Ecumenical Rosary Day – February, 2018
An ecumenical Rosary Day was held at St. David’s Church, East Cowes, on Saturday 24 February. Parish priest, Father Jonathan Redvers Harris, welcomed everyone and explained the day, which began with the singing of the Stabat Mater. This was followed by the appropriate Gospel reading from Saint John. The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary were led by Fr. Jonathan. Each decade was introduced by a short, appropriate meditation. After a coffee break we returned to the Church for the Angelus and Midday Prayer, recited antiphonally. This was followed by the five Luminous Mysteries, led by Deacon in training, Paul Severn. To introduce each decade Paul chose some moving meditations from Praying the Rosary by Denis McBride.
After lunch, generously provided by Wendy Redvers Harris, Father John Ryder from All Saints Church, Godshill, led the Sorrowful Mysteries, separating each Hail Mary with a brief biblical quotation and following the mysteries with a moving consideration of Our Lord’s words from the Cross, giving his mother to us (in the person of John). The Glorious Mysteries were led by Deacon Corinne Smith from St. Alban’s Church, Ventnor, who provided intentions for each mystery.
After tea, we closed with Benediction. The day was relaxed and prayerful. It is, however, disappointing that, in Lent, more people did not avail themselves of the opportunity to spend time in quiet meditation with Our Lady. It is to be hoped that more will attend the next ecumenical Rosary Day, which is at All Saints, Godshill on Saturday, 12th May (the month of Our Lady) from 11-00am to 3-00pm.