A rose by any other name would smell as sweet – unless it is a silver rose. A silver rose is considered a symbol of love meant to last a lifetime. At two recent Knights of Columbus events, the silver rose represented a dedication to life – one life, one rose.
Through a decades-old program known as a Silver Rose Prayer Service, Knights of Columbus internationally honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, express unity and affirm dedication to the sanctity of human life. St. John Bosco Knights of Columbus Council 726 in Hammond and St. Michael the Archangel Knights of Columbus Council 12177 in Schererville each hosted a Silver Rose Prayer Service as part of the larger effort.
“It is the Blessed Mother that we turn to in prayer as we work to end the culture of death that grips our society. As we think in terms of ‘one life, one rose,’ it is most appropriate that we turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who made known her will through St. Juan Diego and the miracle of roses,” said James Prasopoulos, reading from an introduction created by Past Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.
Prasopoulos, Indiana Knights of faith director and Past Grand Knight of Council 12177, said he was glad to have almost 60 people attend on April 30 to support life and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Michael. “It is really encouraging to see the faithfulness and commitment to such an important cause …We enjoy fellowship, but we also pray together.”
This is the first year the Council 12177 hosted the Silver Rose Prayer Service, and Prasopoulos said he plans to continue this tradition. “It is important to cherish everyone’s life. I would love for more councils and churches to do this.”
Jesse Guadiana said the Hammond Knights have been hosting a Silver Rose Prayer Service periodically for about a decade and that he also hopes more councils in the Diocese of Gary will consider beginning this tradition.
The history of the Silver Rose dates back to 1960, when a youth organization of the Knights in Mexico wanted to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe for doing so much for the Mexican people. The young men, known as the Columbian Squires, came up with the idea of running a rose to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico, to commemorate Our Lady, Juan Diego, and the miracle of the roses. The first rose was a natural rose and it traveled to New York and Texas before the Columbian Squires ran it to Monterrey on Dec. 12, 1960.
Guadiana appreciates the rich history of the silver rose and Our Lady. His prayer service included a poster of Our Lady of Guadalupe outlining the symbolism contained in the statue, such as the dark sash depicting that she is a noble woman who is pregnant. Another example, he explained, is her position on the black moon. The indigenous Mexican people believed Mexico was the center of the universe and source of all life, and they associated the sun and the moon with Aztec deities to whom they offered ritual sacrifice. However, Our Lady of Guadalupe eclipses the bright rays of the sun and darkens the light of the moon, thus revealing that the child in her womb is stronger than the pagan deities.
Guadiana said Council 726 held its first Silver Rose Prayer Service in 2015. “It is such a respectful, beautiful event. Each year we have it, we get many of the same people to come back. But each time there is someone new who has never heard of this; I really hope to get the word out.”.
He said this year was special because the service was held on May 2, the National Day of Prayer in the United States, and because Deacon Matthew Virus processed with the rose and laid it before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“We invite some of the other local councils,” said Guadiana, Knights district deputy. “We would love this to have a stronger presence in the diocese – whatever brings people to the faith.”
Walter Kowalczyk, a parishioner of St. Mary in Crown Point, belongs to an Illinois council.but attended the St. Michael prayer service. “It is so important to be together in community and celebrate life together. We are enlightened by being with Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and praying the rosary together.”
This Silver Rose route, which is one of eight international routes, began in Canada and will travel to other Indiana communities before heading to Kentucky and Mexico.
Caption: One of eight silver roses that are traveling to Mexico this month was on display April 30 in the chapel at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. It is part of an international Silver Rose Prayer Service honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and the sanctity of life, dating back to 1960. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)