Lynn’s 25th living rosary set for Oct. 16

Sara Brown/The Daily ItemPope John II inspired 99-year-old Lynn resident Jeanette Kallery in 1987 by proclaiming the year to be in honor of the Blessed Mother. Kallery came up with the idea to start the first living rosary in the North Shore area to honor the Blessed Mother.The 25th annual living rosary will be held on Oct. 16 at St. Mary’s Church in Lynn on 8 S. Common St.A living rosary is when a person represents each rosary bead and recites a prayer, followed by another person and another person done a long line or procession. It’s usually followed by a service where worshipers pray to the Virgin Mary. They have been held once a month at different churches on the North Shore for 25 years, according to Kallery.”I was reading and wondering what could we do for the Blessed Mother to thank her for answering all those prayers,” Kallery said as to why she started the event.After months of detailed planning, the first annual event was set. There was one minor problem though, rain was forecasted for the day.But Kallery wasn’t worried.”Oh ye of little faith,” Kallery told her friend. “Grandma, Jesus’ grandmother, is looking out for us. She is having the angels blow the clouds away. And on that day there wasn’t a cloud in site.”The first living rosary included a procession that began at St. Mary’s Church and concluded in downtown Lynn.The event was such a success that she even had some people tell her that it made them want to go back to church.One particular phone call stays with Kallery.”She told me that she had drifted from the church and went out of curiosity. She said the Holy Spirit went through her,” Kallery said. “She said she was going to go back to church.”Kallery’s daughter, Elaine Donovan, was equally impressed. “It is a big deal for even one person to come back,” Donovan said.The Virgin Mary has always held a special place in Kallery’s heart.”I know the Blessed Mother. I am inspired by her,” Kallery said. “She is a very strong influence in my life.”Being part of the living rosary for the past 25 years has reinforced Kallery’s faith.”I feel rewarded,” Kallery said. “I am already close to the mother. I talk to her every morning. This has made me closer to her.”The 99-year-old is in good health and her daughter credits her faith for that. “I really do believe she is this healthy because of her relationship with God,” Donovan said.For Kallery’s daughter, who is now on the committee for the living rosary, watching her mother over the years has given her a sense of pride.”The fact that one event has lasted 25 years for every month shows inspiration, faith and commitment,” Donovan said. “My mother is certainly a woman of faith. I am proud to be her daughter.”This year the mother and daughter pair are hoping to see some new faces at the event. “I would really like to see the youth get involved,” Donovan said.The event starts at 3 p.m. On Oct. 16 and those who would like to participate are asked to meet in St. Mary’s parking lot. After the procession and service, there will be coffee and cake served at St. Mary’s cafeteria.