Detroit, MI.
Click to learn more about our National SPSE team in Warren, MI
The following report comes to us from evangelist Mark with our National SPSE in Warren, MI:
Br. John, Michael, Randy, Steve, and I evangelized again at the local farmer’s market. It was the Feast of St. Dominic so we promoted the rosary with greater fervor.
I had a lengthy conversation with Brenda; she had a lot of questions about the Rosary and about the Bible. Brenda identified as Christian but knew very little about the Gospel and Sacred Scripture. I used common, Catholic expressions that “the Rosary is the Bible on beads” and “meditation on the Gospel”. I said that we pray and contemplate certain events during Jesus’ life and I briefly explained the Joyful Mysteries. I talked about the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, said “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee” and announced that the Virgin Mary would give birth to Jesus. I continued and talked about the Visitation when Mary visited Elizabeth and the unborn John the Baptist leapt for joy when he heard Mary’s voice. Brenda started to understand and read through our “How to Pray the Rosary” pamphlet. She was genuinely interested and wanted to practice the devotion.
Two young women approached our table, looking at our rosaries and medals. Ashley was fairly open and receptive; she remembered learning the Rosary as a child but admitted that it had been a long time since she last prayed with it. Her friend Jessica seemed to be much more guarded. Jessica admitted that she was raised Catholic but didn’t want to talk about her past experiences or why she left. I offered her a “reasons to return” pamphlet and she strongly rejected it. I told her that I’m willing to listen to whatever she was willing to share, but she wasn’t ready to share yet. I’m afraid that there is some brokenness and unhealed wounds that are associated with the Church. I pray that all fallen-away Catholics, particularly Ashley and Jessica, may return to the fullness of Truth and unity of Faith.
Praised be Jesus Christ!