attendees, “and let that burn in your mind.”
“We are a united family of parishioners particularly concerned with the unborn,” said Past Grant Knight Frank Pignataro. “As Knights of Columbus, we really believe in that cause.”
The Caminotti family, led by dad Christian and mom Jo Ann, came from Hainesport to participate in the Family Rosary Rally. “We’ve always been devoted to the Rosary,” Jo Ann said. “Our son loves to pray the Rosary.”
Clutching a family heirloom Rosary from Jerusalem, 11-year-old Christian said he finds reciting the Rosary “peaceful.” The Caminottis are parishioners of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly.
“Life is important,” said the elder Caminotti. “No one has the right to take it away.”
His son added, “Everybody should have a chance at having a life.”
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By Dubravka Cortese | Correspondent
Respect Life Sunday in Mount Laurel drew nearly 150 pro-life supporters to St. John Neumann Parish where they prayerfully recited the Rosary and walked through the Rosary Garden on the parish grounds.
The Family Rosary Rally has been a tradition at the parish for more than 25 years, thanks to the efforts of Our Lady of Fatima Council of the Knights of Columbus in Mount Laurel and the Cistercian monks of Our Lady of Fatima Monastery, which is located on the parish grounds.
“It is dedicated to life from conception to natural death,” said Peter Cassiano, a Knight and one of the founders of the annual event. “At the beginning, we had very few people, but now we average 250 people and have had up to 500 people.
“It’s something we believe in,” Cassiano said. “We pray to the Blessed Mother, we say the Rosary.”
Cistercian Father Maurizio Nicoletti led the procession in saying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary along a meandering path, dotted with statues of saints and winding around a large, fowl-inhabited pond, followed by a benediction.
After the Rosary, Past Grand Knight Joseph Daverso channeled St. Francis and Pope Francis in his reflection speech.
“Pope Francis’ presence created an outpouring of love, respect and curiosity between Catholics and non-Catholics alike,” Daverso said.
“We need to try to understand where others are coming from and offer them some words of hope. If we truly love first, our light will draw people to conversion.”
The road leading to the garden was lined with 500 small, white wooden crosses, meticulously placed there by the Knights to represent the graves of unborn children.
“Take that picture home with you tonight,” Cassiano told the attendees, “and let that burn in your mind.”
“We are a united family of parishioners particularly concerned with the unborn,” said Past Grant Knight Frank Pignataro. “As Knights of Columbus, we really believe in that cause.”
The Caminotti family, led by dad Christian and mom Jo Ann, came from Hainesport to participate in the Family Rosary Rally. “We’ve always been devoted to the Rosary,” Jo Ann said. “Our son loves to pray the Rosary.”
Clutching a family heirloom Rosary from Jerusalem, 11-year-old Christian said he finds reciting the Rosary “peaceful.” The Caminottis are parishioners of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly.
“Life is important,” said the elder Caminotti. “No one has the right to take it away.”
His son added, “Everybody should have a chance at having a life.”
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