National running of the Silver Rose stops in Sparta
Sparta. Saint Kateri was among only a few parishes in New Jersey selected to host this event, which honors Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Sparta /
| 09 Nov 2021 | 05:13
Deputy Chief Squire Joe Pauls and Chief Squire Charlie Wyckoff stand proudly on the altar area which displayed the Silver Rose and the painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Photo provided)
Pastor Father Vidal Gonzales and Deacon Bruce Olsen are joined by the Saint Kateri Squires and Knights along with the Dominick Calabrese Assembly color corps celebrate after the mass and ceremony. (Photo provided)
The Saint Kateri Columbian Squires Circle #5177 and Knights of Columbus Council #13677 from Sparta hosted the annual Running of the Silver Rose. The national program sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council is held annually to honor the Blessed Mother in celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Each year several sculpted silver roses travel from Canada, throughout the United States, and then converge together in Mexico City on Dec. 12 for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
At the Saint Kateri ceremony, Chief Squire Charlie Wyckoff carried the Silver Rose and Deputy Chief Squire Joe Pauls carried a portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was painted by parishioner Dorothy Armstrong.
Grand Knight Greg Risco, Deputy Grand Knight Jim Brocato, State Squires Chair Tom Rohe and the Dominick Calabrese Assembly color guard also joined in the procession that was held at the Sparta parish.
“We are honored to have been selected among only a few parishes in New Jersey to host this wonderful event,” said Squires Chief Counselor Nick Cutrone.
Saint Kateri Pastor Father Vidal Gonzales thanked all the parishioners, Knights, and guests for joining in this spiritual program.
The Squires were also sent a message of thanks from Bishop Kevin Sweeney’s office for coordinating such a fitting tribute to the Blessed Mother.
The Squires are the youth leadership branch of the Knights of Columbus for young men ages 10 to 17 and the Squire Roses are the youth leadership branch for young women ages 10 to 17. For more information email cutronekofc@gmail.com or visit saintkaterikofc.org.