DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF OCTOBER TO THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF OCTOBER TO THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion. The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, one of the best known of all Catholic devotions. October includes the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7). Since 1571, Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, is venerated on October 7. The best way to celebrate the month is, to pray the Rosary.

But why is it that on October 7th the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary? On October 7, 1571, a great victory over the mighty Turkish fleet was won by Catholic naval forces primarily from Spain, Venice, and Genoa under the command of Don Juan of Austria. It was the last battle at sea between “oared” ships, which featured the most powerful navy in the world, a Moslem force with between 12,000 to 15,000 Christian slaves as rowers.

The patchwork team of Catholic ships was powered by the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Knowing that the Christian forces were at a distinct material disadvantage, the holy pontiff, St. Pope Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory. We know today that the victory was significant, prevented the Islamic invasion of Europe, and evidenced the Hand of God working through Our Lady.

At the hour of victory, St. Pope Pius V, who was hundreds of miles away at the Vatican, is said to have gotten up from a meeting, went over to a window, and exclaimed with supernatural radiance: “The Christian fleet is victorious!” and shed tears of thanksgiving to God. What you may not know is that one of three admirals commanding the Catholic forces at Lepanto was Andrea Doria.

He carried a small copy of Mexico’s Our Lady of Guadalupe into battle. This image is now enshrined in the Church of San Stefano in Aveto, Italy. Not many know that at the Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spain, one can view a huge warship lantern that was captured from the Moslems in the Battle of Lepanto.

In Rome, look up to the ceiling of S. Maria in Aracoeli and behold decorations in gold taken from the Turkish galleys. In the Doges’ Palace in Venice, Italy, one can witness a giant Islamic flag that is now a trophy from a vanquished Turkish ship from the Victory.

At Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome, close to the tomb of the great St. Pope Pius V, one was once able to view yet another Islamic flag from the Battle, until 1965, when it was returned to Istanbul in an intended friendly token of concord.

At Lepanto, the Victory over the Moslems was won by the faithful praying the Rosary. Even though they had superior numbers, the Turks really were overmatched. Blessed Padre Pio, the Spiritual Father of the Blue Army, said: “The Rosary is the weapon,” and how right he was!

The Battle of Lepanto was at first celebrated liturgically as “Our Lady of Victory.” Later, the feast of October 7th was renamed “Our Lady of the Rosary” and extended throughout the Universal Church by Pope Clement XI in 1716 (who canonized Pope Pius V in 1712).

And with that we are back to Fatima, Portugal where Our Lady, when asked her name, said: “I am the Lady of the Rosary.” At Fatima, Our Lady taught us to pray the Rosary every day.

Heaven presented its peace plan at Fatima and truly gave us hope for the world.

Conversions were promised at Fatima: the conversion of sinners; the conversion of Russia; and what also appears to be the conversion of Islam.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY NOVENA:

( To be said each day, for nine days, starting from 28 September to 6 October, in preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on 7 October)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, in these times of such brazen impiety, show your power with the signs of your former victories. Look with mercy on the Church of your Son, on His Vicar on earth, and on all the clergy and laity, who are sorely oppressed in this mighty conflict. Powerful 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. As I kneel before you in prayer, obtain for me my requests

(Mention your request here…)

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us.

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

WORLD MISSION ROSARY DAY:

Every year the first Friday in October (this year October 6th, 2023) is World Mission Rosary Day (sometimes called Missionary Childhood Day) – a day when kids are asked to recognize their young peers in other parts of the world. Our diocese celebrates this day each year by asking our schools and parishes to pray the World Mission Rosary at some point on or near that date. It is a wonderful way to join other kids around the world in praying for our world – just think of the great power of prayer and the difference we can make!

World Mission Rosary: Embracing the World in Prayer

The World Mission Rosary was envisioned by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, then the national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, in 1951. He made the request on a radio show that his listeners “Embrace the world in prayer.” To do so he introduced this Rosary.

Its uniqueness is in the five colors represented in each of the decades. Color symbolism in a rosary is a gentle reminder on which to focus our prayers.

This rosary honors the work of mission, our call to be missioners, and world unity and peace through its special emphasis on each of the Earth’s regions, where prayers are needed for all people who live and play and pray just like each of us! Each region is represented by a different color, it is not only a beautiful rosary, but rich in symbolism.

Colors of the World Mission Rosary:

The colors/areas of the Mission Rosary include:

Green – for the forests and grasslands of Africa

Red – calling to mind the fire of faith that brought missioners to the Americas (US, Canada, Latin America and Native Americans)

White – symbolizing Europe, the home of the Holy Father

Blue – for the ocean surrounding the Islands of the Pacific (Australia/Oceana)

Yellow – symbolizing the morning light of the East and ‘beginning of civilization’ for Asia/ Middle East.

Every year the first Friday in October (this year October 6th, 2023) is World Mission Rosary Day (sometimes called Missionary Childhood Day) – a day when kids are asked to recognize their young peers in other parts of the world. Our diocese celebrates this day each year by asking our schools and parishes to pray the World Mission Rosary at some point on or near that date. It is a wonderful way to join other kids around the world in praying for our world – just think of the great power of prayer and the difference we can make!

