A diocese united in prayer: faithful gather for the 31st Annual Rosary March
By Allison Mosier10/14/2025
Under a bright autumn sky hundreds of faithful gathered at St. Peter Cathedral on Sunday, October 12, 2025 for the 31st Annual Rosary March marking the 108th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima. The event, organized by the World Apostolate of Fatima and the Legion of Mary, brought together Catholics from across the Diocese of Erie to honor Mary the Mother of God and to pray for peace in the world and in the city of Erie.
The Rosary March began in front of the cathedral and continued through the streets of downtown Erie. Participants carried rosaries, banners and statues of Our Lady as they prayed aloud in unison. For those unable to walk, Bishop Lawrence Persico led the rosary and adoration inside the cathedral, where many remained in prayer throughout the procession. Following the march, everyone joined together for a special prayer service with Bishop Persico, who offered words of reflection on the faith and example of the Blessed Mother.
“Mary, who at Fatima identified herself as the Lady of the Rosary, speaks to our lives not from a throne on high but from the struggle of her journey of life and faith,” Bishop Persico shared. He reminded those gathered that Mary’s strength and peace came from her willingness to trust completely in God’s plan, even when she did not understand it. Quoting Father James Martin, the bishop said, “Mary was told that her son would be the Son of God, not that He would be tortured, put to death on a cross, and then rise from the dead. Mary says yes to a future that she does not know. She is an example of letting God do God’s work without trying to figure it out.”
Bishop Persico reflected on how God continues to work through ordinary people just as he worked through Mary, Elizabeth and Joseph. “God continues to use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purpose in our world, to give hope and to proclaim a message of life, salvation, mercy and peace,” he said. He encouraged everyone to look with compassion on those around them and to remember that “God hasn’t given up on any of us and never will.”
For John and Margie Walsh, the Rosary March represents a lifelong ministry. John has helped organize the event for decades, and together the couple visits Catholic schools across the diocese to teach children how to pray the rosary. “For us this isn’t just an event. It is a ministry,” John said. “We have seen how the rosary brings peace to people’s hearts and homes.”
As the final prayers of the afternoon filled St. Peter Cathedral, Bishop Persico’s closing message captured the heart of the day. “When Jesus touches a person’s heart, he or she becomes capable of truly great things. Mary’s heart was completely open to God’s touch. My sisters and brothers, open your hearts to Jesus. Give God room in your lives.”
Thanks to the Walshes and the many volunteers who make this event possible, Erie’s devotion to Our Lady continues to shine brightly, one Hail Mary at a time.
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