May 8, 2019

By Eileen Greenwood
Contributing writer

CARTHAGE – “The key to God’s heart is prayer.”

Padre Pio and his words are the inspiration for this year’s art piece for the 17th Annual Family Rosary Crusade.

Renown Catholic artist Bob Renaud of Carthage shared his vision for the piece and his dedication to the Family Rosary Crusade, an event he began 17 years ago.

“I was inspired to contemplate on the seven sorrows of the Rosary,” Renaud said. “I know I was inspired by the Blessed Mother. She specifically gave me the idea after Father Patrick Peyton held a World-Wide Rosary Crusade.”

Renaud, a successful artist and art teacher at Carthage school, began an event that has grown in number and in worldwide participants joining in spiritual solidarity that evening.

This year’s event will be held on May 17 at St. James Minor Church in Carthage. The evening will begin with mass at 5:15, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and seven hours of praying the Rosary.

The Rosary will led by families and various groups, prayed in sets of three per hour.

Renaud said the event is held in honor of our Lady’s Seven Sorrows.

Those unable to attend in person are asked to pray in their homes during that time.

“People from all over the world join us,” said Renaud, who often receives emails from participants praying with the Rosary Crusade from such countries as Korea, Australia and other distant countries.

Those in attendance at St. James Church in Carthage, and who stay a minimum of three hours (in honor of our Lord’s passion), will receive a print of this year’s painting created by Renaud for the event.

The work, titled “The Key – a tribute to Padre Pio,” is a depiction of the Capuchin friar and saint, who was very dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

Renaud said he chose to create this year’s painting in his honor as he attributes a small personal miracle to the intercession of the Friar, sharing that this year, “Padre Pio, I will be dedicating this to you.”

Renaud mentioned his concerns about the world’s evil influences on family life today, and his concern for students living in today’s difficult world. Thus, he began his prayerful campaign 17 years ago to set aside a night of devotion to our Blessed Mother. This special evening is a dedicated prayerful effort of solidarity with people from all over the world.

It rings true of these words from Padre Pio, “The Rosary is the weapon for these times.” All are welcome to join the Family Rosary Crusade, either in person or in spiritual solidarity.

“Please help spread the word,” said Renaud. “May God and His Blessed Mother continue to bless you and bring you ever closer to the sacred Heart of Jesus.”

For more information about the Family Rosary Crusade, visit catholicsofcarthagecopenhagen.org.