What is it?
Fr. Gerard Timoner, O.P., Master of the Order of Preachers, has invited the Dominican Family to undertake a triduum of penance on October 4, 5, and 6 in preparation for the celebration of the feast of the Most Holy Rosary on October 7. These days of prayer and penance are offered especially for those who have died in the pandemic, for their families, for those suffering, and those who work to help them. (Here in America, we remember also especially the needs of our country at this time.) Then, on the feast day itself, we will all unite in praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary at 8:00 pm local time.
Join us in preparatory penance
It is traditional in the Church to prepare to celebrate a feastday by doing penance, as seen in Lent preceding the great Christian feast of the Lord’s Resurrection. We invite you to join us for these three days of penance leading up to October 7. While we will observe them in our own way here in the monastery, here are some suggestions for you in the world:
- On Sunday, October 4, fast from social media. Use the extra time to read a spiritual book about the Rosary (we recommend Champions of the Rosary by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC).
- On Monday, October 5, fast from unnecessary chatter and from listening to music/radio. Instead, take some silent time to become aware of the Presence of the Most Blessed Trinity, dwelling in the souls of all those baptized and in a state of grace. (Listen to this talk on the Presence of God by Fr. James Brent, O.P., also these further talks; and the book The Presence of God by Fr. Anselm Moynihan, O.P.)
- On Tuesday, October 6, fast from food according to the guidelines of the Church (one main meal, two snacks if necessary to maintain strength).
Join us in celebrating by praying the Rosary
As Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary tradition, we always celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Rosary on October 7 with utmost solemnity, a joyful and grace-filled day for the community. This year, we invite you to join our spirit of celebration by praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary with us, as per the Master’s request. Although we discovered this past spring that our internet connection is not good enough to livestream to YouTube, we will have the video “premier” at 8:00 pm Central Time.
The Rosary is a powerful prayer, as we join with the Blessed Virgin Mary in contemplating the saving mysteries of Christ. Let us be united in penance and prayer for the pandemic and the whole world during these special days.