ARTICLES

St. Luke ‘Power Rosary’ keeps people in shape

By Sandy Grecco
Special to The Catholic Virginian

“Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee…”

From around the back parking lot at St. Luke Catholic Church in Virginia Beach grew a murmuring chorus of voices in prayer.

A moment later the small army of parishioners and friends from neighboring churches appeared, praying the Rosary as they finished the first of seven or eight circuits around the outside of the church.

“It is usually at least a 30-minute walk,” said Father Salvador Anonuevo, pastor of St. Luke’s and the one responsible for initiating a movement of health, wellness, and powerful prayer within the parish.

The “Power Rosary” was started in the spring of 2003 by Father Sal and a few other “health nuts” like St. Luke Pastoral Assistant Patty Trail as a means of getting people in the parish to get “moving.”

Today it is at the crux of a health initiative energizing a church body that has grown from 170 to 700 families in a little more than three years.

Monday through Saturday begins with 7 a.m. Mass followed by a power breakfast of oatmeal and coffee, fresh fruit, bagels with homemade butter and jams, and other goodies. By 8:30, the 20 or so Marian devotees that haven’t yet left for work begin their mile and a half walk of prayer.

One friend of the parish, 68-year old Rudy Pascual, has lost 35 pounds walking the Power Rosary. But as most of the “Power People” will tell you, it’s not just about physical fitness.

“I wake up ahead of my alarm,” says Sonia Vargas, “and can’t wait to get here to start my day with the Word of God.”

Sonia, with friends Carmen and Elana, walk together each morning. They’ve created what they call their “BFF Circle of Friends.”

Bene Magsombol leads much of the prayer and adoration for the group.

“Power Rosary keeps me active spiritually, physically, and mentally,” said Bene.

Now five years strong, Power Rosary has begun to spur activity in other areas of the church, including a resurgence of the parish’s men’s group. Renamed the St. Luke Men’s Health Club, the once-tired organization, has begun offering monthly sessions on health, nutrition, and exercise as well as frequent trips to the driving range. The group has also taken on a more active role in events like the church’s September 13 golf tournament to raise money for a new building.

Father Sal likes to say it’s all about learning how to “move your mouth a little bit less and move your arms and legs a little bit more.”

“Just like that 76 VW Beetle over there,” he said pointing to the shiny red car in the parking lot, “if you keep your body maintained and put in the right fuel, you’ll continue to run well and get high mileage.”

back to top