Aparrianos are known as Marian devotees. That is why every October is a special month to all Catholics in Aparri and most of the parishioners gather to pray the rosary.
St. Peter Gonzales of Thelmo Parish of Aparri, Cagayan, has a unique way of holding a community rosary—which Aparrianos call “block rosary,” so-called because the rosary is prayed simultaneously in 11 barangays. Thus, many devotees are able to join in this religious activity.
Parish priest Fr. Adalbert Barut said the yearly block rosary is meant not only to recite the rosary but is designed to bring into the neighborhood the basic building blocks—love of fellow men based on the life of Christ as found in the mysteries of the rosary, daily gospel reading and reflection, and family sharing of faith-experiences. Besides, it aims to deepen their faith in God through Mary, thus strengthening the catechetical program of the Church.
The praying of the community rosary, aside from the private praying of the rosary, unifies the Aparrianos. The people are like beads of the rosary connected with each other, professing faith, love and mission. With this customary religious practice, Aparri is now the site of the Shrine of the Lady of the Rosary in the province of Cagayan.
On a personal note, from the time I learned to pray the rosary from my mother Teresing, an avowed Marian devotee, up to this day, we remember each other daily by praying the rosary.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, assistant city council secretary, Marikina City