In the third phase of their digital preaching campaign, the #Influencersop called upon the intercession of Mary for life, peace, and justice in the world.
The Blessed Virgin of the Rosary was the central theme of the third phase of the #Influencersop digital preaching campaign, “Voices of Hope for Peace,” held from October 7 to 18, the Month of the Rosary, on the official @Ordo_Praedicatorum Instagram account. The Dominicans sought the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for life, peace, and justice in the world, as urged by the Master of the Order, Bro Gerard François Timoner III, OP, in his letter: “In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis calls the Church to prayer. During this time of preparation, I am glad to imagine that 2024, the year preceding the Jubilee, could be dedicated to a great ‘symphony’ of prayer” (September 17, 2024).
On October 7, World Day of the Rosary, Lawrence Lew, OP (@lawrenceop), Promoter General of the Holy Rosary, encouraged everyone to experience Mary’s love and protection through prayer: “I want to invite you during this Month of the Rosary to respond to Our Lady’s request many years ago at Fatima, where she appeared as Our Lady of the Rosary. Her profound request was to pray the Rosary every day for peace, something our world deeply needs. We know there are wars and troubles breaking out everywhere, so let’s commit to praying the Rosary every day for peace.”
Dominican Influencers Focus on “The Blessed Virgin of the Rosary”.
Bro Cristiano Bhering, OP
He reflected on the Third Joyful Mystery, the Nativity of the Son of God in Bethlehem: “Here, we witness God’s revelation, who comes to us in simplicity, poverty, and humility. God comes to serve and offers us salvation—not through power but through a spirit of service.”
Sister Mirella Soro, OP
She emphasized the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Rosary: “Christian prayer is a beautiful experience, especially the Rosary. What is extraordinary about this prayer is that it is a Woman, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who brings us into communion with God. When St. Dominic walked with his friars, he was thinking of Jesus and the words of Scripture. Praying the Rosary means allowing God’s words to enter my heart, tell me who I am, reveal who He is, and transform my life.”
Bro Washington Jácome Gusñay, OP
He reflected on the First Glorious Mystery, the Resurrection of the Son of God: “This is the cornerstone of our faith—that Christ, the Son of God, lives and reigns eternally. The resurrection reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope in Christ. He asks us to be witnesses to this new life, sharing His love and peace with those around us. May the light of Christ’s resurrection transform your fears into trust, your doubts into faith, and your wounds into sources of love. In His victory over death, may you find the peace your heart longs for.”
Bro Ronald Fajardo, OP
He reflected on the First Luminous Mystery, the Baptism in the Jordan: “As we recall Jesus’ Baptism, we remember His mission and the mandate to go out and proclaim the Gospel. We remember our own baptism, through which we were made priests, prophets, and kings of God’s people—priests who offer their daily lives as a pleasing offering to God; prophets who commit to proclaiming God’s love to the world while denouncing what is unjust; and kings of the Kingdom of God, revealed in service and charity toward others.”
Bro Donato Noalcca Merma, OP
He reflected on the Second Sorrowful Mystery, the Scourging at the Pillar: “Jesus, our friend, advocate, and defender, does not speak much, but He loves and intercedes for each of us. In this Mystery, we remember that Jesus, bound and scourged, still intercedes for us today. He defends us with love, and His wounds testify to His unconditional love for us.”
Sister Natalia Motato Vinasco, OP
She reflected on the Fifth Joyful Mystery, the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple: “Jesus was no longer a child when He was found in the Temple. In Jewish culture, boys began participating in adult activities at age twelve. This marks the moment Jesus becomes aware of His mission. Likewise, we are invited to recognize what God calls us to, moving beyond a childlike faith to embrace His call.”
Bro José Jaime Pérez Lucio, OP
He spoke of Mary’s patronage over the Order of Preachers: “Devotion to the Virgin Mary is not just the personal experience of certain friars or times. From the Order’s origin, its history has been closely tied to Mary, its protector and intercessor. She is even named in the formula of religious profession, where friars promise obedience to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
Sister Maria Dilma Clavo Vasquez, OP
She invited prayer for all who are persecuted, victims of violence, war, abortion, and exploitation. Mother Flor Maria Agip, OP, Prioress General of the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (Asti, Italy), reflected on the Third Sorrowful Mystery, the Crowning with Thorns: “Let us look at Christ through Mary’s eyes, filled with love and sorrow. Jesus is our King and Lord, and He transformed the crown of thorns into a symbol of His true kingship—a kingship of humility and freedom as God’s children. This is the kingship He secured for us with His blood.”
Sister María Laura Lissette García Colón, OP
She highlighted the connection between Our Lady of the Rosary’s intercession at the Battle of Lepanto and her appearance at Fatima: “In 1571, a Christian fleet is said to have fervently invoked Our Lady’s intercession by praying the Rosary, later attributing their victory to her. At Fatima, she appeared as Our Lady of the Rosary, urging the three shepherd children to pray the Rosary continually for peace, including Russia’s conversion. Both events underscore the Rosary’s power as a tool for prayer and protection in times of crisis. Our Lady intercedes for us.”
Br. Jerome Johnson, OP and Br. John Church, OP
joined in prayer to the Virgin Mary. Jerome noted Fra Angelico’s painting of the Annunciation, capturing the moment the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary: “What enables Mary to say yes to God? Perhaps it’s hinted at in the Scriptures open on her lap. This is the essence of the Rosary—meditating on Scripture, learning to love God, and preparing a place for Him in our hearts. Let us, like Mary, keep and meditate on God’s word in our hearts.”
The #Influencersop banners feature paintings of the Rosary, honoring Sr Mary Grace Thul, OP, who passed away this year. The Instagram stories drew from the book *The Mysteries of the Rosary: Life’s Pilgrimage to Peace*. Sr. Mary Grace, who entered the Dominican monastery in Cincinnati in 1962, once said: “Art can be prayer. My artwork is my way of living a contemplative life. Art brings me inner peace. I hope my art brings inner peace to others.”
We thank the Dominican Family for following the digital content from *Ordo Praedicatorum* and hope to continue experiencing the communal aspect of digital preaching (cf. LCO 139). We appreciate that the #Influencersop continue to bring their competencies and talents to the “New Continent” (cf. ACG Tultenango, 96, 99).
