In light of overwhelming success for his first target, Bishop Robert Barron has adjusted his goal on how many Rosaries he’d like Catholics to pray this month.

“As we enter into the month of May in which we place a special emphasis on the Church’s relationship with Mary, join us in praying 50,000 Rosaries for the intention that those who have fallen away from their faith may return to the Church with a renewed understanding of God’s love and mercy,” Barron said on his Word on Fire website.

Barron had called for a Rosary brigade in May, which is celebrated as the Month of Mary in Catholic circles. His initial tweet called for the faithful to say 10,000 this month “for those who have fallen away from the faith.” He asked participants to record their efforts on the Word on Fire website, and within two days the goal was met.

May is a month during which the faithful are given ample opportunity to express their deep devotion and respect for Mary by honoring her in various ways, like through prayer, or activities within their specific parishes. It is a time of heightened spiritual reflection and dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to Catholic Culture.

The Catholic Church has been observing the Month of Mary for several centuries to pay tribute to Mary, the Mother of God, though it wasn’t always associated with the month of May. The celebration traces its roots to ancient Greek culture and was popularized during the baroque period when it involved daily spiritual exercises for the entire month. The tradition grew significantly in the 19th century and at some point May was firmly established as the month it would be permanently, according to the National Catholic Register.

"In the Catholic Church of course, May is also the month in which we turn our gaze more intently to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who serves as a powerful intercessor for us in prayer to her son," Barron said online. "This month, Word on Fire is starting a simple but powerful initiative that I hope you'll consider. We're challenging people to join us in offering a rosary this month for the intercession of all of those who have fallen away from the church. Our goal is to get 10,000 rosaries prayed across the country and around the world in the month of May.”

A world map on the Word on Fire website displays the number of rosaries prayed and their location globally. Monetary donations are appreciated, though not required. Those who contribute $50 or more receive a handmade Word on Fire Rosary and 10 Our Lady of the Rosary prayer cards to distribute, according to Word on Fire.