Each year, starting in February, eight Silver Roses, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, are carried from Canada and the United States, making their way to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico for the Dec. 12 feast of the basilica’s namesake. Of the eight routes, Alabama is part of route 5, which originates in Virginia. 

Before arriving in Alabama in September, route 5 crisscrossed Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. At each stop along the Silver Rose pilgrimage, Knights of Columbus, parishioners, and community members gathered to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Silver Rose was prayed in six languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Tagalog, and Nigerian.

While in Alabama, the Silver Rose was transferred by motorcycle, car, and foot to 30 different parishes: 11 in the Archdiocese of Mobile and 19 in the Diocese of Birmingham. In all, the rose traveled 1,200 miles throughout the state. On Oct. 13, the rose was transferred to the Knights of Mississippi. 

Upon its arrival in Mississippi, councils in Alabama can reserve a slot to host the Silver Rose in 2025. When submitting a request, please include council number, parish, location, time of Mass, and an e-mail contact. For more information, please e-mail al.silver.rose.24@gmail.com.