Do you remember John 21: 15-17? It is that that beautiful, tender scene when Jesus and Simon Peter were engaged in an intimate conversation and Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?” Peter answered, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you”. Then Jesus said, ”Take care of my lambs!”

In Luke 1: 26-38 (Annunciation of the Birth of our Lord), God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary. He said, “The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you…you will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus…he will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… And Mary said, “I am the Servant of the Lord. May it happen to me as you said.”

Peter, whom Christ bestowed the leadership of the Church was told to take care of his lambs. Mary was was asked to be the mother of the Son of God. Both were given a task – to “TAKE CARE OF MY LAMBS”. Jesus was the “LAMB of God”. God’s desire, “Take care of my lambs” might as well be addressed to us, said Sr. Flor Florece, FI. as she explained the theme of the Living Rosary held October 29.

Many gathered in the church lawn- Church members of different ages, language groups. They joined because they have great devotion to the rosary. Parents and catechists came to guide and support the children praying the rosary. It was the first time that the children of different ages, belonging to the Japanese, Vietnamese, English-speaking Sunday Schools, individually recited the “Hail Mary” in the language they were most comfortable with. It was the first time, young parents, carrying babies or with toddlers prayed together one bead of the rosary. It was a beautiful experience of John 21 and Luke 1 being put to life!

Parents, as they ask for the Sacrament of Baptism promise to “pass on the faith” to their children. What a beautiful way to do it through the ROSARY! The children may not entirely understand what they did, what they prayed, but we, the adults are “depositing” the faith in their minds and hearts through this very Catholic devotion. Hopefully, they will remember when they become grown-up ( “tanoshiikatta) experiences like this and develop deep love for our Blessed Mother!