Shalom News: President Praying ‘Goes Viral’

“A picture of president Stephen D. Minnis of Benedictine College in USA’s Kansas leading students in praying the Rosary on their knees has gone viral on social media,” reported Shalom World on Aug. 31.

“The president’s moving gesture of faith was soon shared by people on social media platforms including Instagram, X and Facebook,” he wrote.

The photo that he is referring to can be found here. It was taken at the rosary led by the President on the first day of school at Benedictine, a Wednesday. The President then leads a rosary on each Wednesday after that. See more pictures of the opening day Rosary on Facebook.

The report in Shalom World, an international Catholic online publication and video provider, quoted comments found on the image. “This is the perfect way to start the school year. I’m so grateful my child is there!” said one, and, “Have you ever seen a college president on his knees praying in front of his students? Benedictine College is transforming culture in America.”

President Minnis sees the college’s Marian devotion as central to its success.

“Our devotion to the Blessed Mother has been a crucial part of our history, and she will be a decisive part of our future,” he said. “This year, we will recommit ourselves to Our Mother and our mission.”

The college will be reconsecrated to the Blessed Mother on Sept. 8.

This consecration commemorates the 10th anniversary of the college’s consecration to Our Lady in 2013. On Sept. 8 that year, the college installed a 21-foot fountain statue of Our Lady of Grace in the main Academic Quad and Abbot James Albers consecrated the college to the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the fifth anniversary of the Consecration, 1,000 people surrounded the college, prayed a Rosary and embedded Miraculous Medals in the sidewalk.