September 9, 2025 // Diocese

Hundreds Gather for Rosary Rally at Notre Dame

Lisa Kochanowski

Freelance writer

Under a bright, sunny sky adorned with billowing clouds, hundreds gathered at the University of Notre Dame on Sunday, September 7. The crisp air was filled with smiles, prayers, and open hearts as people of all ages filled Bond Quad at Notre Dame, known as “Our Lady’s University,” for a Rosary Rally commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first Rosary Rally held by Venerable Father Patrick Peyton. Father Peyton, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross who is known as the “Rosary Priest,” inspired millions with his message, “The family that prays together stays together.”

A procession of young children showered the walkway leading to the main stage with rose petals, followed by members of the Marian High School football team reverently carrying a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the main stage.

Organizers of the event, co-sponsored by Holy Cross Family Ministries, the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, and the University of Notre Dame, invited the community in person or via livestream to participate in the saying of the Rosary. Each mystery included a reflection written by someone in the community, and prayers were by local families as well as students from Notre Dame, Holy Cross College, and Saint Mary’s College. Holy Cross Father Peter McCormick served as the event’s master of ceremonies. Holy Cross Father Gerry Olinger shared a welcome greeting, while an opening prayer was given by Holy Cross Father William Lies. The keynote speaker was Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of the Hallow app. Musical acts were performed by the St. André Singers of Holy Cross College and Moreau seminarians. Holy Cross Father Fred Jenga shared concluding remarks, and Father Mark Gurtner, vicar general of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, gave the final blessing.

“Why are we here today? This year marks the 75th anniversary of Father Patrick Peyton’s first Rosary Rally here at the University of Notre Dame,” Father McCormick announced. “That rally in 1949 drew 35,000 people, but it was only the beginning. Father Peyton, a Notre Dame alumnus and Holy Cross priest, founded Holy Cross Family Ministries and went on to lead Rosary Rallies that drew a total of 28 million people worldwide. The Church has declared him venerable, which is the second major step toward sainthood. And on this very day, the Church celebrates the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, a reminder, my friends, that holiness is still alive and well, that the Holy Spirit is still alive and well in our world. But Father Peyton would not want today’s spotlight to be on himself. He would say that it is Mary, the mother of God, who has gathered us here. That is why our theme is, ‘The mission of Our Lady.’ Mary’s mission, ultimately, is to draw us into a deeper relationship with her son, Jesus Christ,” shared Father McCormick.

In the opening prayer, Father Lies, provincial superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, invoked the legacy of Rosary Rallies, noting that prayer would bring everyone closer to Jesus and strengthen our faith.

“Good and gracious God, what a gift it is to gather here today – students, families, friends, sisters, brothers, and priests of Holy Cross – to pray the Rosary together on the grounds of this amazing campus founded by Holy Cross and dedicated to Our Lady. … When Father Peyton gathered thousands here for one of the first Rosary Rallies, he brought them with a heart on fire for you. He taught them and us that when a family like ours prays together, something vital happens – communion happens. We thank you for his vision and his faith, formed in the spirit of blessed Basil Moreau, that continues to inspire us today. Lord, we bring before you our own families and loved ones, the families of our colleges and universities, of our parishes and apostolates, along with the family of Holy Cross spread throughout the world. Through Mary’s intercession, keep us close to you and close to one another. And finally, we pray for our wider human family – for peace where there is war, for unity where there is division, for compassion where there is suffering. Bless our world with your healing and your hope. May our prayer today draw us nearer to your son, and may the rhythm of the holy Rosary steady our steps in faith.”

Visitors shared a moment of prayer and had the opportunity to explore information tables by the Congregation of Holy Cross Vocations Office, Holy Cross Family Ministries, and Ave Maria Press.

“Father in heaven, through the fiat of the blessed Virgin Mary, your son became flesh and dwelt among us to suffer and die for our salvation and to rise again to give us new life,” Father Gurtner prayed. “Through the gift of the holy Rosary, we meditate on this most wondrous gift. And by the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, we are transformed into what we meditate upon. As we go forth, give us faithfulness to praying the holy Rosary, and give us the courage and strength to share this great gift with all those we meet, that the whole world may know you and the one you have sent, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.”