J. POLSKI
DONATE
Facebook-f Envelope

Polish Rosary Group

Polish Living Rosary Group – St. Francis Borgia Parish

History of the St. Francis Borgia Parish Polish Rosary Group

The Polish Rosary Group at St. Francis Borgia Parish was founded in 2012 with the desire to strengthen Marian devotion among the parish community and to bring people together in prayer. Inspired by the tradition of the Żywy Różaniec (Living Rosary), the group began with one circle of members and quickly grew in numbers and commitment.

Over time, the group established four individual “Rose” prayer groups, each dedicated to a particular patron:

  1. Queen of the Holy Rosary
  2. St. John Paul II – Totus Tuus Mary
  3. St. Faustina Kowalska
  4. St. Joseph

Each “Rose” has 20 members, who together form a living chain of prayer by praying one decade of the Rosary daily.

From its beginnings, the group has:

  • Gathered on the First Saturday of each month for the exchange of mysteries and communal Rosary.
  • Led the Rosary every Wednesday evening before the 7:00 PM Mass, especially for intentions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
  • Participated in parish life, including spiritual support and community service.
  • Supported the parish financially through small initiatives, such as organizing the distribution of Christmas Eve wafers.
  • Strengthened ties with the wider Church by attending the annual pilgrimage every July to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville, Indiana, joining Living Rosary groups from across the Archdiocese.

Today, the Polish Rosary Group continues to be a strong spiritual presence in the parish, uniting families and generations in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the prayer of the Rosary.

What is the Living Rosary?

The Living Rosary (Żywy Różaniec) is a spiritual association founded in 1826 by Blessed Pauline Jaricot in Lyon, France. Its purpose is to spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the daily prayer of the Rosary.

Each Living Rosary group is organized into smaller circles called “Roses”, usually consisting of 20 members. Each person commits to praying one assigned mystery of the Rosary every day. Together, the whole group prays an entire Rosary daily, even though each member prays only one decade.

The name “Living Rosary” reflects the truth that the Rosary is never-ending within the group — as each member prays their daily decade, they unite spiritually to form a “living chain of prayer.”

The movement grew rapidly throughout the world and today is present in almost every country, deeply connected with the Church’s missionary spirit, since its prayers and sacrifices are offered for the needs of the world, the Church, and the intentions of the Holy Father.

The Exchange of Mysteries

A unique feature of the Living Rosary is the exchange of mysteries 

  • Each member of a “Rose” is assigned one mystery (e.g., the Annunciation, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Resurrection, etc.).
  • Once a month, usually during a community gathering, members exchange mysteries. This ensures that during the year, every member meditates on the entire life of Jesus and Mary, moving through the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries.
  • The exchange is a renewal of commitment — it reminds each person of their responsibility to pray daily, strengthens unity within the group, and fosters deeper reflection on the mysteries of salvation.

At St. Francis Borgia Parish, the exchange of mysteries takes place on the First Saturday of each month after the 5:00 PM devotion and mass.

The Fatima Devotion

The Fatima Devotion comes from the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, when Mary appeared to three shepherd children — Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta. She asked for prayer, penance, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart, with special emphasis on the Rosary.

The devotion is especially tied to the 13th day of each month from May through October, recalling the six apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima.

At St. Francis Borgia Parish, members of the Living Rosary Group:

  • Gather on the 13th of each month, May through October, to honor Our Lady of Fatima.
  • Pray the Holy Rosary together, offering it for peace, the conversion of sinners, the Church, and the world.
  • Participate in the Eucharist and Marian devotions, uniting with the universal Church that continues to live out Mary’s Fatima message.
  • Encourage penance, acts of reparation, and living the “Five First Saturdays” devotion as Our Lady requested at Fatima.

The First Saturday Devotion (Five First Saturdays)

Our Lady of Fatima specifically asked for the devotion of the Five First Saturdays, which includes:

  1. Confession – within eight days before or after the First Saturday, offered in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
  2. Holy Communion – received on the First Saturday itself.
  3. Rosary – the faithful pray five decades of the Rosary.
  4. Meditation – in addition, spend 15 minutes meditating on one or more mysteries of the Rosary, also in reparation.

This devotion is practiced for five consecutive months, offered in reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

At St. Francis Borgia Parish:

  • The Living Rosary Group meets every First Saturday at 5:00 PM for the Rosary and the exchange of mysteries.
  • Confessions are available on the First Friday at 6:00 PM, and on the First Saturday from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM, allowing members to fulfill the confession requirement for the devotion.
  • Members are encouraged to complete the full First Saturday devotion with Confession, Communion, Rosary, and meditation.
  • This practice strengthens Marian devotion, builds unity among members, and responds faithfully to the message of Fatima.

Vision

To build a strong and vibrant community of faith centered on the Holy Rosary, united in love for Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother. Through prayer, devotion, and service, members strive to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen parish life, and spread Marian devotion.

Mission

  • To promote daily prayer of the Rosary as a source of grace, unity, and spiritual renewal for families, the parish, and the Church.
  • To cultivate Marian spirituality by imitating the virtues of the Blessed Mother and encouraging devotion to her Immaculate Heart.
  • To support the parish both spiritually and materially, and to foster unity with all Living Rosary Groups across the Archdiocese.
  • To nurture the faith of members through prayer, formation, retreats, and Marian feasts, empowering them to live out their Christian vocation.

