The church bells rang as people from surrounding towns gathered at the grotto beside St. Joseph's Church, Liebenthal.
Emmett McGinn signaled the start of the hour of prayer with the tolling of the bells. A gentle reminder to townsfolk to gather for prayer for our country.
St. Joseph's Church joined with over 200 groups in Kansas, as well as approximately 15,000 across the country, at 12 noon to pray the rosary, Angelus, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, petitions, and song. This year commemorates the first apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima by an angel in 1916. The angel appeared in the spring, autumn, and fall, teaching the children special prayers and encouraging them to pray the rosary daily. It is believed the angel was St. Michael, the Archangel, who prepared the way for the appearance of the Blessed Mother to the children in 1917. Our Lady urged the children to pray the rosary every day for peace in the world, and that message continues to be encouraged throughout the world today.
Eighteen people attended the rally representing five cities/towns; From Liebenthal: Louise Dechant, Raymond Depperschmidt, Emmett and Gerri McGinn, Norman and LouAnn Legleiter, Barbara Matal; Judy Hoffman,; Hays: Mary Ann Randa, Norman Giebler; LaCrosse: Alex and Twila Herrman, Elenora Moeder, Francis and Alverna Schaffer, Wichita: LaVern Meier; Timken: Carol Scheuerman, Julie Huber. (not pictured, Judy Hoffman).
The hour of prayer closed with singing the National Anthem.