General Promoter of the Rosary to Visit Macau This December
Fr Leonard Dollentas
Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P., General Promoter of the Rosary and the Rosary Confraternity for the Dominican Order throughout the world, will be visiting Macau from December 19 – 22. He will give devotional sessions on the power of the rosary in various English-speaking communities and churches in Macau. Fr Lawrence was born into a Protestant family in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and attended a high school under La Salle Brothers in Singapore, where he converted to Catholicism. During his last year at university, he thought seriously about a religious vocation and he joined the Dominicans.
His journey into priesthood was marked by a deep commitment to prayer and passion for theology, apologetics, music and the sacred arts. After his ordination as a Dominican priest, he began to explore various forms of devotion, ultimately finding a profound connection with the Rosary. This devotion, rooted in the life of the Virgin Mary and the mysteries of Christ, resonated with his own spiritual journey.
On October 7, 2019, the feast day of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, Father Lawrence was appointed as “General Promoter of the Rosary” by the master of the Dominican Order, Fr Gerard Francisco Timoner III. Father Lawrence has since dedicated much of his ministry to promoting the Rosary. He has become a leading advocate for the Rosary, emphasizing its importance in personal prayer life and communal worship.
In one of his interviews online, he said: “Praying together brings people together and I think that is the great power of the Rosary: It unites us, and it brings us right into the heart of the universal Church. We recognize that we are a communion of saints, and the Rosary is Mary’s gift to the entire Church.” In his various talks, he emphasizes that the Rosary is not merely a repetitive prayer but a meditative journey through the life of Jesus and Mary. He said: “The Rosary is the prayer that many of us will take with us throughout our Catholic life, it is so beautiful that we turn to the Rosary when we are sad, when we are anxious, when something happens in our lives that causes us distress, but also in happy times and to celebrate.”
He has utilized various platforms to share his passion for the Rosary. He frequently engages in public speaking, lectures, and workshops, where he explains the theological significance and practical benefits of this devotional practice. Through social media, articles, and videos, he reaches a broader audience, encouraging people from all walks of life to embrace the Rosary. His approach is particularly appealing to younger generations, as he often incorporates modern technology and contemporary themes into his teachings.
This ability to connect with youth has sparked a renewed interest in the Rosary among younger Catholics, who see it as a relevant form of prayer in today’s fast-paced world. He also highlights the importance of praying the Rosary in community settings, such as parishes and families.
Father Lawrence Lew’s influence extends beyond local communities. His efforts have contributed to the resurgence of Rosary devotion worldwide. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting the Rosary as a means of evangelization. Through campaigns and special events, he has inspired countless individuals to take up the Rosary, often linking it to broader themes of peace and reconciliation.
Besides being the General Promoter of the Rosary and the Rosary Confraternity for the Dominican Order throughout the world, Fr Lawrence has also written books and is a recognized lecturer. He is author of ‘Mysteries Made Visible: Praying the Rosary with Sacred Art’ (Ignatius Press, 2022) and has lectured in Mariology and Apologetics at Blackfriars Hall in Oxford. He is a well-known photographer of sacred art, and was commissioned by Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) to work on a book on the symbolism of church architecture and the saints in art.
Follow
