By Mariella Zevallos
The Eucharistic Rosary Congress brought a week of prayer and devotion to San Francisco from October 28 to November 4, with Saturday, November 1 (All Saints Day), marking one of the central highlights.
Throughout the week, Star of the Sea parishioners and visitors gathered every hour to pray the Rosary and adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. For many who do not usually pray the Rosary daily, this experience was a beautiful invitation to deepen their devotion and discover the peace that comes from spending time before the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It was especially inspiring to see new faces—people drawn to prayer and adoration for the first time. The week began with a series of talks by s special guest from Poland Fr. Peter Prusakiewicz, who had three inspiring reflections about the angels and Divine Mercy devotion.
Saturday, November 1, was a day of special anticipation. Nearly 100 faithful gathered on the plaza of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption for two memorable and inspiring presentations. Fr. Joseph Illo, pastor of Star of the Sea parish, reminded everyone that “when life feels dark, we must go to the Blessed Sacrament, go to Confession, and go to Mass.” His words were a gentle and profound call to encounter God’s light through the sacraments. In a passionate presentation in Spanish, Fr. Javier Olivera Ravasi, parochial vicar of Star of the Sea parish, encouraged the faithful to live their Catholic faith boldly. His message was clear and heartfelt: “Do not be afraid to show who you are, be proud to be Catholic, walk with confidence, and give your life for God.”
Following the presentations, the faithful participated in a moving Eucharistic procession from the Cathedral to the Star of the Sea church. Fr. Illo and Fr. Ravasi led the procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament. A group of faithful men carried a platform holding a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima decorated with fresh white roses and blue flowers, capturing the interest of people along Geary boulevard. Clergy, religious and laity walked devotedly praying the Rosary and bearing public witness to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. A fleet of motorcycles from the San Francisco police guarded the procession along the route to Star of the Sea church.
The procession was followed by a High Pontifical Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. This solemn liturgy, one of the most anticipated moments of the week, was attended by hundreds of people. The Mass was enriched by the beautiful voices of the Archbishop’s Schola, conducted by Dr. Jennifer Donelson.
The week of devotion, reflection and communal prayer came to a serene and reverent close on Tuesday, November 4, with the praying of the Rosary in the Adoration chapel at Star of the Sea. It was a spiritually uplifting week—a reminder that when we unite in the Eucharist and the Rosary, hearts are transformed and faith is strengthened. Star of the Sea parish welcomed the faithful 24/7, giving all the opportunity to encounter God more deeply and to grow closer as a community of faithful Catholic believers.
Mariella Zevallos is the director of Communications and Parish Life at Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
Photos: Father James Liebner and Karolina Zapolska
.
