“We thought it was a great honor,” said Schmidt.
Deacon Tom Lang officiated the prayer service, which featured music, a procession, prayers to end abortion, and recitation of the rosary. During the service, Deacon Lang discussed the connection between Mary’s appearance and the conversion to Christianity by the native population of Mexico, many of them former Aztecs.
Our Lady appeared pregnant with Jesus, dressed as an Aztec princess with dark hair and skin. Many local people could relate to this form.
“You can force a person to do something, but you can’t change a person’s heart,” said Deacon Lang. “Mary spoke volumes to those people who couldn’t read or write.”
The Silver Rose Program was founded in 1960 by the Columbian Squires of North America, the Knights’ youth group. The intent was to honor Mary as “Patroness of the Americas.” Antonio Banuelos, Cultural Outreach Director for the Iowa Knights of Columbus, said respect for life is a key element of the program.
“The message of the silver rose is ‘One Rose, One Life,’ said Banuelos. “All prayer and liturgical services are offered for the respect for life and an end to abortion. I strongly believe in the silver rose, since it used the most powerful tool we have against abortion: prayer.”