Rosary Around the Lake to be recited in three languages

Published 9:35 am Saturday, October 1, 2022

The Fifth Annual Rosary Around the Lake will be celebrated a little differently this year. On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Rosary, prayer reflecting on key moments in Christ’s life, will be recited in English, French and Spanish.

“It’s only been recited in English up until this time,” said Jennifer Morse, Ph.D., president of the Ruth Institute, a global non-profit leading an international interfaith coalition that promotes traditional Christian ethics.

In cooperation with the local community, the Ruth Institute sponsored event will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center with the Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, leading the Apostles Creed. Mayor Nic Hunter’s Community Outreach Liaison, Rev. Alfred Williams II, pastor of New Sunlight Baptist Church, will lead the opening Lord’s Prayer.

“More than ever before, the ability to be both authentic and collaborative, is what our community needs from the variety of institutions which serve our citizens,” Williams said. “It’s only when there is a strong pursuit of unity within our diversity that we truly showcase appreciation for the myriad social, cultural and religious expressions that accentuate our city.”

State Senator Jeremy Stine has attended the event in years past, but this marks the first year to say the Rosary in French.

Canon Jean Moreau, the French priest from St. Francis de Sales in Sulphur suggested it. Moreau swore Stine in, in English and French when Stine took office eight months ago as a way to pay homage to his French ancestors and heritage as well as French immersion programs throughout the state.

“St. Pope John Paul II said, ‘The family is placed at the center of the great struggle between good and evil, between life and death, between love and all that is opposed to love,’” Stine explained. I’m humbled and honored to be together with this interfaith coalition and to pray for our church, our nation, our world and our families. And I will continue to carry out my promise of fighting for our values of faith, family and community.”

Members of the Hispanic community at St. Henry’s Catholic Church will lead a decade in Spanish. The other decades will be led in English by members of several community groups, including the Knights of Columbus and youth and parish groups.

Morse noted that the local community has taken up much more of the planning and organizing for this year’s Rosary Around the Lake than in past years.

“Whether or not you’re Catholic, we encourage anyone who can join us in good conscience to do so. All people of good will should be united in praying for the welfare of our community and country, and the strength of our families. No registration or special t-shirt is required. Just come.”

Rosary Around the Lake is part of the national Rosary Coast to Coast. Visit the Rosary Around the Lake website for details and to watch a video of last year’s event.