2011 Silver Rose Run
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. The program has continued since then as a project of Squires circles, councils and Fourth Degree assemblies in several jurisdictions. In 2001, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson expanded the program by beginning the “Running of the Rose” from the 119th Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council in Ontario. Currently, the program is expanding with a rose making its way from Canada to Mexico through the United States each year.
The 2009-2010 Silver Rose Run has grown to incorporate more than double the number of jurisdictions participating. Starting in May, three roses will travel simultaneously through 31 jurisdictions and Mexico.
In recent years the rose has been run from London, Ontario, through 10 states in the United States, and then crossing at the International Bridge into Monterrey, Mexico. During this year, there will be three roses traveling simultaneously starting in London, Ontario, and then moving to the west coast, central United States and the east coast. All three roses will meet at the same time in Texas to travel over the International Bridge and be handed over to Knights from Monterrey.
“The ‘Running of the Rose’ is a perfect program for the Knights of Columbus,” said Supreme Knight Anderson. “Through it we honor not only Our Lady of Guadalupe and express the 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 most appropriate that we turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe who made know her will through Juan Diego and the miracle of the roses.”
Symbol of Our Lady of Guadalupe
One year ago the young men pictured above were part of a presentation of the Silver Rose at Saint Mary's Basilica. The Silver Rose is a symbol of the unity among peoples in the Americas, the rose had been carried over the course of months from Canada and through the United States. Here they are pictured with Matachines dancers, deeply devoted to Mary, who provide an honor guard into Mass and following Mass to Rosary Sunday 2010. This presentation was one stop on the long journey in the annual Knights of Columbus event known as the Running of the Silver Rose.
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The rose is also a symbol of the Order’s commitment to the pro-life cause, and Our Lady of Guadalupe is claimed as the patroness of the pro-life movement. The rose’s final destination is the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12. This October, the Silver Rose will once more stop in Tcson and Phoenix, in time for the Arizona Rosary Celebration.
The young men in the photo above are members of the Columbian Squires, the youth group of the Knights of Columbus. Carrying the rose was a member of St. Mary’s Squires Circle #5000 in Phoenix. He was accompanied by fellow Squires. The Squires were chosen for the honor because the annual Running of the Rose was started more than 50 years ago by members of the Columbian Squires.
Celebrating the Mass was the Most Rev. Eduardo Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix. After Mass the youth were treated to a Pizza party and talks by Bishop Nevares and Rev. Paul Sullivan, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Phoenix and , director of vocations for the Phoenix Diocese.
Silver Rose to Bring Columbian Squires and Diocesan Youth Together for Mass, Rally, and March to Rosary Sunday
Columbian Squires and young adults from throughout the Diocese of Phoenix are invited to attend Mass on Rosary Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary's Basilica, 4th street and Monroe. Most Reverend Eduardo Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix will celebrate the Mass. Columbian Squires will attend the Mass, bringing with them the Columbian Silver Rose, a pro-life symbol that travels each year from Canada to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. This year, the Silver Rose makes a stop in Phoenix.
After Mass, Bishop Nevares will spend some time with Squires and diocesan youth in an informal rally and social hour. Afterward, they will parade from St. Mary's Basilica at 1:30 p.m. and arrive at the Convention Center in time to lead the blessing procession and present the Silver Rose to the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The association of roses with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is historic, and the presentation of the Silver Rose recognizes her role today in the protection of the unborn.
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