October 20, 2026
John Kolenberg Sr. of Stamford had a deep devotion to the Rosary.
As a young man, John served as a gunner and tank commander with the 3rd Armored Spearhead Division and received three stars for combat in the Battle of the Bulge — the largest and bloodiest battle that U.S. forces fought on the Western Front.
When John was discharged, he entered a Trappist monastery in Conyers, Georgia, but later left to become a teacher, marry and raise a family. Of his many accomplishments in life, John wanted to talk about a very special one.
Throughout the day, he prayed the Rosary for friends, family members, strangers, for healings, conversions, peace, the Blessed Mother’s intentions … and many more intentions only known to Our Lady of the Rosary. In total, he probably prayed several millions rosaries over the years.
For John and countless others, the month of October, which is dedicated to the Rosary, is a special time of year. Follow his example. Take up your beads — or buy a set — so you can pray the Rosary.
If this troubled world makes it through, it will be because of the often anonymous, loyal souls devoted to Our Lady of the Rosary. And she won’t disappoint them. As Padre Pio said, “Love the Madonna and pray the Rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today.”
©J Pisani
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