Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

St. Mary Parish in downtown Lincoln is organizing a "Rosary Rally" on Saturday, Oct. 12. The event invites people from across the state to participate in praying a "Patriotic Rosary" for the upcoming elections.

The Patriotic Rosary involves dedicating the 50 Hail Mary prayers for each of the 50 states in the U.S., and the Our Fathers for different branches of government.

"St. Mary Parish, because of her unique location across from the state capitol, serves as a reminder that God should be involved in all our decisions as a people," said Sue Kouma Johnson, organizer. "And we at St. Mary's are constantly reminded to pray for our leaders."

Johnson explained that Oct. 12 was chosen because it is the Saturday closest to the anniversary of the "Miracle of the Sun" at Fatima, Portugal.

In 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima and urged recitation of the rosary and sacrifices on behalf of sinners. The series of apparitions culminated on Oct. 13, 1917, when an estimated crowd of 70,000 witnessed what appeared to be the sun dancing in the sky. This phenomenon was reported even in secular newspapers.

"We at St. Mary's love Our Lady of Fatima and have great devotion to her message and trust in her intercession," added Kouma Johnson.

The event will start with a rosary at 11 a.m., followed by Mass at 12:10 p.m. St. Mary is located at 14th and K streets in Lincoln.