AMS Memorial Mass & the Rosary of the Warrior

The Military Council of Catholic Women has a long tradition of participating in the celebration of the Annual AMS Memorial Mass.  This special Mass of remembrance is held one week prior to and pre-recorded by EWTN to air on Memorial Day.   This year, Catholic military-affiliated families joined together on May 22 in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 

Several of our MCCW ladies led the “Rosary for the Warrior” prior to the Mass. The introduction of the “Rosary for the Warrior” began with the inspiration from Lydia MacFarland, an active-duty spouse and mother of an active-duty officer, who introduced the idea of praying for specific military intentions. 

The “Rosary for the Warrior” is prayed with the Sorrowful Mysteries in mind.  

• The first decade, The Agony in the Garden, is prayed for our deployed soldiers and their safety.  
• The second decade, The Scourging at the Pillar, is dedicated to wounded soldiers and their healing.  
• The third decade, The Crowning with Thorns, calls to mind deceased soldiers and repose of their souls.  
• The fourth decade, The Carrying of the Cross, focuses on prayer for families of deployed, wounded, deceased soldiers, and for their strength and comfort.  
• The fifth decade, The Crucifixion, is prayed for the nation, for the victims of war, and for peace in the world. 

Those who helped carry on this special MCCW tradition by leading “Rosary for the Warrior” were Bevin Landrum, MCCW President; Bernadette Kovalsick, Director at Large and Coordinator to AMS; Jo Ann Redmond, Director of Administration; Denise Hummel; Mariana Dione; and Kristina Pagán, Ft Meade CWOC President. Thank you, ladies, for your continued support. 

After the AMS Memorial Mass, a celebration was hosted by Archbishop Broglio at the Edward J. Prybyla Center on the campus of the Catholic University.  Many of our MCCW ladies and their families had the opportunity to meet with the Archbishop and enjoy this special time together.