Rosary devotion promoted as path to peace and unity

TAMARACHERY, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil of Thamarassery urged Catholics to deepen their devotion to the rosary, saying it is urgently needed for world peace and stronger families amid growing violence, division and weakening faith.

In a pastoral circular announcing the Syro Malabar Diocese of Thamarassery‘s annual Perpetual Rosary Offering, the bishop reflected on the spiritual significance of the rosary while inviting the faithful to participate in the 101-day prayer initiative at Bethany Prayer Centre.

“For the past 25 years, without interruption, the Bethany Prayer Centre, the spiritual renewal centre of our diocese, has been conducting the Perpetual Rosary Offering,” he wrote. He described it as “days of grace, faith, repentance and blessing,” when believers gather before the Blessed Sacrament, “seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and praying for the whole world.”

The 2026 Perpetual Rosary Offering began July 16 and will conclude Oct. 24, spanning “101 days and nights.”

Mary as model of faith

Bishop Inchananiyil reflected on Mary’s steadfast faith, saying she “never wavered amid life’s trials” and “trusted completely that the Lord would accomplish His promises.”

He wrote that Mary’s greatness extended beyond Bethlehem and Nazareth because “She followed Christ faithfully all the way to Calvary, offering herself like a burning candle.”

“By meditating on the mysteries of salvation and seeking only what is good in life, we are invited to follow in Mary’s footsteps and seek her intercession,” he said.

Calling the rosary more than a devotional practice, the bishop cited St. John Paul II, writing: “The Rosary is not merely an external devotion. As St. John Paul II taught, it is a profoundly Christ-centred prayer in which, together with Mary, we contemplate the face of Christ.”

He also recalled Mary’s appearance at Fatima, saying, “Through praying the Rosary, we receive her special protection and the grace to live holy lives.”

Peace and stronger families

Bishop Inchananiyil said today’s global conflicts and family challenges make prayer especially urgent.

“At a time when wars and violence threaten world peace, we especially need the intercession of Mary, the Queen of Peace,” he wrote. “We also need her help to recognise and overcome the dangers quietly entering our families, affecting children and young people, and weakening faith and moral values.”

He quoted St. Padre Pio, who called the rosary “the weapon against all the evils of the world,” urging believers to “Always keep the Rosary in your hands.”

He also cited St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who said, “Whenever I pray the Rosary, I experience Our Lady smiling upon me, and I know that every one of my prayers reaches Jesus through her.”

Quoting St. Teresa of Kolkata, the bishop highlighted the connection between family prayer and unity: “If you want peace and love to remain in your families, pray the Rosary together. The family that prays together stays together.”

“The two principal intentions for this year’s 101 days of the Perpetual Rosary are: World peace” and “The sanctification of families,” Bishop Inchananiyil wrote in his pastoral circular published in the July edition of Thamaramottukal, the diocesan monthly bulletin.

Invitation to every parish

The bishop said those who seek Mary’s intercession “will become witnesses to God’s mercy, peace and justice in a world torn by war, division and political unrest.”

He added that “every family needs renewal in holiness in order to strengthen its unity and faithfulness,” praying that Mary “may help restore broken family relationships and renew the holiness that has been lost.”

Calling the annual devotion “a special gift of God’s grace,” he requested “the active participation of every parish in the Perpetual Rosary Offering.”

“I urge all of you to come to Bethany and pray at least one Rosary. Parents should come together with their children,” he wrote, also inviting religious communities to pray “especially for world peace and the sanctification of families.”

Concluding the circular, the bishop quoted St. Ambrose: “Mary is the ladder to heaven. Through her God descended to humanity, and through her humanity ascends to heaven.”

Full pastoral circular available: In original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.