National Shrine to host May 17 worldwide praying of the rosary

CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn

+ Enlarge

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington is seen May 2, 2020.

WASHINGTON — The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will host a recitation of the rosary on Monday, May 17, at noon (EDT) as part of Pope Francis’ call for a worldwide marathon of rosaries for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each day during May at noon, the rosary will be prayed from a different Marian shrine around the world. Pope Francis began the rosary marathon May 1 at the Vatican and will conclude it there on May 31.

Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory will lead the recitation of the rosary at the basilica May 17.

Last month, the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization announced the worldwide rosary marathon during May, which is traditionally devoted to Mary.

Each of the participating Marian shrines around the world will pray the rosary for a specific prayer intention. The May 17 rosary at the basilica will be prayed for “all world leaders and for all heads of international organizations.”

The overall theme for the worldwide event is: “From the entire Church an unceasing prayer rises to God,” which comes from a passage in the Acts of the Apostles that describes how all members of the Church prayed for St. Peter’s miraculous escape from prison.

The May 17 recitation of the rosary will be livestreamed from the basilica’s website www.nationalshrine.org/mass and on various Vatican social media platforms. EWTN will also broadcast the prayer.