September 10, 2025 at Church of St. Agnes, New York City; Matt Anthony (44), Matt Schoenecker (50), and Val Creus (59) died tragically in a swimming accident in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on June 18, 2025. They were part of a group of six hikers enjoying a day outing while taking part in a workshop at Trumbull Manor, a conference center in Novato, California. The tragedy was not without a touch of heroism. Some of the hikers were swimming near a waterfall well-known to several in the group, though the water was unusually cold and the current unusually powerful. When Val jumped into the water, he began calling for help. Matt Schoenecker and Matt Anthony immediately leaped in to rescue him. None of the three surfaced, and despite the water’s depth, their bodies were recovered a few days later.

This prayer was composed by St. Bartolo Longo. He is known as the Apostle of Rosary. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025. A passage of this prayer was quoted by Pope Saint John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, On The Most Holy Rosary;

Blessed Bartolo Longo founded the modern city of Pompei. He established an orphanage that still exists today along—with other charitable works. In honor of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei, he built a Shrine to her where her image resides;

Every year on May 8th and on the first Sunday of October the Supplica prayer (or Petition ) to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii is publicly recited at this Shrine. Pilgrims come from all over Italy to recite this prayer;

Pope Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, each made trips to this Shrine to recite the Supplica prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii;

Pope Leo XIV will travel to the Shrine on May 8, 2026 to recite the Supplica prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii.

[Narrated by Jim Morlino]