News and photos by Mr. Meljohn Tatel

What used to be a garland of roses is now a string of orchids.

The traditional October devotion, the month-long devotional praying of the Rosary in all classes, ended with the Living Rosary held at the Covered Courts on October 28, 2011.

The community prayed and meditated on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary as students and teachers, forming a gigantic heart-shaped garland, recited the formula prayers for the Rosary.

As Marian songs started every decade of the Rosary, new teachers and staff led the praying. They read the community’s petition for the set of ten Hail Mary’s and passages from the Scriptures narrating the decade’s mystery. Students recited the introductory prayers of the Hail Mary’s and the community responded to complete the prayer.

The students and the teachers held votive candles as they completed the big Rosary garland. To their places were orchids of various colors. The event was made even grander by the banners of the Lady’s Litany surrounding people.

The community praying was concluded by the singing of “Himno a la Virgen” of the Lady of Penafrancia.