Lely Presbyterian to Hold Interfaith Presentation on Praying the Rosary

When Carl Granieri was just five years old, his parents were having a party at their home in Philadelphia. All the guests were watching the movie classic, King Kong, which so terrified Carl that he could not sleep that night. He remembers: “My mother came to check on me, and put her rosary in my hands, and as I prayed it, I wasn’t afraid anymore and quickly fell asleep. It is something I would not ever forget.” 

On Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 PM, the leadership of Lely Presbyterian Church of East Naples has invited Carl Granieri to be the speaker for an Interfaith Presentation on Praying the Rosary. This hour-long presentation will be held in the church sanctuary with a reception to follow in Kemp Hall. 

For the last three years, Carl has served as Lely Presbyterian Church’s Music Director. Carl is also a practicing Catholic and an active member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in the Diocese of Venice. Carl is also President of CGO Music International and Hearts Afire Ministries. Together with his wife Martie, he co-hosts a highly rated radio show in Atlantic City called “Hearts Afire 4 God: Christian Unity Outreach.” 

Why are we giving this presentation? 

In our post-modern, post-millennial society, there is much more in our world that triggers our fear and anxiety. The nightly news has become a horror movie of the worst kind because we see the reality of what’s unfolding right in front of our eyes, our nation, and our communities. 

Carl says: “There is so much anger and apprehension. In this age of ‘AI’, we have tremendous instant information, but what we need is transformation.” 

Praying the rosary together, Carl believes, can create a bridge between everyone… not only Christians, but even people who have no belief in God, as well as other religious and cultural traditions.  

When asked how and why it can accomplish this, he shares, “Because it is beautiful, peaceful, prayerful, transcendent… an ancient meditation of love. It touches all things we all value, regardless of worldview. It meets us where we are and offers inspiration to everyone.” 

He continues, “The rosary is a meditation on the life of Christ… that singular life everyone admires. Reflecting on his life teaches us love, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, strength, humility, compassion, peace and understanding… and most of all that love that always sacrifices itself for the one loved. Love embraces; it never divides.” 

He concludes, “In these times as never before, humanity needs to come together and become the best version of itself. The global rosary can help us do that.” 

For this Interfaith Presentation on Praying the Rosary, Carl Granieri will offer insight into why this ancient devotional practice has endured, bringing strength, peace, and deeper relationship with our Creator.  

While we are in a time of polarization and division today, praying the rosary is one meaningful way to offer a bridge for genuine connection with our Creator and one another. 

Praying the rosary is not meant to be formulaic or static. Carl says, “Like all things deeply true, it rejoices in paradox. It has a set form and yet it is personal and flexible. In it, everyone will find their personal expressions of goodness.” 

Another example.  “As a young music student, I was playing the right notes, but that doesn’t mean one is actually making music. My teacher in the Philadelphia Orchestra said to me, ‘You must retain the discipline of Beethoven while allowing the music to breathe.’ In this same way, the rosary breathes. It is very personal.” 

An Interfaith Presentation on Praying the Rosary is open to people of all faiths and non-religious. A reception will immediately follow the presentation where the conversation will continue, as we reflect together on the rosary and our own individual and unique faith expressions. 

Carl’s final thought: “This is a way for the world to come together.” 

Lely Presbyterian Church Mission Statement is united in love for Jesus Christ and each other, supporting spiritual growth through worship, education, and mission. Their vision is to be a welcoming Christ-centered community through vibrant worship, encouraging growth in spirituality and service to all in need. 

Lely Presbyterian Church is located at 110 St. Andrews Blvd., Naples, FL 34113. Phone: 239–774–6151. Website: www.lpcnaples.org.