Evenings with Mary

Each Evening with Mary is a “mini Marian conference” hosted within a parish environment, promoting an awareness of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role in the salvation plan of God.

“Our Lady of the Rosary” painting is used only with special permission from the artist, Ken Fox. Copies are not allowed. Prints available for purchase through Pilgrim Center of Hope – call us 210-521-3377.

Evenings with Mary provide an opportunity to discover how the Rosary can lead individuals, couples and families to a deeper relationship with Christ, and facilitate healing and peace. Our presenters teach about Mary and her gifts such as the Rosary, the Scapular, and others, given to the world through her apparitions. Participants are introduced to Mary, learn about her role in bringing us closer to Christ, pray a guided Rosary together, and receive spiritual tools to use as they go forth.

Allow us to introduce you to Mary, so that you may invite her into your home.

“How beautiful is the family that recites the Rosary every evening! The Rosary is a prayer both so humble and simple and a theologically rich in Biblical content. I beg you to pray it.” – Pope St. John Paul II

Bring This Event to Your Parish

Evenings with Mary are mini conferences, provided at no cost to the parish or attendee – thanks to the generous individuals who support Pilgrim Center of Hope.

Who Should Your Parish Invite to Attend?

All parishioners! We encourage you to invite all families, parish groups, parish staff, RCIA candidates, Confirmation candidates, and youth groups, as this conference is presented to build unity within the family and the parish community. The Church’s mission is to evangelize the world. Families and parishes that pray together become the foundation for bringing the Gospel message and Good News of Jesus Christ to the world!

Sample Schedule (7:00pm – 8:30pm)

  • 7:00 Introduction & Opening Prayer (possible one song)
  • 7:15 Presentation on Mary, with PowerPoint (when possible, not necessary)
  • 7:45 Rosary with meditations, singing “Ave Maria” between each decade. Deacon Tom Fox to include intercession for healing with each meditation.
  • 8:15 Parish Host Group Representative highlights group mission and encourages parishioners to get involved
  • 8:20 Closing Remarks and Final Blessing

Pilgrim Center of Hope will provide …

  • Sample bulletin announcement for parish bulletin
  • Evening with Mary flyer for parish to print & distribute
  • Presenters for the Evening with Mary topic and to lead the Rosary

Your parish (or parish group) will provide the facility, as well as…

Before Event:

  • Host Parish Group to work with Pilgrim Center of Hope staff in planning and promotion efforts
  • Promotion of Evening with Mary, by ensuring bulletin announcement is placed and flyers are distributed

At Event:

  • Greeters to welcome attendees
  • Musician(s), if desired by parish for opening and closing song, and to lead all in ‘Ave Maria’ between decades of the Rosary
  • (2) tables for Pilgrim Center of Hope to distribute complimentary rosaries and materials
  • Gives permission for Pilgrim Center of Hope to:
    • Sell two Rosary books and Rosary bracelet
    • Allow “love donations” – a basket for donations to the Pilgrim Center of Hope

Resources

What Are Your Questions about Mary?

Check back right here on our website for an answer to your questions about Mary!

Recommended Reading

Holy Land Rosary

Holy Land Rosary: Meditations on the Gospel Prayer, by Deacon Tom Fox. $9.95. Purchase at an upcoming Evening with Mary, or contact the Pilgrim Center of Hope (210) 521-3377.

Sharing the Holy Rosary: A Guide for Christians, by Karen Robertson. $5.00. Purchase at an upcoming Evening with Mary, or contact Karen directly at dodoblessings@gmail.com

True Devotion to Mary & Preparation for Total Consecration, by St. Louis de Montfort

  • Greatest work on the Blessed Mother ever written
  • Beloved classic
  • Important for those who struggle with loving Mary

The Secret of the Rosary, by St. Louis de Montfort

  • Why the Rosary is the most important private prayer
  • How to pray the Rosary well

Hail, Holy Queen – the Mother of God in the Word of God, by Scott Hahn

  • Understand the biblical basis for Marian doctrines
  • Fresh approach to deeper love for the Blessed Mother

The Imitation of Mary, by Thomas A’ Kempis

  • Author of renowned The Imitation of Christ
  • Beautiful book for spiritual reading
  • Offers splendid way to grow in imitation of Jesus through the imitation of his holy mother

Mary, Day by Day, Introduction by Rev. Charles G. Fehrenback, CSSR

  • Spend a few minutes a day with these beautiful Marian meditations
  • Each day includes Scriptural passage, quotes from the saints, and prayers
  • Over 300 illustrations with ribbon marker

See How She Loves Us: 50 Approved Apparitions of Our Lady, by Joan Cruz

  • Discover the most beloved apparitions of the Blessed Mother
  • A powerful, beautifully-researched book

Mary In Her Scapular Promise, by John Mathias Haffert

  • What is the scapular? Why do we where it?
  • What promises did the Blessed Mother give regarding this devotion?
  • Highly recommended by Fulton Sheen, who provides the preface

Saint Catherine Laboure, by Joseph I. Dirvin

  • Tells both her story and that of the Miraculous Medal apparitions
  • 61 pictures, including photos of St. Catherine’s incorrupt body

33 Days to Morning Glory – A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Total Consecration to Mary, by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC

  • Extraordinary 33-day journey to Marian consecration
  • Inspired and guided by four giants of Marian spirituality
  • Designed for even the busiest of people

St. Bernadette Soubirous, by Abbe Francis Trochu

  • By far the best book on St. Bernadette and Lourdes
  • Beautifully illustrated with 69 photos, including of St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body
  • Our Lady told her, “I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the next.” St. Bernadette will steal your heart!

Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words, by Sister Lucia

  • One of the most popular books of the century – Includes memoirs & letters of the last surviving seer of the Fatima apparitions, Lucia dos Santos
  • Describes her life and character, life and deaths of the other two children (Jacinta and Francisco)
  • Includes visions of hell, war, the Holy Father, secrets and the apparitions themselves
  • Photos include incorrupt body of Jacinta

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love, by Carl Anderson and Eduardo Chavez

  • Traces the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the sixteenth century to the present
  • Discusses how her message was and continues to be an important catalyst for religious and cultural transformation
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe as model of the Church and Juan Diego as model for all Christians who seek to answer Christ’s call of conversion and witness
  • Explores the changing face of the Catholic Church in the Americas, and how Our Lady’s message was historically significant and speaks to contemporary issues confronting the American continents and people