Acts 1:12-14; Psalm – Luke 1; Luke 1:26-38
Mary is at the centre of our readings today. In the first reading, the apostles gathered with Mary in prayer at the Upper Room in Jerusalem. The Psalm presents us with Mary’s beautiful prayer, the Magnificat, song of praise. The gospel presents us with the Annunciation narrative. Mary said ‘yes’ to God in complete trust and confidence and without hesitation. On October 7, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the yearly feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Known for several centuries by the alternate title of “Our Lady of Victory,” the feast day takes place in honor of a 16th century naval victory which secured Europe against Turkish invasion. Pope St. Pius V attributed the victory to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was invoked on the day of the battle through a campaign to pray the Rosary throughout Europe. Today’s memorial- Our Lady of the Rosary, reminds us to be steadfast in prayer and to always trust in the Lord for he will be with us to strengthen and to guide us.
Prayer to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, in these times of such brazen impiety, manifest thy power with the signs of thine ancient victories.
From thy throne whence thou dispense pardon and grace, mercifully regard the Church of thy Son, His Vicar on Earth, and every order of clergy, religious, and laity, who are oppressed in this mighty conflict.
Thou who art powerful, the vanquisher of all heresies, hasten the hour of mercy, even though the hour of God’s justice is every day provoked by the countless sins of men, the sons and daughters of Adam.
Obtain for me, the least of men, kneeling before thee in supplication, the grace I need to live righteously upon earth, in order to be numbered among the just in heaven.
