A Shrine is a holy place where people go to worship God, to pray, to hear the word of God, and to receive the Sacraments. They are also places of pilgrimage and often of miraculous healing. The law of the Church says: “At Shrines more abundant means of salvation are to be provided the faithful; the Word of God is to be carefully proclaimed; liturgical life is to be appropriately fostered especially through the celebration of the Eucharist and penance; and approved forms of popular piety are to be cultivated.” (canon 1234)

Every Shrine has its own unique personality. Holy Rosary Shrine, because of its history, will have similarities to a parish in that people who have come here for many years will continue to have this church as their spiritual home. But it also takes on this new identity and mission to the people of the Archdiocese of Boston and beyond.

How blessed we are to have this great privilege to be part of this new shrine “dedicate to Mary, Mother of God” (Decree of Cardinal O’Malley) and her Holy Rosary. It is clear that the mission of the Shrine is centered on the Holy Liturgy. I highly encourage all to read the magnificent letter of St. John Paul II, “Rosarium Virginis Mariae”. There he writes: “…the Liturgy,…is a saving action par excellence, the Rosary too,…by immersing us in the mysteries of the Redeemer’s life, it ensures that what he has done and what the Liturgy makes present is profoundly assimilated and shapes our existence.” (RVM13)

May it be so, for the glory of the Holy Name of Jesus. God bless you.

Fr. Peter