The Rally started with Holy Mass, the Principal Celebrant being Fr Anselm Stark OCSO who was celebrating his Golden Jubilee. Fr Anselm is also the Spiritual Director of the Association. Before the Mass got under way, Fr Anselm presented an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Elizabeth Dillon, the Leader of the Association. Elizabeth responded that this was a very great honour both for her and for everyone who had supported the Association, including those present at the Rally. She added that this year was indeed a year of celebration and that even the fact that the Association was to go out of existance at the end of this year was also a celebration, because its aims had been mainly achieved.

In his Homily, Fr Anslem spoke of treasured memories, including those of the Gracedieu Rally - now in its 25th year. He remembered the great influence that Our Lady had on his life and drew the congregation's attention to the Black Madonna, dating for 1440, which is now to be found in the Chapter House of Mount St Bernard Abbey. Fr Anselm recalled that, although it would be expected for an enclosed monk to travel very little, various anniversaries had provided him with opportunities to travel to Lourdes, Medjugorje and Oberammergau. He recalled his experience of the most moving parts of the Passion Play, particulary the agony in the Garden. Fr Anselm concluded with emphasis on submission to the Father's will, a great act of faith we make every day when we pray.

After a break, the Statue of our Lady was crowned and taken in procession. The five Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary were prayed, interspersed with hymns. Brilliant sunshine was restored when the 4th mystery was meditated upon. This was followed by Exposition, the Blessing of the Sick and the Blessing of Brown Scapulars. The closing hymn was sung and the faithful headed homewards after a very refreshing day.