In the Augustinian Recollect mission of Kamalo (Sierra Leone), the daily prayer of the rosary has become a fundamental tradition for the life of the community, which meets every night at 7:00 pm. This moment of shared prayer not only fosters unity, but, as explained by Fr. Jess Marco Sanchez, from the Philippines, also “strengthens the commitment to the spiritual values of the mission, consolidates the faith, and strengthens devotion to the Virgin Mary.”
The month of October, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, has a special significance for the faithful around the world. During these weeks, activities have been held in honor of the Virgin Mary in which her veneration has been promoted among people of all ages. At the end of the month, the community has organized a special ceremony in which 70 children have individually recited the “Our Father”, the “Hail Mary” and the “Glory Be”, in a sincere tribute “that seeks to root devotion to the Virgin in the younger generations.”
Fr. Jess Marco, explained from Kamalo that “The Virgin Mary is vital to this community. Her figure represents not only devotion and love, but also the fundamental role of women in society and on the path to salvation.” .
For many families of the mission, in a region where Catholicism is a minority, “the Virgin Mary is seen as an example of femininity, spiritual strength, dignity and respect.” In fact, in one of the most remote communities of the mission, Laminaya, the chapel has been consecrated as Our Lady of Sierra Leone, an act that symbolizes the influence of the Virgin even in the most remote corners.
