First Ever Living Rosary to Honor Veterans at Bishop Canevin High School

PITTSBURGH, PA - In a moving blend of faith, remembrance, and patriotism, the Bishop Canevin High School community will gather on Veterans Day to form the school’s first-ever Living Rosary — a striking human chain of prayer honoring all who have served in the U.S. military.

More than 200 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families will encircle the school’s outdoor chapel at noon on Tuesday, November 11, transforming themselves into a “living” version of the centuries-old Catholic Marian devotion. Each participant will represent a bead of the Rosary, joining in prayer to complete all five mysteries in a unified act of spiritual reflection.

The Living Rosary tradition dates back nearly 200 years, founded in 1826 by French laywoman Pauline Jaricot and officially recognized by Pope Gregory XVI. Though it has faded in modern times, Bishop Canevin’s event marks a revival of the devotion — one that organizers say beautifully combines community, faith, and gratitude.

“This is more than a prayer service; it’s a living tribute,” said Sara Barbisch, a 1996 Bishop Canevin alumna who organized the event. “Each decade of the Rosary will be prayed in thanksgiving for our veterans — past, present, and fallen. It’s our way of saying, as a school community, that their sacrifices are not forgotten.”

Special remembrance will be given to six Bishop Canevin alumni who lost their lives in service to the nation:

• SP/4 Joel D. Coleman ’63 (Vietnam)
• WO James K. McAleer III ’64 (Vietnam)
• WO Robert F. Bahl Jr. ’65 (Vietnam)
• PFC Norman F. Benedik ’66 (Vietnam)
• CPL James F. Engelmeier ’66 (Vietnam)
• Lance CPL Ryan J. Kovacicek ’01 (Iraq)

The event is open to the public, and veterans are especially encouraged to attend. Organizers are also inviting community members to submit the names of loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the military for remembrance during the ceremony.

If weather conditions prevent the outdoor formation, the Living Rosary will be moved indoors to the school gymnasium.

“We want this to be a visual and emotional expression of gratitude — something that will resonate not only with our students, but with every veteran and family member present,” said school president Brian Fernandes. “At Bishop Canevin, we remember that all gave some — and some gave all.”

Sidebar: Veterans Day Living Rosary Public Event

Event: Bishop Canevin High School Living Rosary Honoring Veterans
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Bishop Canevin High School, 2700 Morange Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(Outdoors in front of the chapel; moves indoors if inclement weather)
Admission: Free and open to the public
To Participate:

• Attend in person (veterans especially encouraged)
• Submit names of military loved ones for remembrance
• Contacts: Sara Barbisch ’96 – barbischs@bishopcanevin.org | 412-922-7400 ext. 3014 Stephen Wayhart – stephen.wayhart@brandmill.com | 412-401-0555
• Website: www.bishopcanevin.org