By Ando Perlas
On September 5, 2026, the Saint Carlo Acutis Young Adult Ministry of Mater Dolorosa parish, with the support of the Legion of Mary, held its first Young Adult Marian Encounter: a day-long event dedicated to Our Blessed Mother by the young adults of the parish community and by other young adults in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. It was a day of prayer, reflection, and fellowship with a series of talks exploring different Marian themes and topics by members of the young adult ministries.
The day began with the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Extraordinary Form – Traditional Latin Mass) celebrated by Contemplative of St. Joseph Father Vito Perrone, pastor of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. In his homily, Father Vito highlighted the recurring messages of Our Lady every time she would appear asking for conversion, repentance, prayer and fasting. He placed particular emphasis on the messages of Fatima and the remarkable miracle of the sun on October 13, 1917, reminding the youth to foster child-like faith of trust and confidence in God as did the three children of Fatima.
Following Mass, Ando Perlas, president of the Legion of Mary’s San Francisco Senatus, introduced Charisse Rozario, the Mater Dolorosa Young Adult minister who organized the event. In her welcome remarks, Rozario dedicated the workshop to her own mother as a sign of gratitude for her love and sacrifice in caring for her and her family. However, there is no greater motherly self-sacrifice and sorrow than that endured by the Blessed Mother in bringing forth to this world, her Son Jesus through the mystery of the Incarnation.
This day was indeed meant to give honor to Mary and give glory to Jesus, her Son. For many of the participants, the gathering was more than a day of talks and prayer. It was also an opportunity to meet other young Catholics who are seeking to live their faith in an increasingly secular culture. Topics covered during the event were: The Role of Mary in the Plan of Salvation presented by Mr. Miguel Ramirez, Star of the Sea Church; Marian Apparitions by Mr. Robert Moroto, Mater Dolorosa Church; the Virtues and Sorrows of Mary by Ms. Ginu Scaria, Mater Dolorosa Church; the Sacramentals of Mary and the Holy Rosary by Mr. Charles Cinco, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Brentwood; and True Devotion to Mary by Mr. Jeremy Perlas, Mater Dolorosa.
Following the talk on True Devotion to Mary, the day concluded with the formal Act of Consecration by Saint Louis Marie de Montfort led by Father Vito. He blessed everyone individually as the day ended. It was indeed a grace-filled event for the youth.
