Sadly, COVID is still a real thing, but so is our desire to pray the Rosary with vulnerable bedridden residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities notwithstanding their access restrictions. One such place is Lourdes-Noreen McKeen, a residence run by Carmelite nuns that provides nursing, long-term care and housing for the elderly as well as others in need of care and short-term rehab. So while we can’t gather with residents in person to pray the Rosary, we have been allowed to pray the Rosary every Wednesday via a livestream to all residents from the Chapel.

There’s a core-group of Dames who volunteer, with usually two Dames assigned to each week to lead the prayers. Some even bring their daughters with them, which the residents really enjoy. It’s wonderful to see the next generation embracing the Rosary so beautifully and recognizing the precious service they are a part of. A special thank you to Nina, Esmeralda, Denise, Sally, Julie, Melinda, Linda, and Denise-Marie.

Bob, a daily volunteer that supports the Southeast Florida Area’s Rosary  Ministry through his strong faith and positive energy, is our liaison with Sr. Ann. He often stays in the chapel to pray with us and has even mentioned how happy the residents are when we come in, going so far as to call it “a blessing”. 

While that feedback is nice to hear as far as knowing our ministry is making a difference, we are the ones who feel deeply blessed. It is a special honor to be able to pray in their beautiful Lourdes Chapel, and even though we can’t see who’s watching on the big screen, we can feel it. 

Clearly, when there’s a will to pray, there’s a way!

If you would like to participate in this ministry in the Southeast Florida Area, please click here to email Nina Nolff, DM.

If you would like to learn more about starting this ministry in your own Area, please click here to email Andy Vissicchio, KMOb.