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Anyone driving around Southern Arizona today may notice clusters of Catholics standing outside and praying the rosary.

The prayer sessions mark the 90th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima — the Virgin Mary as Catholics believe she appeared at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.

Catholics say that when Our Lady appeared 90 years ago she emphasized the power of converting, praying and doing penance in public. For that reason, most of today's observations will be held outdoors.

A national Pennsylvania-based organization called the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property reports that 2,500 "public square rosary rallies" have been held around the country in the past few days.

The group printed sample invitations to rosary events, saying that as the future is clouded by things like terrorism, abortion, depression and suicide, a moral crusade is in order.

"Take the rosary off the rearview mirror and start praying," the invitation says. "Remember: There will be no peace in our lives or in society unless we honor God and obey his law."

In Tucson, a recitation of the rosary will begin at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., at 10:30 a.m. today, followed by a Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson and a eucharistic procession.

At noon, rosary "rallies" are scheduled to take place in front of or inside:

● St. Luke's Catholic Church in Douglas.

● St. Ann's Catholic Church in Tubac.

● Sonoran Saints, 10825 N. Oracle Road in Oro Valley.

● Trinity Bookstore, 3801 E. Fort Lowell Road.

● Casa Inspiracion, 2536 E. Sixth St.

"When the Virgin appeared in Portugal she asked that we pray the rosary and do penance to save the world," Casa Inspiracion owner Angie Lopez said. "The events are mainly intended for Catholics who have forgotten the rosary, forgotten to say it — that's a lot of Catholics."