# A 54‑Day Rosary Novena for World Peace
*2015-08-15*

> Bill Young introduces a special 54‑day Rosary novena that runs from the Feast of the Assumption (August 15) to the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7), explaining its origins, structure, and the prayer to be said after each decade.

## Origins of the Novena

In 1884, during an apparition at Pompeii, the Virgin Mary appeared to a sick child named Francesca, the daughter of a Neapolitan commander. Mary told the child that anyone who desired graces should recite a novena of supplication and a novena of thanksgiving, praying the Rosary. After the prayers, Mary healed Francesca. Pope Leo XIII, moved by this miracle, promoted the devotion, establishing a novena that begins on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15) and ends on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7).

## Structure of the 54‑Day Novena

The novena is divided into two phases:
• August 15 – September 10: daily Rosary in supplication for peace in the world.
• September 11 – October 7: daily Rosary in thanksgiving.
Each day the faithful pray the full Rosary, using the appropriate set of mysteries. The sequence follows the traditional order: Joyful Mysteries, then Sorrowful, then Glorious, and finally the Luminous Mysteries, rotating as the days progress.

## Prayer After Each Decade

After completing each decade, the following invocation is recited: “Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.” This short petition unites the rosary prayer with a specific appeal for peace.

## Consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Participants are invited to consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Peace. This act deepens the spiritual commitment of the novena and aligns the faithful with the love of Christ and Mary.

## Practical Tips for the Novena

Bill suggests setting aside a consistent time each day, perhaps during a lunch break, to pray the Rosary. He recommends keeping a simple notebook to record the day’s mystery and any personal intentions for peace, allowing the devotion to become a tangible habit.

*Praying the Rosary together, day after day, can become a powerful intercessory prayer for peace in our world.*