Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (Luke 18:16). Children are playing a role with the Rosary, including in Nigeria and Ireland — and beyond. In Shendam, Nigeria, it was a marvelous sight at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pilgrimage Centre Kwanoeng (village) at the Shendam Diocesan Pilgrimage on April 11, as more than 150 members of three Children’s Rosary groups led 4,500 participants in praying the Rosary along the walking pilgrimage as part of the diocesan celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The youngsters came from Children’s Rosary groups in Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shendam, St. John Bosco parish in Namu, and St. Augustine parish in Zomo. “The Kwanoeng pilgrimage experience was one of its kind as we watched with joy seeing our future faith leaders — the Children’s Rosary — leading us in the Rosary,” Father Paul Miapkwap, one of the organizers of the event, told the Register. “The children were encouraged to pray for themselves and for others. They experienced the community of faith as the whole diocese gathered for the prayer, and that really provided opportunities for their spiritual growth.” Their participation was edifying for the priest to witness — particularly since they had to leave at 6 a.m. for a three-hour drive to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pilgrimage Center. “One of the things that surprised me was that the children were very active and participated in all the programs from the beginning to the end,” Father Paul explained. “Before the pilgrimage, I personally told some of the children that they would not follow us on the condition that they were small. Some of them are 8 and 9 years old. They cried out and insisted that they have to go for the pilgrimage. After the pilgrimage, one of the girls … came and said, ‘Father Paul, I am very happy today.’” And as the pilgrimage ended, one of the young boys asked, “Father Paul, when are we coming back again?” Nine-year-old Nenkimwa Richard told him, “I am happy to see other Children’s Rosary groups from another parish during the pilgrimage, and we prayed together.” Henzem Yilmiap, 10 years old, added, “When I went up to say the Rosary and saw many people, I was afraid at the beginning, but at the end of the Rosary I was so happy that I led this large crowd in prayer. I will never forget this day.” And Naanep Dawam, also 10, said, “I am happy to pray with the bishop, priests, sisters and the people of God.” At the pilgrimage center, Bishop Philip Davou Dung led the thousands of people in the long meditative walk around the mountain with the Children's Rosary group directly behind him to lead the Rosary. The 102-degree weather did not deter the children or other pilgrims from celebrating this Jubilee Year event. Blythe Kaufman, who founded the Children’s Rosary in Connecticut and guides its international growth, said prayer makes it all possible. “The answer seems in the prayer support that they found through the Children’s Rosary,” she told the Register. “Given the opportunity, they blossom in love of Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother. They are also not afraid to share their faith with others. The simple act of leading their peers in prayer sets down a strong foundation for the leadership of the faith both now and in the future.” European Leadership In similar events echoing Isaiah 11:6 — “… and a little child shall lead them” — 3,318 miles northwest in Derry, Ireland, members of the Children’s Rosary led a crowd of more than 4,000 people in the Rosary at the Eucharistic procession on the feast of St. Brigid of Ireland this February. “It was without doubt one of my highlights and proudest moments to witness our beautiful children reciting the Rosary in public and at such a momentous procession that was being watched worldwide,” Marcella Murray, Children’s Rosary leader in Carnhill in the Derry Diocese, told the Register about their participation in the Derry Eucharistic Procession. “Their innocence and purity was a joy to listen to and such a wonderful sight to behold. We were all so proud of them and no doubt all of heaven was too.” Helen Budd, the Children’s Rosary leader of Castledawson and Magherafelt Children’s Rosary also reflected on the Derry Eucharistic Procession. “As a parent trying to raise little saints, I found the experience of seeing our children pray the Rosary publicly gave what all our hearts are longing for in these times — that is, hope; hope and testament of Our Lady’s love for Ireland. When we see children pray, we see truth and beauty; we see God and a glimpse of heaven. The purity is in the voice of every child. God cannot fail to be moved by their simplicity. Let’s continue in confidence to give every child the gift of knowing their Heavenly Mother. Our Lady, Queen of Ireland pray for us.” Then, on the eve of the feast of St. Patrick, members of the Children’s Rosary led 1,000 individuals in praying of the Rosary at the Eucharistic Procession of Athlone. Looking ahead, members of the Children's Rosary will again lead the Rosary at the annual All Ireland Rosary Rally on June 7 at Knock Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in County Mayo, where more than 10,000 participants are expected to attend. These children come from 40-plus Children’s Rosary groups in Ireland with nearly every diocese having such prayer groups. Last year at Knock, five different Children's Rosary groups led the Rosary for about 5,000 people. They prayed from the podium in the basilica’s sanctuary as priests led the crowd processing around the beloved Marian shrine. The children themselves were moved by praying the Rosary at these events. Ten-year-old Sadhbh said, “I credit being a member of the Children’s Rosary for my depth of faith and love for Jesus and Our Blessed Mother. Praying the Rosary with other children in front of thousands of people at the Eucharistic Procession in Derry was a wonderful experience. I would never have had the courage if it wasn’t for the Children’s Rosary group.” Fionn, 12, shared he “usually wouldn’t desire to get up in front of a large crowd. However, praying the Rosary is different. I didn’t feel fear at all. In doing so I realized fully the power of this witness of our faith to others.” Bartholomew Mallett, one of the organizers of both the Derry and Athlone processions, was also amazed by “the beauty of seeing and hearing the voices of innocence cry out to heaven. It will bring more graces and blessings, as their souls are spotless in the eyes of the Father, as told to St. Faustina.” “The Children’s Rosary was so beautiful to hear,” he added, predicting that “these children will not only convert the parents but be the saints and clergy of the future that will evangelize the world.” Children Inspire Others Catherine McGowan, the Children’s Rosary group leader at Knock Shrine, enthusiastically shared fruits of the Rosary prayers. “In recent months there are many more invitations being given to children to take leadership roles in the liturgy, Rosary and other Catholic events. I see this particularly since the children have been repeatedly seen leading the Rosary in Knock, both at the All Ireland Rosary Rally and in our regular Children’s Rosary meetings. I have had several parents commenting on the amount of invitations that their children have had to participate in leadership roles in recent weeks, including Divine Mercy Mass and events. It has really taken off. I see this as one of the many fruits of the Children’s Rosary apostolate in Ireland.” The same is happening in Nigeria. After the Shendam pilgrimage, many priests expressed interested in having a Children’s Rosary group in their parishes, according to Father Miapkwap. “In the coming months we hope to have many centers in our parishes and schools. This pilgrimage has ignited a love for the Children’s Rosary.” Speaking about similar gatherings in Germany and Scotland, Kaufman said, “The leadership we are seeing from children is not dependent on the country they are raised in; the common denominator seems to be the support the children are receiving in their prayer lives. The Children’s Rosary provides a place for children to pray with other children. In this, leaders are forming for the next generation of the Church.” Back in Ireland, Fódla, 9, is encouraged too, saying she “felt so happy to pray the Rosary in front of so many people in Derry. Seeing the crowds united in prayer with us was such a joyful experience, and I know that Our Lady was smiling down upon us for sharing our faith and helping to bring as many souls to her.” MORE INFORMATION