The Deacon's Bench
Now for something different, via The Inland Catholic Byte in the Diocese of San Bernardino:
While you’re nestled in bed next Saturday morning thinking about coffee, parishioners of St. Peter and Paul in Alta Loma are lacing up their sneakers and thinking about prayer.
These dedicated “Rosary Runners” gather each weekend to exercise both their bodies and their faith.
“I get to be with God. I get to be with my friends. Everything about it is right,” says ministry leader Danny Centurioni.
On a warm morning in June, sunlight dapples through the trees of Upland’s Bridle Path. More than a dozen Rosary Runners arrive, greeting each other with hellos and hugs. They form a semicircle as Centurioni leads them in the Apostle’s Creed, the opening prayer of the Rosary. After the remaining introductory prayers and personal intentions, they take off. Some run, some walk, but all feel passionate about their band of beads.
“I call it my weapon,” says Bob Emery. “The Rosary is just a powerful weapon. Mary has helped us through so many tough times.”
That desire to reach out to Mary is a common sentiment among the group. Tyler Norwood joined the ministry two years ago.
“I get a sense of peace out of praying the Rosary,” he says. “Whenever I feel like there are challenges in my life, I just become at ease knowing the Blessed Mother is able to intervene and talk to God for me.”
At 23 years old, Norwood is one of the youngest Rosary Runners. He easily trots along the five mile route but without any arrogance of youth. In fact, he views the others as mentors.
“I’m here with men who are like older brothers who guide me in the right direction on how to progress in my faith,” he says.
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