The Formation of The Living Rosary Apostolate Founders

In May 2001, Roger and Glenda La Fleur-Olsson moved from Sweden to the United States, where they settled in Mitchell, South Dakota. In the summer of that year, they attended a Marian Retreat in Alexandria, South Dakota, where they met Genny Mamai, from Eagan, Minnesota, who would later become a cherished friend.

In 2005, Genny took a pilgrimage to Betania, Venezuela, where she met fellow pilgrims Frank and Trudy Bonack from Three Lakes, Wisconsin. On the flight Frank and Trudy sat in front of Genny and they heard Genny and friends singing “Ave, Ave, Ave Maria” while praying the Rosary. The Bonacks got out a small statue of the Blessed Mother and held it up making Her look like she was dancing 
to their singing. The girls saw Her and squealed with delight!!! Throughout the pilgrimage, Genny, Frank and Trudy spent much time together getting to know each other. These strangers became instant friends.

No one knew at the time, but a spiritual bond and genuine friendship circle was already taking shape. On Genny’s return to the United States, she shared with the Olssons her experiences in Venezuela and spoke at length about Frank and Trudy, who said they wanted to meet the friends from South Dakota. September 12, 2006, the five spiritual devotees gathered for a Healing Mass at St. Theresa Parish in Appleton, Wisconsin. When the Mass ended, the Bonacks opened their home to their new friends who, over the course of several days, enjoyed each other’s company.

A few months later, strengthened in their friendship and fellowship, the Olssons and the Bonacks would travel to Genny’s home in Minnesota, where they gathered for a bimonthly weekend long prayer group, which included Bible study, Confession, attending Mass and Adoration. An integral part of their time together was recitation of the Rosary as part of the group morning and nightly prayers.

Following the Olssons’ return to Sweden in April 2010 and Genny’s return to Narobi, Kenya, Africa in 2011, the friends started a Skype group to continue their devotion.

After much reflection, the friends were inspired to create The Living Rosary Apostolate in 2012 to help spread the message of this powerful devotion. The founding members have traveled to numerous countries and cities on their mission, and now The Living Rosary is prayed by people of all walks of life in 68 countries. This Living Rosary is unique because all the members around the world, meditate on one decade daily of one of the four Mysteries. As we all know, each decade is a part of Jesus and Our Blessed Mother’s life on earth. Through the month-long meditation on each decade of the rosary, we are drawn more intimately into their
lives.

From the very beginning, this small group of friends who were called together, not by chance but by Divine Providence, have found solace in a life grounded in spiritual faith. Through the mission of This Living Rosary Apostolate, anyone is welcome to join this global community, seeking spiritual guidance through the Blessed Mother, who calls us all to know her Divine Son Jesus Christ.

The Living Rosary Apostolate Founders

Roger and Glenda, La Fleur-Olsson – Jönköping, Sweden
Frank and Trudy Bonack – Three Lakes, Wisconsin
Genny Mamai (deceased) – Nairobi, Kenya, Africa
(While returning from a Living Rosary mission trip on March 17, 2020, our beloved sister Genny, succumbed to injuries she obtained from a fall. She is greatly loved and missed.)