by Olivia Martin-Davies
olivia.martin@theleaven.org
LENEXA — On Oct. 1 from 7 to 8 p.m., the Knights of Columbus will host a Silver Rose prayer service at Holy Trinity Church here.
“The ceremony is a pilgrimage that started in 1960 in Mexico honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe,” explained Ken Kleekamp, a Holy Trinity parishioner and a district deputy for the Knights.
“It promotes the respect of life through prayer services and community involvement.”
There are only eight silver roses in the world, and the Knights who carry them make perpetual pilgrimage — from Canada to every U.S. state, Puerto Rico and ending at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
“The symbolism of the Silver Rose is so unique and special,” said parishioner Cayleigh Heron. “I love that a symbol like this can unite the communities throughout our country and across other nations.”
For Cayleigh and her husband Joe, the opportunity to contribute music to the prayer service will be a way they give back to Our Lady.
“We want to show up to help her when she asks just as she always does for us,” explained Cayleigh. “So, this prayer service is a way for us to honor her and the mission of the [Knights of Columbus] by sharing our gifts.”
In addition to music, The Silver Rose prayer service will include a procession of fourth-degree Knights and the Daughters of Isabella, a rosary, readings and a special blessing of all involved in pro-life work and ministry.
“It just so happens that we get the rose at the beginning of Respect Life Month,” said Kleekamp. “To me, this is more than just chance.”
