They are escorted to each location by the Knights on Bikes. This journey is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus chapters as a way to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and express dedication to the sanctity of life. Florida is on the schedule from July 23 until September 2 with the Diocese of St. Petersburg parishes participating from August 24-28.

“We need to dedicate ourselves to Our Blessed Mother,” said Joseph McEvoy, Grand Knight of Council 15154 at St. Thomas the Apostle in Homosassa, FL. In each stopping point on the Silver Rose’s journey, there is a prayer service with the Holy Rosary focused on the glorious mysteries, Liturgy of the Word, a consecration and litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and concludes with a blessing from the pastor.

“It is the Blessed Mother that each of us can turn to in prayer to end the culture of death in our society,” said Michael Cabrera, Grand Knight of Council 12110 at Sacred Heart in Tampa, FL.

The purpose of the Silver Rose prayer service is to inspire prayer and a desire for change in the hearts of participants in order to remain dedicated to the pro-life movement. Our society needs people embracing a culture of life and the strength of prayer.

“Ever since I was present at the birth of my children, I have become very pro-life. It is important to gather as the Body of Christ and pray for the sanctity of life,” McEvoy added.

According to McEvoy, this prayer service is something the Knights of Columbus ministry is passionate about. Last year, he asked the Knights of Columbus to schedule his parish as a stop for the Silver Rose and they had a large attendance that he hopes will be of similar size this year.

“The Silver Rose reminds us that our Blessed Mother, our Lady of Guadalupe is always available to listen to our prayers and intercede on our behalf with her son, our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Cabrera.

Catholics who participate in the Silver Rose Prayer Service are recognizing and advocating for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Our Lady of Guadalupe is a large focus and intercessor of the event, as her title is “Patroness of the Unborn.”

The Silver Rose is traveling to seven parishes throughout the diocese (see schedule below). Some parishes are also celebrating Mass as part of the Silver Rose event. Please check with the parish for more details.

Thursday, August 24, St. Stephen Parish, Riverview, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 25, Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, 12:10 p.m.

Saturday, August 26, Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, August 26, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Clearwater, 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 27, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole, 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 27, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’ Lakes, 5:00 p.m.                                                                                       
Monday, August 28, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Homosassa, 12 noon