Memorable 2012 Rosary Crusade at Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio

by Pat Ashcraft

We commenced the 6^th annual Rosary Crusade in Cincinnati with a 30 minute DVD of historic Marian images sequencing the life of Our Lady from her early childhood to the apparitions at Fatima, set to four different versions of "Ave Maria." The DVD was presented on a 30' x 42' video display screen on Fountain Square, which is a city park located literally at the heart of the city, crowned by a huge bronze fountain of “Our Lady of Grace.”

The music and the images of Mary's life were broadcast throughout the downtown area before & after the Crusade.

The Rosary Crusade then continued with the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus processing onto the stage at Fountain Square carrying a 4’ statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The program itself commenced with the Archbishop of Cincinnati, Dennis M. Schnurr, providing an outstanding introductory Marian homily.

Our program then proceeded with Fr. Andre’-Joseph LaCasse, O.P., leading us in praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary; Deacon Amado Lim conducted us in reciting the Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary; and Fr. Cyril Whitaker, S.J., gave an exceptional talk on the Fatima apparitions and their role in affirming Mary as Co-Redemptrix.

Archbishop Schnurr closed the Crusade with our consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, along with a special blessing for the audience. The 13-member Latin Mass Gregorian Choir, directed by Mr. John Schauble, sang and led the audience in several beautiful Marian hymns, with keyboard musical accompaniment by the very accomplished Mr. Ric Aielli.

We had numerous Marian books, publications, & periodicals for all the attendees, along with rosaries & scapulars for everyone who was able to join us on Fountain Square.

Our audience for the Crusade this year, on the 95^th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, was our largest ever on the Square, with well over 400 people attending. Chanel 12 TV news provided a brief segment of the Crusade on the Saturday evening news & the Crusade was also featured on Sacred Heart Radio’s community press bulletin, The Catholic Beat.

We closed the day with a late luncheon at our home for about 35 people to do a wrap-up assessment of the Crusade & to focus on how we could improve the program for next year. The homemade minestrone soup & “Sloppy Joe” sandwiches were topped off with pumpkin pie & several varieties of homemade cookies & other desserts, washed down with a hot spiced cider.

We are extremely grateful for the privilege to have served in this Rosary Crusade & have already reserved Fountain Square for next year when the goal will be 10,000 national & international Rosary Crusades for 2013. Finally, we are most appreciative of all those who were able to assist in bringing this Rosary Crusade to the center of our city, in honor of Our Lady, & in remembrance of her messages, warnings, & requests at Fatima, especially her request that we pray the Rosary daily.