Oct 7 – Memorial for Our Lady of the Rosary
This day was originally observed as the Feast of Our Lady of Victory. Its date was chosen to commemorate the European victory at the third naval Battle of Lepanto in 1571. This battle marked the high point of Turkish (Muslim) advance on European soil with the Balkans and the regions west and north of the Black Sea returning to Western (Christian) hands in the succeeding centuries. This victory, after two earlier defeats at the same location, was attributed to Our Lady of the Rosary as special processions were made on that same day in Rome for the sake of this crucial victory.
Pope Pius V ordered that a commemoration of the rosary should be made upon that day, and at the request of the Dominican Pope Gregory XIII in 1573, allowed this feast to be kept in all churches which possessed an altar dedicated to the rosary. In 1671, the observance of this festival was extended by Pope Clement X to the whole of Spain, and somewhat later Pope Clement XI, after the important victory over the Turks gained by Prince Eugene on 6 August 1716 at Peterwardein in Hungary, commanded the feast of the rosary to be celebrated by the universal Church.
- Wikipedia
Acts 1:12-14
Lk 1:26-38
“…let what you have said be done to me.”
The uncertainity in the world has increased over time. The presence of climate change and the various natural disasters has caused many families severe distress. There is also uncertainty on economic security and the ability of workers to remain employed. Amidst all these uncertain points, we can look to our Lady for assurance and guidance as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Rosary is a weapon against the anxieties of the world. It may be considered as ‘old-fashioned’ by some, but there is a value in the use of the Rosary against the struggles of the world. The meditation on the various mysteries help direct our attention towards our Saviour, Jesus. By identifying with the various individuals in the Rosary, we are able to unite the various emotions which we are encountering in the ‘Hail Mary’s which we pray.
Today’s Feast is a historical commemoration of what was supposed to be a ‘lost’ cause; the victory of the naval battle at Lepanto. The instruction of the Holy Father to pray the Rosary was instrumental in the victory of the Christian navy over the non-believers. This is a comforting response for each one of us. Jesus has helped to win the war against sin for each one of us and we have the Rosary, where we can call upon our Blessed Mother, to help us fight the battles which life has given us.
Instead of watching AI-generated videos or listening to music, perhaps we could take time to pray the Rosary and unite with the whole Church in obtaining the 15 promises of the Rosary prayed to all devotees of our Blessed Mother.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)
Prayer: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for all who continue to pray for the souls who are lost.
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