Month-long Devotion Ends In Style

The final day of October saw the Filipino Rosary Crusade-Nottingham North’s members attending Mass at the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church in Bulwell. Their intention was included in the said Eucharistic celebration which was presided by Fr Paul Newman. Right after the Mass, a picture taking with the Parish Priest was held.

The group then went to the neighboring Poor Clare Monastery to pay a visit to Sr Annunciata, the lone Filipina nun in their monastery. A “Thank You” card as well as donations was handed over by Pietro Albano. Sr Annunciata accepted these in behalf of her congregation. Members were treated to some cakes and tea courtesy of the sisters.

At about 5:00pm, people slowly started to arrive at the Sulit Residence in Berwick Close. Children were dressed in Halloween costumes while most of the adults were dressed in white in response to the Night of Light’s initiative to claim back Halloween as a Christian tradition.

At about 5:30pm, Susan Sulit led the Rosary recitation. Jason, her son, assisted her by reading the Bible verses on each mystery. Marian songs were sung at the end of every decade. In the last sharing session, a number of members offered their views on “What have you learned in our month-long devotion?”

During the Moment of Silence, names of the faithful departed including Benjamina Valdes-Madamba, Anicia Andreus, Julita Magadia, Purificacion Montero, Leonara Tudara, and Dominga Viloria were remembered and prayed for. These were the women who have inspired Pietro in organising a Rosary Crusade in Nottingham.

After the singing of the “Ama Namin”, Pietro Albano delivered his Closing Message where he thanked the 15 families who have made the devotion a success. He compared the community to “scattered beads joined together like the beads of the Rosary singing ‘Ang puso ko’y nagpupuri’ or saying ‘Hail Mary full of grace’”.


Tokens of appreciation were given to the 15 families as well as Jona Estioso and Vangie Lagazo, 2 Filipinas who have taken part in the devotion even if their homes have not been visited just as yet by the pilgrim image. Specials awards were given to Jackie Rapada (“Perfect Attendance”) and Jason Sulit (“Most Promising Youth Member”).

To his surprise, Pietro was given a plaque of appreciation by all members. Precy Lagman read the contents of the plaque while everyone was standing. Pietro, who confessed to be allergic to awards, thanked everyone for their kindness.

Right after the Concluding Prayers, Pietro announced that the pilgrim image will stay with the Sulits until next year when the devotion is resumed. The community sang “Diyos ay Pag-ibig” as the Closing Hymn. A salu-salo was later shared by everyone. For their part, children participated in the traditional “Trick or Treat”.