Thousands of youngsters to offer Mary a Golden Rose in Washington

(Sept. 27, 2011) Thousands of children from all over the world will gather at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. ( US) next month to offer Our Lady a "Golden Rose" and to pray before the Holy Eucharist. The youngsters, who will represent children from 140 nations, will participate Oct. 7 in the 9th annual Worldwide Children's Eucharistic Holy Hour, which will be broadcast live around the world on Eternal World Television Network (EWTN). Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans will preside at the main event in the basilica. The event is co-sponsored by Children of the Eucharist, the children's program of the World Apostolate of Fatima, and the Holy Childhood Association. According to Connie Schneider, founder and international chairwoman, a growing number of dioceses, parishes and schools on every continent participate in the event every year. She said - "This global Holy Hour gathers our children before the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus to console him, as requested by the Angel of Peace at Fatima, and to pray for our own families and the families of the world."