Ardmore parishioners celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary

Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ardmore had an anniversary celebration on Oct. 8, which concluded a week of events with a hamburger cookout for all parishioners. 

The events began on Sept. 30, and included praying the Rosary, Mass, adoration and a cookout.

Since the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, the Catholic Church has dedicated October as the month of the rosary. The universal Church has commemorated Oct. 7, specifically as “Our Lady of Victory.” The name was later changed to “Our Lady of the Rosary.” The Catholic Church in Ardmore was dedicated in 1951 under her patronage. In front of the church stands a statue of Mary. 

Paisley Clowe, a longtime parishioner, describes this statue of Mother Mary holding her infant child as a “uniquely beautiful image because of her honored place in the front of the parish.”

Father Kevin Ratterman, pastor of Saint Mary Catholic Church, explained that the beauty of the prayer of the rosary is its simplicity.

“Some people feel a need to make the action of praying the rosary more complex. Yet, the fact that the repetition and the approachability of praying the rosary make it accessible from the youngest child to the most senior parishioner. In times of need, it’s a prayer that moves quickly off one’s lips as a remedy to fear and anxiety. The rosary is a method of praying which flows from the heart of a son or daughter towards a loving mother, asking for her prayers and intercessions,” explained Father Ratterman.

“Instead of dismissing this prayer for its simplicity, one should allow one’s mind and heart to be at ease to rise towards the heavenly host. God desires to draw near to people, and sometimes the clutter and noise of someone’s mind becomes a barrier to being open to receiving him.”

Father Ratterman went on to say, “Sadly, not all are blessed with perfect biological mothers; yet, deep inside, we know what unconditional love and acceptance should be. The perfect love of Mother Mary fills what might be missing in our lives, brining healing the brokenness that is uniquely ours. We live in a time when some consider being pregnant a medical condition to be resolved. The love of Mary makes known that all are created with intentionality; all are children made for love.”

Deacon Juan Jimenez, who works with the youth of the parish said, “Children, teenagers and young adults alike, should be taught the significance that Marian devotion could have in every aspect of their lives. Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort wrote in his treatise, ‘True Devotion to Mary:’ ‘All true children of God have God for their father and Mary for their mother.’ Children, even more so than adults, find it natural to look with confidence to their mother, to entrust themselves to her, and to confide all their cares, worries and troubles to her maternal solicitude.”

“My favorite part of the Rosary is the very last line of the last prayer, ‘ ... that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.’ The Rosary is a living, breathing prayer and holds immense benefits when we bring ourselves fully to it,” Clowe said.

Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.