47th annual Clearfield Rosary March set for May 5

CLEARFIELD — The 47th annual Rosary March, sponsored by the Clearfield St. Francis Chapter of the World Apostolate of Fatima, will be held on Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m., in the Expo I Building at the Clearfield County Fair Grounds in Clearfield (just off route 322).

The Rosary March will begin with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, immediately followed by the Rosary, Eucharistic Procession (which will be outside weather permitting).

“It is not necessary that you process if you would like to remain seated in the Expo I Building,” organizers wrote in a news release. “It is more important that we pray the Rosary publicly together as a community to demonstrate our faith and love for Jesus and His Mother Mary.”

The Clearfield March was started by Mr. Bud Moore 47 years ago as a response to the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917 to the three shepherd children of Fatima, Portugal.

“Her message of prayer and penance, especially The Rosary, and that God has entrusted the peace of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary moved Mr.

Moore to promote the Rosary by means of the Annual Rosary March. Our Lady of Fatima asks us to pray The Rosary every day in order to obtain peace in the world,” organizers wrote.

The guest speaker at this year’s Rosary March will be Fr. James Davidson. Fr. Davidson is currently the pastor of St. Mary’s Annunciation Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ramey and St. John the Baptist in Johnstown. In addition, he has been a practicing family physician in Clearfield for the past 40 years. Fr. Davidson will be talking about Our Lady of Guadelupe at this year’s event. Other highlights of the program include Crowning of The Erie Diocesan Pilgrim Virgin Statue and Benediction of The Most Blessed Sacrament. The St. Francis Rosary and Alter Society will be present selling a variety of food. There will also be various booths where you can purchase books, religious goods and snacks. Organizers ask that participants come early if possible. The Rosary March will go on rain or shine.

For more information, contact the president of the St. Francis Chapter of The World Apostolate of Fatima (The Blue Army), Bill Moore at 814-765-0171.