Objectives

  1. Daily Prayer – Unite the parish community by ensuring that every mystery of the Rosary is prayed daily by members, completing the full Rosary together each day.
  2. Community Devotion – Provide opportunities for members to gather, pray together, and encourage one another in faith.
  3. Parish Support – Assist parish life through prayer, special initiatives, and service as a visible sign of devotion.
  4. Archdiocesan Unity – Strengthen bonds with other groups by joining the annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville, IN.
  5. Spiritual Growth – Deepen members’ faith through retreats, Marian devotions, and continued formation.
  6. Celebration of Marian Feasts – Honor the Blessed Virgin Mary by actively participating in liturgies, devotions, and celebrations of her feast days throughout the liturgical year.
  7. Witness of Faith – Encourage members to live according to the Gospel and bear witness to Christ in families, parish, and community life.

Member Expectations

  • Pray one assigned mystery of the Rosary daily.
  • Participate in the Rosary during the First Saturday Devotion at 5:00 PM (including the monthly exchange of mysteries).
  • Join the Rosary every Wednesday evening before 7:00 PM Mass, especially for intentions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
  • During the month of October (Month of the Rosary), members lead the Rosary every Sunday before the Polish Mass and take active part in parish Rosary devotions during weekdays.
  • Take part in monthly gatherings in the parish hall after the First Saturday Devotion.
  • Be present at the annual July pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville, IN.
  • Attend and participate in Mass and Marian devotions, especially on the 13th of each month from May to October in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.
  • Celebrate Marian feast days (e.g., Annunciation, Assumption, Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, and others).
  • Take part in one retreat each year to renew and deepen their spiritual life as individuals and as a community.
  • Live in a spirit of prayer, unity, generosity, and Christian witness.

Meetings & Activities

  • First Saturday of the Month, 5:00 PM – Members gather for the exchange of mysteries and to pray the Rosary as part of the First Saturday Devotion.
  • Every Wednesday Evening – Rosary before the 7:00 PM Mass for special intentions.
  • 13th of the Month, May–October – Participation in the Fatima Devotion honoring Our Lady of Fatima.
  • October (Month of the Rosary) – Members lead the Rosary every Sunday before the Polish Mass, and actively participate in weekday parish devotions.
  • Marian Feasts Throughout the Year – Active participation in Mass and devotions on Marian feast days.
  • Annual Pilgrimage in July – To the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville, IN, uniting with other Living Rosary Groups of the Archdiocese.
  • Yearly Retreat – A dedicated day (or weekend) of reflection, prayer, and formation to strengthen personal faith and community bonds.
  • Parish Involvement – Active participation in parish life, offering prayerful support for the needs of the Church and parish community.

Marian Feasts & Memorials (Liturgical Calendar)

January

  • Jan 1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)

February

  • Feb 2 – Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)
  • Feb 11 – Our Lady of Lourdes

March

  • Mar 25 – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

May (Month of Mary)

  • May 13 – Our Lady of Fatima
  • May 31 – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

June

  • Saturday after the Feast of the Sacred Heart – Immaculate Heart of Mary (movable date, mid-June)

July

  • July 16 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel
  • July 26 – Saints Joachim and Anne (Parents of Mary)

August

  • Aug 15 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Holy Day of Obligation)
  • Aug 22 – Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • Aug 26 – Our Lady of Czestochowa

September

  • Sept 8 – Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • Sept 12 – The Most Holy Name of Mary
  • Sept 15 – Our Lady of Sorrows

October (Month of the Rosary)

  • Oct 7 – Our Lady of the Rosary

November

  • Nov 21 – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

December

  • Dec 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Holy Day of Obligation, Patroness of the U.S.)
  • Dec 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of the Americas)

Invitation to Join the Living Rosary Group

“To pray the Rosary is to hand over our burdens to the merciful hearts of Christ and His Mother.” – St. John Paul II

The Living Rosary Group of St. Francis Borgia Parish warmly invites you to join us in prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Living Rosary is a spiritual community where each member prays one assigned decade of the Rosary daily. Together, we form a living chain of prayer — uniting our voices and hearts to complete the entire Rosary every day.

By joining, you will:

  • Commit to praying one decade of the Rosary daily.
  • Take part in the monthly exchange of mysteries during the First Saturday Devotion after mass.
  • Join us every Wednesday before 7:00 PM Mass for the Rosary and parish intentions.
  • Participate in special Marian devotions, especially the Fatima devotion (13th of the month, May–October) and October, the Month of the Rosary, when members lead the Rosary before the Polish Mass.
  • Unite with the wider Church through our annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville, Indiana.
  • Grow in faith by celebrating Marian feast days and taking part in an annual retreat.

Why Join?

  • To deepen your love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ.
  • To pray for the needs of your family, the parish, the Church, and the world.
  • To share in the graces promised by Our Lady to those who faithfully pray the Rosary.
  • To experience the joy of belonging to a supportive, faith-filled community.

We invite you, your family, and friends to come and be part of this beautiful tradition of prayer.

When: First Saturday of each month at 5:00 PM (First Saturday Devotion)

For more information or to join, please contact the parish office or any member of the Living Rosary Group.

Come, pray with us — and let us honor Our Lady together through the Holy Rosary!