Keep FRC lessons, prayerful attitude, faith in God Dominicans told as 32nd FRC ends

via Gillian Lei Dulay and Barbara Denisse Gutierrez, Junior Staffers

October 6, 2026, Tuesday, marks the culmination and final day of the Family Rosary Crusade. Through the Gospel according to Luke 1:26–38, the Dominican faithful is reminded of the foretelling of the birth of Jesus, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. Through her simple "yes," our salvation was set in motion.

Rev. Fr. Jerone R. Geronimo, OP., culmination Mass presider, connected the Gospel to Dominicans' nine-day journey of celebration by relating it to the theme: With Mary, United in Prayer: Journeying Toward Renewal, Welcoming New Horizons, and Charting a Constellation of Hope.

“United in Prayer: Journeying Toward Renewal,”

In reflecting on the first part of the theme, Rev. Fr. Geronimo, OP., said, "Ang mga tao na nakikinig sa Diyos, ang capable ng pagbabago" (People who listen to God are capable of change).

According to his homily, those who truly wish to find renewal in life are those who listen to the Lord. True transformation comes not from merely reciting prayers, but from deeply understanding their meaning and allowing them to guide self-improvement.

“Welcoming New Horizons,”

Rev. Fr. Jerone, OP. related this second aspect to Mary’s response to the Angel Gabriel. Through her Fiat, Mary altered the course of her life and human history by welcoming Our Lord and Savior into human form.

“Ito ang ginagawa ng rosaryo sa atin, Mama Mary is united with God with prayer and that is why she is capable of renewal. Handa siya tumanggap ng mga pagbabago sa kaniyang buhay,” he said (This is what the rosary does to us, Mama Mary is united with God with prayer and that is why she is capable of renewal. She is ready to accept changes in her life).

Like Mary, people face challenges in their lives, but through the Holy Rosary, they find peace and the assurance that they are never alone. Each mystery reflects human experiences—showing how Mary herself walked through joy, light, sorrow, and glory. The Rosary invites the faithful to pray through every season, reminding them that while they cannot always choose their circumstances, they can choose how to rise above these through faith.

“Charting a Constellation of Hope”

Addressing the final pillar of the theme, the mass presider explained that just as a constellation is a collection of stars, each member of the faithful is a light. Through their continuous prayers, every individual star shines brightly, joining together to form a constellation of faith in God.

"Kung minsan kasi naghahanap agad tayo ng bonggang solusyon. Hindi ganon ang Panginoon. Ang Panginoon, dumadating sa atin in those dark moments with a small light," he said (At times we immediately find an impressive solution. That is not how God [works]. God comes to us in those dark moments with a small light).

While Tuesday’s culmination marks the end of the 32nd Family Rosary Crusade, it is not a finality; rather, it is a doorway to renewal. Through shared Rosaries and quiet moments of prayer, Dominicans learn that family is not solely defined by blood. Real family is built when people gather in faith, supporting one another through every season of life. Just as Mary was prepared to receive God's calling through her prayerful heart, those who take time to listen to God are the ones most capable of true personal transformation when facing new horizons.

Holding onto the Rosary through life's shifts—meditating on its joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious moments—serves as an anchor when everything else feels uncertain. The Gospel challenges the Dominican community to carry this faith forward with genuine humility. Rather than seeking to shine for their own recognition (maging pasikat), believers are called to be a steady guiding light (maging tanglawan) that helps show others the way. As this chapter closes, Mary’s example reminds all faithful to hold tight to their prayers, cherish the bonds built along the way, and step into every new beginning with an open, trusting heart.

"Kung ikaw ay madasalin, kung ikaw ay sumusunod sa Diyos tulad ni Maria, ikaw din ay nagiging tunay na tanglaw." — Rev. Fr. Jerone R. Geronimo, OP.

(If you are prayerful, if you will follow God like Mary, you will be a true light [to others]).

Adios, Reina del cielo!

Viva la Virgen! #