Manila (AsiaNews) Tomorrow, the "Children's Rosary" will unite all Filipino Catholics for the sixth consecutive year. Thousands of elementary school children will gather at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace, better known as the EDSA Shrine, to pray the rosary. The theme of this year's event is "Loving Jesus with Mary for peace and unity". It will be a unifying moment for Catholics. Children ranging from 9 to 13 will visit to their respective parish churches and simultaneously pray the rosary with those gathered at the Marian shrine.
This year's "Children's Rosary" coincides with the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels and the National Eucharistic Marian Year. And children will pray the rosary for peace and unity in both the Philippines and around the world.
Behind the "Children's Rosary" project are Cardinal Jaime Sin, Archbishop Emeritus of Manila, and former Filipino Ambassador to the Holy See, Francisco Alba, who together launched the event back in 1999.
As in previous years, 16 dioceses will take part in the Children's Rosary. Adults will also participate. Children will join bishops, priests, parents, teachers and parishioners in designated churches and shrines.
Bishop Cantillas, chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People, invited its 60 chaplaincies around the world to participate.
Mgr Fernando Capalla, Archbishop of Davao and President of the Bishops' Conference, called on all bishops to lead the simultaneous Holy Rosary prayer in cathedrals and parishes around the country.
The highlight of the Children's Rosary at the EDSA Shrine will be a Holy Mass officiated by Mgr Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop of Manila.