Bishop urges children’s Rosary prayer for world peace

IDUKKI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Children praying the Rosary for world peace and the spiritual power of the Rosary are at the heart of a new appeal from Syro Malabar Bishop John Nellikunnel of Idukki.

In a circular published in the October issue of Sahyanadham Monthly, the Idukki diocesan bulletin, the bishop invited children across the diocese to participate in the global prayer initiative “One Million Children Praying the Rosary,” organised by Aid to the Church in Need International, a pontifical charity. The campaign seeks to promote world peace through the prayers of children.

“At a time when numerous people across various parts of the world are suffering due to war, violence, persecution, and poverty,” the bishop called on children to join the initiative “with the objective of praying for world peace through the innocent offering of the Rosary by children.”

The bishop said the campaign has become “a magnificent testimony of faith,” bringing together children from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Australia.

When children from different backgrounds pray together, he said, it allows believers “to experience the universality of the Church and the limitless power of prayer.”

Rosary and hope

The circular noted that on Oct. 1 Pope Leo XIV led the recitation of the Rosary for world peace with children at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens, providing an opportunity for parishes, schools and families worldwide to unite in the same intention.

The bishop encouraged parishes, schools, faith formation centres and families to gather children and take part in the global prayer effort. He also recalled that the initiative began in Venezuela in 2005 and has grown over two decades into “a substantial spiritual movement uniting children and families on a global scale.”

He pointed to the vision attributed to Saint Padre Pio: “When one million children pray the Rosary, the world will change,” describing it as the driving force behind the campaign.

Month of the Rosary

In a separate reflection for October, observed by the Catholic Church as the Month of the Rosary, Bishop Nellikunnel emphasized the Rosary’s place in Christian prayer and family life.

He said the observance invites believers “to grow in profound devotion and prayer toward the Blessed Virgin Mary, and to meditate more deeply upon the saving mysteries of Christ’s life.”

Quoting St. John Paul II, the bishop wrote that “The Rosary is a prayer dedicated to meditating upon the face of Christ with Mary.” He also cited Saint Padre Pio’s words, “The Rosary is the weapon for our times,” and encouraged families to pray together, placing before God “the joys, sorrows, hopes, and anxieties of the family.”

Amid “wars, conflicts, family problems, and various challenges faced by the youth,” the bishop urged Catholics to embrace “the recitation of the Rosary as our specific spiritual mission for the unity of families, the holiness of youth, and world peace,” he added.

The following source documents are available in their original Malayalam, alongside AI-generated English translations:

• Urging Children to Pray the Rosary: [Original Malayalam] | [AI English Translation]
• Bishops’ Reflection on the Rosary: [Original Malayalam] | [AI English Translation]