By Peter Castieu
More than 200 pilgrims from as far away as Albany and Perth attended the annual May Rosary Rally held in honour of Our Lady at Bove’s Farm south of Busselton on Ascension Sunday 2008.
Mass was celebrated by Vicar General of the Bunbury Diocese, Fr Tony Chiera, and followed by the crowning of a statue of Our Lady Queen of the most holy Rosary.
After the crowning, pilgrims were led by Our Lady on a procession through the property, during which the Rosary was recited in Italian and English. The procession concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
The day finished with afternoon tea, and a chance to catch up with fellow pilgrims, while the children played together.
In his sermon, Fr Tony shared personal memories of his mother’s great devotion to the Rosary, and of his own memories of festas when he was a child.
On the love of Our Lady, he said, “Mary’s greatest joy is to see us becoming more like Christ and as she sees the features of Jesus on us, she loves us as she loves Jesus”. He concluded by reminding the faithful that, “You are the life of Jesus now in the world”.
Bunbury pilgrim, Matthew Monisse, said that it was good to “see all the people express love for Our Lady, feel her tangible presence, and give her honour and thanksgiving here at the Bove’s”.
And to those who couldn’t attend? Organiser Luigi Bove says: “Have hope all the time.
“The faith costs nothing. From Rupert Murdoch to a pensioner, we can all share in the faith, the most important thing is to persevere”.