Story by Dorothy K. LaMantia, Correspondent

Members of the Rosary-Altar Society of St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, could not ask for a better day to celebrate the society’s 110th anniversary May 11.  

Together, the group of 80 women, which included members of Rosary-Altar Societies from neighboring parishes, St. Denis, Manasquan; Sacred Heart, Bay Head, and St. Barnabas, Bayville, observed the milestone on a sunny and pleasantly warm Friday by first attending Mass in St. Peter Church followed by a festive afternoon luncheon in the Breakers on the Ocean Restaurant, Spring Lake.

Guest speaker Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Lorentsen, parochial vicar of St. Peter Parish, offered a reflection on Mary’s sanctity and humanity saying, “The Acts of the Apostles tell us that the disciples were huddled together devoting themselves to prayer – including Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Mary was there and continues to be [with the Church] … She is in the Church in glory, and her greatness comes from her faith in God and in embracing God’s will for her.”

“Even in the dark night of faith, she believed in the promises of God,” said Father Lorentsen. “The mother of Christ teaches us to continue to live in the joy of the Gospel and to give birth to Christ again in our forgiveness, mercy and love.”

Society members enjoyed reflecting on the 110th anniversary of their organization which was founded in 1908 and sharing about their commitment to its mission.

“With 45 members, we are the largest organization in St. Peter Parish,” said former president Rosemary House, whose tenure ended in October, 2017.  “We are growing,” House continued, noting that 15 years ago, there were only eight rosarians but the number began to increase when House and several other members were recruited to join.

“When we attended that first meeting, the membership doubled,” House said, and over the years more [women] joined, and now we’re happy to say that we’ve had a number of younger women join.”

“I used to think that people were worshipping Mary, but a priest in Medjugorje taught me that Jesus wants us to love Mary as he did, and that she brings us closer to him,” said Phyllis Ludovico. “Mary has brought me closer to the Lord.  [At our meetings] we have introduced witnessing how Mary helps us through the Rosary. I love the stories of how the Lord touches our lives. I love every minute of it.”

 “I started with a Bible study,” said Shelly Niewiadomski, “and women in the study – thoughtful women who love the Blessed Mother – encouraged me to try it, saying it was a very holy group.  I am so grateful.  I praise God that he brought me back to this circle.”

“I love the fellowship and the service,” said Eileen Salsano.  “I got away from the Rosary, but I found fellowship here.  With Mary as our mother, we become family.”

“It is such an honor for us to be here and to feel the devotion in this room,” said Mary Lewis, who was inducted into the society last October.  “The power of women praying together is tremendous.”

 Sharing what she learned through these months as a society member Lewis said, “Through his respect for his Mother, Jesus raised respect for all women.”

In addition to their devotion to praying the Rosary, members of the society tend to the needs of linens and vestments used in the celebration of at Mass – including laundering, ironing, or obtaining dry cleaning. The Society also raises funds for the parish, including hosting an annual flea market and a Rock ‘n’ Roll show.