PRAYING THE WORLD MISSION ROSARY:

The Mission Rosary can be prayed in the same way that you would pray any other Rosary, be that in a group, with your family or individually. Begin by praying the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, 3 Hail Mary’s and the Glory Be, followed by which ever mysteries you choose to pray at the time and their corresponding prayers for each decade. As you do so, simply keep in mind the area and all people of the world that each decade’s color represents, and perhaps offer a special petition relating to that area after you announce the mystery.

The Mission Rosary can also be prayed in a special way, using the “Mission Mysteries” developed by Maryknoll’s mission organization. These mysteries are:

The 1st Mission Mystery: The visit of the Magi, the first missioners (Matthew 2:1,11)

The 2nd Mission Mystery: Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman, crossing borders/breaking down boundaries (John 4:28)

The 3rd Mission Mystery: Jesus cures the centurion’s servant, acts of healing and service (Luke 7:2)

The 4th Mission Mystery: The conversion of Paul, expanding the faith to the Gentiles, the “other,” and thus the world (Acts 9:20)

The 5th Mission Mystery: Jesus sends out His disciples, we’re all called to mission (Mark 16:15)

HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY

Make the Sign of the Cross and say the “Apostles’ Creed”

Say the “Our Father”

Say three “Hail Marys” for Faith, Hope, and Charity

Say the “Glory Be”

Announce the First Mystery and then say the “Our Father”

Say ten “Hail Marys” while meditating on the Mystery

Say the “Glory Be” (Optional: Say the “O My Jesus” prayer requested by Mary at Fatima)

Announce the Next Mystery; then say the “Our Father” and repeat these steps (6 through 8) as you continue through the remaining Mysteries.

Say the closing prayers: the “Hail Holy Queen” and “Final Prayer”

Make the “Sign of the Cross”

Pope Saint John Paul II suggested the recitation of the Mysteries of the Rosary as follows:

THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES Monday and Saturday

THE LUMINOUS on Thursday

THE SORROWFUL on Tuesday and Friday

THE GLORIOUS on Wednesday and Sunday (with this exception; Sundays of Advent and Christmas – the JOYFUL; Sundays of Lent – the SORROWFUL)

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Oh My Jesus

O my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us, the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Final Prayer

Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

The Joyful Mysteries are:

The Annunciation

The Visitation

The Nativity

The Presentation in the Temple

The Finding in the Temple

The Sorrowful Mysteries are:

The Agony in the Garden

The Scourging at the Pillar

The Crowning with Thorns

The Carrying of the Cross

The Crucifixion

The Glorious Mysteries are:

The Resurrection

The Ascension

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

The Assumption of the BVM

The Coronation of the BVM

The Luminous Mysteries are:

The Baptism of Jesus

The Wedding of Cana

The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion

The Transfiguration

The Institution of the Eucharist

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY

O Queen of the most Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Victory! Joyfully do I come before thee on this day, commemorating the many glorious victories gained through devotion to thy most Holy Rosary. Thou hast promised that we may obtain all that we ask for through the Holy Rosary. Filled, therefore with confidence, I cast myself at thy feet, full of sorrow at the sight of my sins, yet full of hope at the sight of thy mercy.

The first victory that I beg of thee, is a victory over the first enemy of my soul—the devil, who, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Thou, who hast crushed his influence and plots in so many cases, crush, too, his influence in my life, so that strengthened by thy help, I may resist the fiery darts of the evil one.

The second victory that I beg of thee, is a victory over my second enemy—the world, of which the devil is prince. Help me to see its emptiness, to flee its vanities, to resist its allurements, knowing that “the friendship of this world is the enemy of God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world, becometh an enemy of God.”

The third victory that I beg of thee, is a victory over my third enemy—my own self, scarred and weakened by Original Sin. Help me correct my values so that I may seek first the kingdom of God and love Him with my whole heart, mind, soul and strength. Plant in my mind and heart a great appreciation and desire for the spiritual things in life; and to treasure them above any treasures of this earth. Assist me in all my temptations; instruct me in all virtues; help me pay for my past sins; remove me from the broad, wide road that leads to perdition and guide me along the narrow path that leads to Heaven.

The fourth victory that I beg of thee, is a victory for Holy Mother Church over the diseases currently ravaging the Mystical Body of Christ, namely those of Liberalism, Modernism, Indifferentism, Secularism, Materialism and that terrible state, which God threatens to vomit out of His mouth—Lukewarmness (Apoc. 3:16). Such is the state of the Church, which made thee complain at Fatima that so many souls go to Hell as there are none who pray and offer sacrifices for them. Grant that I may not forget these souls and these diseases in my daily Rosaries, for God has stated that the Rosary is a remedy for our age, and I am confident of obtaining thy powerful intercession on their behalf.

The fifth victory that I beg of thee, is a victory over all evil, and the crown of glory in Heaven, for all my family, relatives, friends and benefactors; for those entrusted to my care and for those in charge over me. Obtain for them the graces and helps necessary to overcome all obstacles to conversion, repentance and salvation.

