The 35th annual archdiocesan Rosary Rally will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, beginning at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Archbishop-emeritus John F. Donoghue will be the principal celebrant. This year’s rally will be offered for the living and deceased priests and deacons of the archdiocese, in keeping with the theme “Mary and the Priesthood.”

The program will begin outside the church, weather permitting, with the praying of the rosary and the Serran prayer for vocations. Immediately following will be the Mass, concelebrated with priests of the archdiocese. Members of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, will serve as honor guard, and the Our Lady of the Assumption Choir will provide the music.

The date chosen for this year’s Marian event has a special significance. During the 15th century, persecutors of Christianity threatened the world with destruction. To counteract their efforts to conquer the world, Pope Pius V requested that all Christians pray the rosary. Two years later, at Lepanto, Italy, on Oct. 7, 1571, the Christian army received holy Communion and went into battle. They defeated their persecutors, and a few years later, this day was designated as the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

With so much world unrest today, the chairman of the Rosary Rally committee, Bert Berding, chose this date to bring the Catholic community together to implore the Blessed Mother’s intercession with her Son. Those who cannot attend are invited to join in in spirit.

People of all ages are invited to attend this event and offer their prayers, love and devotion to the Mother of God.

The church is located at 1350 Hearst Dr. NE. For directions, call (404) 261-7181 or go to the Web site at www.olachurch.org.