SW News: Heeding the call of Holy Father Pope Francis to have a marathon of prayer in the month of May to appeal for divine intervention to bring an end to the pandemic crisis, shrines across the world are hosting rosary services every day with specific prayer intentions. In the United States, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC will lead the rosary on Monday, Monday, May 17.

Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, archbishop of Washington, will lead the service at 12:00 PM ET that day for the special intention of global leaders and heads of international organisations as they strive to combat the spread of the pandemic.

Catholics are invited to take part in the rosary online and the prayer services will be livestreamed on the website of the basilica at: www.nationalshrine.org/mass. The shrine will also allow 1,000 people in its Great Upper Church for the rosary and social distancing will be enforced.

The month-long rosary initiative is being organised by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. The Marian shrines chosen for each day's rosary reflect the diversity of the Catholic Church and its global outreach.