On Saturday, 5 September, 2026 more than 700 people gathered for the International Rosary Rally with Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke. We began with a solemn Pontifical Mass in the traditional Roman rite at the Church of Our Lady on the Keizersgracht. The church was packed, and it was especially encouraging to see so many young people.

In his homily, Cardinal Burke reminded us that our greatest treasure is our relationship with Christ. It’s a simple message, but one that’s easy to forget when so much of everyday life revolves around success, money and what other people think of us. Mary helps us turn our attention back to her Son.

Many people were going to confession. Bishop Jan Hendriks shared that one priest alone had heard sixty confessions. To us, that says at least as much about the day as the size of the crowd. People hadn’t only come to be part of a beautiful event. There was a real opportunity to begin again with God.

After Mass, we walked through the streets to the Vondelpark, praying and singing Marian hymns. Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk joined us there, and Bishop Hendriks welcomed everyone. The Rosary was prayed in several languages, and Cardinal Burke spoke about its meaning.

The Rosary gives us something to take home, too. Through its mysteries, we spend time with the life of Jesus, looking at it with Mary. We’re not just remembering what happened long ago. We’re asking to learn from it and let it change how we live.

The rally was also a day of reparation in the spirit of Fatima. That word can sound a little unfamiliar. Bishop Hendriks explained it through the example of a family: when someone you love does wrong, you want to help put things right, not humiliate them. We weren’t there to look down on anyone. We were there to pray for others, aware that we need God’s mercy ourselves.

On Sunday, the visit continued at the Cathedral Basilica of St Bavo in Haarlem. A full cathedral, Mass with Cardinal Burke and Bishop Hendriks, a talk on the First Saturdays devotion, and beautiful singing during Vespers made it another day to be grateful for.

Back home, we’re still taking it all in. We’re grateful to everyone who helped, especially the volunteers and listeners who made this possible. Seeing so many people come together gave us real hope for the faith in the Netherlands.

Now the question is what we do with that encouragement. For us, a good place to start is picking up the Rosary again, even when the crowds are gone and it’s just an ordinary day.