Archbishop urges faithful to stay close to Mary during crisis; Bishop Battersby to lead tonight’s rosary

DETROIT — As the coronavirus pandemic keeps Catholics confined to their homes, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s bishops are urging people to stay close to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

During his first livestream Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron pledged to build a grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes at the cathedral as “a lasting, perpetual reminder to all of us that in this trial, Our Lady is with us.” 

The archbishop also urged Catholics to pray daily the “Memorare” prayer (below) for Our Lady’s protection and help.

Now, the archdiocese is inviting the public to pray the rosary every Wednesday with its bishops, starting today at 7 p.m.

During the crisis, Detroit's bishops will lead the faithful in the weekly rosary, which will be broadcast live on the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Facebook page and at Livestream.com. 

Auxiliary Bishop Gerard W. Battersby will lead tonight’s rosary from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Catholics can RSVP to the event on Facebook, or receive a notification when the event is about to begin.

“In these challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic, we turn to our spiritual mother, Mary, for intercession and strength,” a statement from the archdiocese said. “Although we are physically distant, we are blessed to be able to come together through social media to continue to pray and live out our faith.”

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.