OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Acts 1:12-14; Psalm – Luke 1; Luke 1:26-38
Mary is at the center of our readings today. In the first reading, the apostles gathered with Mary in prayer at the Upper Room in Jerusalem. Similarly, the Psalm presents us with Mary’s beautiful prayer, the Magnificat, a song of praise, while the gospel talks about the Annunciation, wherein Mary said ‘yes’ to God in complete trust and confidence and without hesitation.
Today, October 7, the church celebrates the yearly feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Known for several centuries by the alternate title “Our Lady of Victory,” the feast day takes place in honor of a 16th-century naval victory that 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 guide us.
PRAYER TO OUR MOST HOLY ROSARY’S LADY
O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, in these times of such brazen impiety, manifest your power with the signs of your 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, hastens 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 you in supplication, the grace I need to live righteously upon earth in order to be numbered among the just in heaven.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
