By Katie Vasquez
After work or school every Wednesday, a group gathers outside American Martyrs Church in Bayside to pray the rosary.
“This group prays the rosary outside American Martyrs Church in Bayside,” parishioner Jetulio Cury said. “Every time we meditate in the mysteries, something else, something more, something always comes.”
Students in the OCIA program have also joined, sharing their faith publicly with the community.
“It’s good because it helps us, you know, share the gospel and share it to others that want to learn, obviously,” said James Scavone, an OCIA student.
“I felt close to God, and that he loves me,” added fellow student Alejandro Dickson.
The effort is part of a broader movement that began in Austria in 2021 and eventually reached the Diocese of Brooklyn. Michael Shoule joined a group at St. Josaphat before bringing the practice to his home parish two summers ago.
“It occurred to me, you know, why am I driving all the way over there when I can do it right here at my own parish,” Shoule said.
The weekly public prayer has influenced parishioners like Margaret MacPherson, who says it has become part of her daily life.
“Well, actually, doing the rosary at all on a daily basis has now become part of my life. And only because we have gathering here,” MacPherson said. “I just don’t think you could find a more peaceful way to end your day.”
Participants say the gatherings serve as a public witness to their faith.
“Praying the rosary in public, in my mind, is a way of showing God that we trust him and that we are so desperately in need of prayers,” Shoule said. “And we’re praying not out of worry, but out of thanksgiving for all the good that he’s given us and all the good that he has in store for us.”
Three other churches in the Diocese of Brooklyn also host public rosaries: St. Thomas More in Breezy Point, St. Josaphat in Bayside and Immaculate Conception in Astoria. Shoule said he hopes more parishes will be inspired to begin their own gatherings.