Just how was it that the late-day weather suddenly improved on May 20? As far as John Brennan is concerned, the reason can be summed up in a single four-letter word: Mary.
"It was not looking good in the morning, but things changed and a beautiful blue sky came out. Whenever I see blue skies, I think of Mary," said Brennan, a parishioner of St. Mary Our Mother in Horseheads. "The Blessed Mother did her part."
Removal of any rain threat allowed for the successful execution of a first-time Marian event: an outdoor Living Rosary for the Unborn, for which Brennan served as lead organizer. It began at 8 p.m. on the front lawn of St. Mary's Cemetery in Corning and was attended by nearly 30 people from area parishes.
The service featured people representing beads of the rosary, standing alongside luminary bags as dusk approached. Participants appealed to the Blessed Mother for support in convincing young women to choose life, rather than abortion, for their unborn babies. In addition, prayers for reconciliation and a change of heart were offered for people who are, or were, involved in the practice of abortion.
Ages of participants ranged from high school to senior citizen. Another organizer, Terry Burke, said having several young people on hand was "one of the most exciting things" about the Living Rosary.
"For a youth to give up a Friday night and say a rosary, that's impressive," remarked Burke, who coordinates the Respect Life Committee at All Saints Parish in Corning and Painted Post.
Burke also commented favorably on the event's overall beauty and emotion, particularly the bright light that shone on a crucifix and the glow of luminaries.
"To see all that light shining on the hill, it was very appropriate," she said.
Father Lew Brown, assisting priest at All Saints, offered opening and closing prayers. Brennan said he enjoyed Father Brown's analogy between the lights emanating from the Living Rosary and how "once we realize the light of Christ in our lives, it burns bright and stays burning through the Holy Spirit."
Brennan and Burke said several attendees inquired about similar rosaries in the future, with October and May -- months traditionally known for special Marian devotions -- being the most likely possibilities.
"It went really well. You could definitely see the hand of the Holy Spirit," Brennan said of the May 20 event. "It went beyond my wildest dreams."
The Living Rosary was conceived and sponsored by Chemung County Right to Life. It also reflected the work of several area parishes' Respect Life ministries and their ongoing efforts toward promoting pro-life awareness and prayer. These groups have a strong track record of rosary devotion for the unborn at their parishes as well as at Planned Parenthood facilities in Corning, Horseheads and Elmira.
In addition, Brennan recently launched a website, www.TwinTiersCatholic.com, that provides a variety of pro-life information as well as links to Catholic media; parish/faith community websites in Chemung, Steuben and Schuyler counties; area Mass and rosary times; Scripture readings; Catholic educational material; and Emmaus Retreat weekends for men to help enhance their personal relationships with Jesus.
Brennan and Burke said they're seeking to incorporate a wider regional level of participation. In fact, they said they'd be happy to assist parishes anywhere in the diocese that are interested in starting a Living Rosary and/or increasing their general rosary devotion.
"I'd like to see more people pray the rosary for any cause, whether it's the unborn or not," Brennan remarked.
Brennan acknowledged that not everybody might feel as compelled as he does to pray in front of a Planned Parenthood for the conversion of those who are considering abortion. He said that for many Catholics, "religion is a personal thing. You don't like to display it necessarily out in public, especially if it's connected to something that could be controversial."
However, he emphasized that any prayer for the unborn, whether it be private or public -- particularly the rosary -- is well worthwhile.
"Mary is going to take rosary prayers from all sources, and she knows our intentions," he said.
