Utah Knights to host Silver Rose pro-life prayer pilgrimage

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UTAH — Each year from early March through mid-December, Knights of Columbus councils in the United States make pilgrimages along eight different routes from Canada to Mexico as part of the Silver Rose program. Most years the Utah Knights participate in this program, bringing the Silver Rose to local parishes as the focus for pro-life prayer and to honor Our Lady.

“This is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” according to the organization’s website.

The program began in 1960, when the Columbian Squires, a youth organization of the Knights of Columbus, wanted to commemorate the miracles of the roses presented in 1531 to Juan Diego by Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Squires chose to do this by transporting a rose to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. A living rose from London, England was blessed by Bishop John C. Cody and carried by the Squires to New York, then Texas, and then on to the basilica in Mexico City.  Two years later, the Squires had a silver rose made for the pilgrimage, which at the beginning was named Operation Rose. 

These days, after the eight Silver Roses are carried along the different routes, they all arrive at the basilica on Dec. 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Silver Rose Schedule

The Utah Knights of Columbus are hosting the Silver Rose at various local parishes. The event is a time of prayer for pro-life intentions and to honor Our Lady. Following are the dates and locations that have been released. For times and services, contact the parish.

Saturday, June 7 –Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, 210 North Carbon Ave., Price

Sunday, June 8 – St Pius X Catholic Church, 122 West 400 North, Moab; and St. Joseph Catholic Church, 365 S. Main, Monticello

Friday, June 13 – Hill Air Force Base Chapel, 5711 E Ave., Hill AFB

Wednesday-Thursday, June 18-19 – St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1505 White Pine Canyon Rd., Park City

Tuesday, June 24 – St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7405 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan

Wednesday, June 25 – St. Andrew Catholic Church, 11835 South 3600 West, Riverton, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses

Thursday, June 26 – St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South, Draper

Sunday, June 29 – St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4501 West 5215 South, Kearns