Pope Leo’s recurring call for prayers for peace in the world are being echoed in Vancouver as Archbishop Richard Smith makes his first pastoral initiative a monthly Rosary for Peace at Holy Rosary Cathedral.

“Many people have been asking how they can respond to the violence and suffering we see in the world,” said Smith. “One of the most powerful ways we can respond as Christians is through prayer. The Church is not simply an NGO. Our greatest contribution to peace is prayer.”

Inspired by Pope Leo’s recent call to prayer and fasting on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, Smith said the Rosary for Peace will begin Oct. 4, at 11 a.m., and continue on the first Saturday of each month through June, with the exception of April when Holy Saturday falls on that weekend. He will lead the first gathering himself, with other leaders, musicians and choirs from across the archdiocese guiding future Rosaries.

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“When we look at the state of the world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” he said. “But prayer is not passive. It’s the most powerful action we can take as Christians. Together, we will entrust our world to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, confident that the Lord will bring healing and hope.”

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Each month’s Rosary will focus broadly on peace rather than individual conflicts, though the Holy Land remains a particular concern, the Archbishop said.

For those who can’t attend, the Rosary will be livestreamed through Holy Rosary Cathedral’s YouTube channel. 

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Smith is encouraging parish ministry groups, youth, young adults, schools and prayer groups to join the cathedral Rosary as part of their Jubilee pilgrimages. 

“Prayer has the power to transform hearts and to bring about real and lasting peace,” particularly through Mary, the Queen of Peace, he said.