Rosary Bowl Northwest: Oct 3, 2009

OK, this is a little late, but the third annual Rosary Bowl NW was held on Oct 3, 2009.  This year's event was held indoor at the Pavilion building on the Oregon State Fair grounds.   The first Rosary Bowl NW was held outdoor at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer, OR in October 2007, and Rosary Bowl NW became a non-profit in 2008.  This year's expanded event included Confession, Holy Mass with Auxiliary Bishop Steiner, recitation of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, music by Michael John Poirier and Seraphim, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet sung to music by Donna Cori Gibson.


I have not seen any post event coverage or an estimate of numbers, but my unscientific estimate is that there were between 1000-2000 people there. The Luminous Mysteries were suggested by Pope John Paul II in his 2002 Apostolic Letter on the Rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.   In this letter, Pope John Paul states his motivation for suggesting a new set of mysteries for the Rosary, which prior to this time included only the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries.  He states:

I believe, however, that to bring out fully the Christological depth of the Rosary it would be suitable to make an addition to the traditional pattern which, while left to the freedom of individuals and communities, could broaden it to include the mysteries of Christ's public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion. ...... It is during the years of his public ministry that the mystery of Christ is most evidently a mystery of light: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (Jn 9:5).

Pope Benedict, in his Address at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on May 3, 2008, had the following to say about the Rosary:

Today, together we confirm that the Holy Rosary is not a pious practice banished to the past, like prayers of other times thought of with nostalgia. Instead, the Rosary is experiencing a new Springtime. Without a doubt, this is one of the most eloquent signs of love that the young generation nourish for Jesus and his Mother, Mary. In the current world, so dispersive, this prayer helps to put Christ at the centre, as the Virgin did, who meditated within all that was said about her Son, and also what he did and said. When reciting the Rosary, the important and meaningful moments of salvation history are relived.

One of the main sponsors of the Rosary Bowl NW was Portland's wonderful Catholic Radio station, KBVM, 88.3 FM.  We are truly blessed in Portland to have this wonderful resource to encourage us in our daily faith, and share the Gospel with those who have not heard, but are seeking.  KBVM (K Blessed Virgin Mary) has been broadcasting since December 8, 1989, and is one of the oldest and most successful Catholic Radio stations in the country.  KBVM also broadcasts live over the internet.  You can tune in over the web right here.