The gathering featured various speakers to encourage participation and spread awareness. Fr Marius O’Reilly, who introduced the program, recalled over 10,000 attendees in the past two years and jokingly set a bold goal of 2 million for this year.
The event began with the Rosary, led by Fr Pat Lombard, followed by an introduction from Angela McMorrow, a key organiser. In his introduction, Fr O’Reilly spoke of the Rosary’s deep spiritual significance, citing Blessed Carlo Acutis, who called it “the Bible on beads.” He cautioned against rushing through the prayer like an auction, urging instead a contemplative approach that engages heart, mind, and soul. He also highlighted Frank Duff, founder of the Legion of Mary, whose devotion to the Rosary and daily Mass fuelled his ministry’s success.
Maria Steen reflected on the Rosary’s importance in modern Ireland, calling it “the antidote to the poison of despair and anger.” She warned against nostalgia for a seemingly stronger past, referencing Frank Duff’s writings, which criticised the shallow faith of many Catholics in earlier times. While many attended Mass and received the sacraments, their faith lacked depth, leaving them vulnerable to modern challenges. Similar to today.
Ms Steen likened the Rosary to the equipment of a spiritual warrior—providing training and nourishment, armour, and medicine. She invoked the image of Mary as a leader in battle, teaching us how to fight through her unwavering yes to God. She also stressed the Rosary’s role in nurturing the interior life, encouraging deep reflection on how its mysteries apply to personal faith and mission.
Fr Eamonn McCarthy spoke extensively about the Rosary’s role in Frank Duff’s ministry. He described the early Legion of Mary’s efforts in outreach to prostitutes and their work to counteract Protestant-run soup kitchens that required conversion for aid. Mr Duff responded by opening Catholic shelters and soup kitchens, offering both material and spiritual support.
Quoting Duff’s pamphlet Can We Be Saints?, Fr McCarthy said, “Show me how you say your Hail Marys, and I will show you how you love God.” He concluded by emphasising that prayer and action are inseparable. “We begin with the Rosary in hand, on our knees in humility and faith—then ask, ‘Now, what can I do? Use me, direct me, I am at your service.’”
