The Silver Rose

Members of the Knights of Columbus with the Silver Rose

Last Saturday, August 17 we had a special Holy Hour in our Cathedral to honor the Blessed Mother in what has become known as the Silver Rose program. The Silver Rose Pilgrimage was initiated by the Knights of Columbus, as a joint Canadian-US Program as another recognition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Patroness of the Americas. It started with the Supreme Knights of Columbus Convention in Toronto, Canada 8 years ago. The Silver Rose, a polished silver plated rose is 14 inches in length in a case. The program starts in Toronto each year and weaves its way across Canada into the United States and will end at Mexico City, on December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This year, the Silver Rose entered the United States through Washington and into Oregon via the Tri-Cities, then to Hermiston, Pendelton, La Grande, Baker City, Ontario, Prineville, Madras, Redmond, Bend, La Pine, Lakeview and Klamath Falls. Then the rose will enter California, into Nevada and finally into Mexico. The Holy Hour consisted of the recitation of the Rosary, reflections, meditations and special prayers, concluding with Solemn Benediction. Parishioners were also invited to come forward and venerate the Rose. A generous crowd of parishioners attended the Holy Hour, including some members of the Knights of Columbus from our parish.