May 2025: Rosary Rally Report

Rallies Mark Our Lady’s First Apparition at Fatima

On Saturday, May 10, people across America gathered at 1,379 individual public rosary rallies to express their devotion to Our Lady, pray for peace and the conversion of America, and draw generations closer to God.

The rallies in America commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s first apparition to three of history’s most faithful – young shepherd children Lucia and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco near Fatima, Portugal. There, she urged the children to offer penance and prayer for the conversion of sinners and to “pray the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.” These requests remain profoundly relevant today.

When Our Lady appeared to these children in 1917, World War I was raging and darkness seemed to blanket the Earth. During her six apparitions to the children that year, Our Lady revealed profound moral truths including: a vision of Hell, a warning about the consequences of sin, prophecies concerning World War II, the spread of communism and a call for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart to prevent further calamities. These revelations each illustrate the urgent need for conversion.

Today’s battlefields differ, yet the same evil grip on society persists. This can be seen in the spread of abortion and same-sex “marriage,” the proliferation of drugs and violence everywhere, the breakdown of families, unrestrained selfishness and pride, and other rampant vices permeating daily life and greatly offending God.

That’s why it’s so inspiring when Americans courageously stand against evil and step forward to hold public rosary rallies as gestures of hope, piety and repentance. Rally captains and participants face the risk of criticism for challenging “fashionable thought” or refusing to remain silent against modern-day offenses. Yet they persevere.

“It was so rewarding to see so many rosary rallies taking place across America,” said Robert E. Ritchie, director of America Needs Fatima. “Each of our 1,379 rallies venerates the awe and beauty of Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, and express our devotion to her.”

Aurora S. from Brawley, Calif., said “It was very inspiring! We prayed a decade and sang after each one. We look forward to praying it together again in this fashion.”

Xochil G. from Danbury, Conn., said, “Although we had a difficult week, Our Mother cleared the way for our beautiful rally, and our hearts were content and filled with her blessings.”

“We were on a busy road and the traffic going past us was respectful,” said Michelle O. from Louisville, Kentucky. “Some even blew their horns in respect of us. I wish some could have stopped and joined us, but I know we made a difference just by being here.”

Yvette T. from Palm Springs, Calif., said “Our rally was unexpectedly enriching. Numerous people greeted us with friendly smiles and thumbs-up gestures, creating a very positive atmosphere. The experience was made even more memorable by the strong wind that swept through as we prayed – a somewhat dramatic, yet ultimately beautiful, backdrop to our shared moment of reflection. It felt symbolic, in a way. It was a wonderful experience, and I'm grateful for the kindness I encountered.”

“Our prayer rally was attended by a diverse group of parishioners at Saint Mary,” said Paulina C., from Marysville, Wash. “They felt joyful and blessed to honor Our Lady. Young men, women and children were leading the mysteries with joyful hearts. Happy Mother’s Day to Our Heavenly Mother, Our Mother of Mercy!”

Zulay, a rally captain from Cape Coral, Fla., shared “As we prayed the rosary, our hearts overflowed with love for Our Mother. We prayed for our suffering brothers, those separated from God and Our Lady. On this anniversary, we ask that everyone understands Our Lady’s mission to connect us with her Son, our Lord Jesus.”

In addition to celebrating Our Lady’s Fatima apparition, the rallies highlight May as the month of Mary, a time designated by the Catholic Church to honor the Blessed Virgin with daily spiritual exercises and special devotions. These small commitments unite Catholics in faith and penance, as Our Lady requested.

America Needs Fatima has been organizing and hosting rosary rallies on a regular basis since 2007. The impact of these rallies—both direct and indirect—may never be fully known. Hundreds of thousands pass by, raising hope that seeds of future conversions are planted in their hearts and minds.

Those who want to lead a public devotion to Our Lady can sign up to become a rosary rally captain. America Needs Fatima has themed the next rosary rally “June belongs to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, not homosexual pride.” Rallies will be held throughout June, wherever there are homosexual masses or pride celebrations in churches or communities. Sign up by clicking here.

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear (Mark 4:23).

Header image: Paula C., Marysville WA