By Catholic San Francisco
On the solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of San Francisco, hundreds of faithful took part in the annual Rosary Rally, held as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope in the archdiocese. The day brought together parish groups, families and religious communities in a public witness of faith and prayer.
The celebration began at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in San Francisco, where pilgrims gathered in the morning for opening prayers before setting out on a Jubilee pilgrimage walk through the city. Along the way, participants prayed the Rosary and sang hymns, offering their walk for their intentions.
The procession concluded at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, where pilgrims were welcomed for a time of reflection on St. Francis and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bobby Barbato, OFM Cap. and Father Alberto Villafan, OFM Cap. Shared with pilgrims their thoughts on the life and spirituality of St. Francis and his deep devotion to Our Lady and to Jesus in the Eucharist.
The highlight of the day was the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. In his homily, the archbishop spoke on St. Francis’ love for the Blessed Mother, referencing his “Salutation to Our Lady” where St. Francis greets her as the tabernacle and dwelling place of Christ – uniting the saint’s deep understanding and reverence for the incarnation and the Blessed Sacrament.
The archbishop also spoke on St. Francis’ view of Mary as a model of the Church.
“His incarnational spirituality also led him to see in our Lady the image of the Church, as he prays to her in his Salutation,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “He understood this teaching first expounded upon by St. Ambrose…and reaffirmed at the Second Vatican Council nearly 800 years later. As the Council teaches, the Church, like our Lady, is also both virgin and mother: under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she preserves us in the pure teaching of her Bridegroom…in giving birth to new children for God’s kingdom in the saving waters of Baptism, and nurturing them by the sacraments and handing on that teaching, she engenders new life as a mother (cf. LG 63-64).”
After Mass, Father Armando Gutierrez, pastor of St. Finn Barr parish and judicial vicar for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, led a Eucharistic procession around the Cathedral while praying the Rosary.
The annual Rosary Rally continues to serve as a visible expression of the Consecration of the Archdiocese of San Francisco to the Immaculate Heart of Mary made in 2017. She continues to protect us as we live the consecration.
