The Silver Rose, symbol of Our Lady of Guadalupe and reminder of the Order's affirmation to defending human life, will soon be relayed from the Utah State Council to our young Columbian Squires here in Colorado for another successful trek through our great state on its pilgrimage to Mexico. This marks the fifth year that Colorado has had the opportunity to participate in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose - One Life, One Rose Program.
Between September 14th and October 12th, the Columbian Squires will spearhead this North American effort in Colorado which pays special tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Through this program, six beautifully-crafted Silver Roses embark upon a journey of faith and devotion from Ontario, Canada, to Monterrey, Mexico. Whereas Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies lead the effort in other states across the United States, Colorado is unique in that our Columbian Squires are the ceremonial runners of the rose as it makes its way through our state, starting in Brighton and ending in Pueblo, before moving on to New Mexico for the next leg of its journey.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose Program began in 1960 as a project of the Columbian Squires of North America to honor the Blessed Virgin under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Since then, the program has continued as a collaborative effort on behalf of the Squires Circles, Knights of Columbus Councils, and Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assemblies in several jurisdictions both here in the United States as well as in Canada and Mexico. In 2001, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson expanded the program by initiating the "Running of the Rose" at the 119th Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council in Ontario. Under this new initiative, the Silver Rose travels from Canada through the United States to the city of Monterrey, Mexico, arriving at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
In earlier years, one rose was run from London, Ontario, through 10 states in the U.S. before crossing the International Bridge and ending its journey in Monterrey. Today, six roses make the trek simultaneously through 43 states and provinces before entering Mexico for the final leg of the pilgrimage to Monterrey.
"The 'Running of the Rose' is a perfect program from the Knights of Columbus," said Supreme Knight Anderson. "Through it we honor not only Our Lady of Guadalupe and express unity of the Order, but we also reaffirm the Order's dedication to the sanctity of human life. It is to the Blessed Mother that we turn in prayer as we work to end the Culture of Death that grips our society. As we think in terms of 'One Life, One Rose,' it is appropriate that we turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe who made known her will through Juan Diego and the 'Miracle of the Roses.'"
Pueblo's very own Albert Solano Squires Circle #5432 will host the Silver Rose on its final stop in Colorado before it continues on to New Mexico. This will be the third year in which Circle #5432 has had the honor of hosting special services for the Silver Rose while on its journey through Colorado. The Albert Solano Squires Circle #5432 would like to cordially invite you to be a part of this year's pilgrimage and join them for the special services to be held in honor of the Silver Rose of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Four services will be offered:
Sunday, October 5th, at Saint Paul the Apostle in Pueblo West | 10:30 AM | Mass (English)
Sunday, October 5th, at Saint Paul the Apostle in Pueblo West | 12:30 PM | Mass (Spanish)
Thursday, October 9th, at Shrine of St. Therese in Pueblo | 6:00 PM in Pueblo | Prayer Service (English)
Sunday, October 12th, at St. Joseph Parish in Blende| 10:30 AM Rosary & 11:00 AM Mass (English)
Esto Dignus - Be Worthy!