For this end, do I consecrate to thee, O Queen of the most Holy Rosary, my body and soul, my goods, both interior and exterior, and even the value of all my good actions, past, present and future; leaving to thee the entire and full right of disposing of me and all that belongs to me, without exception, according to thy good pleasure, for the greater glory of God, in time and in eternity. Amen. Thus I hope! Thus may it be!

PRAYER TO THE MOST POWERFUL VIRGIN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

Virgin most powerful, loving helper of the Christian people, how great is the thanks we owe to thee, for the assistance thou hast given our fathers, who invoked thy maternal help, by the devout recitation of thy Rosary, when they were threatened by the Turkish infidels! From heaven, thou didst see their deadly peril. Thou didst hear their voices imploring thy compassion. Their humble prayers, enjoined by the great Pope, Saint Pius V, were acceptable to thee, and thou didst come quickly to deliver them.

Grant, dear Mother, that, in like manner, the prolonged sigh of the Holy Bride of Christ, in these our days, may reach thy throne and win thy pity. Be moved to compassion and rise, once again, to deliver Her from the many foes who surround Her on every side.

Even now, from the four quarters of the earth, there arises to thy throne, the prayer of the Rosary, to beg thy mercy in these troubled times. Unfortunately, our sins hinder, or at least retard, their effect. Wherefore, dear Mother, obtain for us true sorrow for our sins and a firm resolution to face death, rather than return to our former sins. It grieves us that, through our own fault, thy help, which we need so desperately, should be denied, or come too late.

Turn to us, O Mary, and graciously listen to the prayers of the whole Catholic world; conquer the pride of those wicked men, who, in their insolence, blaspheme Almighty God and would destroy His Church, against which, according to the infallible words of Christ, the gates of hell shall never prevail. Let it be seen, once more, that when thou arisest to protect the Church, Her victory is sure. Amen. (indulgence of 500 days; Raccolta, no. 412

PRAYER TO THE QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

Queen of the most holy Rosary, in these times of brazen impiety, show thy power with the signs of thy former victories, and, from thy throne, from which thou bestowest pardon and graces, mercifully look upon the Church of thy Son, His Vicar on earth, and every order of clergy and laity, who are sorely oppressed in this mighty conflict. Powerful 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.

For us, who are the least of men, kneeling before thee in prayer, obtain the grace we need to live a holy life upon earth and to reign among the just in heaven. Meanwhile, together with all faithful Christians throughout the world, we greet thee and acclaim thee as the Queen of the Most holy Rosary: Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us. (Indulgence of 500 days; Raccolta, no. 399)

PRAYER TO THE QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and tender Mother of all people, I consecrate myself to your Immaculate Heart, and recommend to you my family, my country, and the whole human race. Please accept my consecration, dearest Mother, and use me as you wish, to accomplish your designs upon the world.

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and earth, rule over me, and teach me how to allow the Heart of Jesus to rule and triumph in me and around me, as it has ruled and triumphed in you. Amen.

365 PROMISES – OCTOBER DEVOTIONALS

OCTOBER 1 – PROMISE #274

I am the everlasting God. – Psalm 90:2

OCTOBER 2 – PROMISE #275

I am righteous in all My ways and kind in all that I do. – Psalm 145:17

OCTOBER 3 – PROMISE #276

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my Son, Jesus. – John 17:23

OCTOBER 4 – PROMISE #277

If you believe in Jesus, you will not be disappointed. – 1 Peter 2:6

OCTOBER 5 – PROMISE #278

You are My workmanship, created in Christ to do My good works. – Ephesians 2:10

OCTOBER 6 – PROMISE #279

I have chosen you to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. – 1 Peter 2:9

OCTOBER 7 – PROMISE #280

Your life comes from Me because you are My offspring. – Acts 17:28

OCTOBER 8 – PROMISE #281

I have blessed you in Christ with one outpouring of grace after another. – John 1:16

OCTOBER 9 – PROMISE #282

If you confess your sins, I will be faithful to forgive and cleanse you. – 1 John 1:9

OCTOBER 10 – PROMISE #283

Because of Jesus, you are free from all condemnation. – Romans 8:1

OCTOBER 11 – PROMISE #284

I am happy to treat you as My child, and I hope you will call Me Father. – Jeremiah 3:19

OCTOBER 12 – PROMISE #285

Even if your mother forgets you, I will never forget you. – Isaiah 49:15

OCTOBER 13 – PROMISE #286

I will fulfill My purpose for your life because My mercy endures forever. – Psalm 138:8

OCTOBER 14 – PROMISE #287

If you make your home in love, you live in Me and I live in you. – 1 John 4:16

OCTOBER 15 – PROMISE #288

I love to sing over you with loud shouts of joy. – Zephaniah 3:17

OCTOBER 16 – PROMISE #289

If I look after the sparrows, I will certainly take care of you. – Luke 12:6-7

OCTOBER 17 – PROMISE #290

If you remain still, I will do your fighting for you. – Exodus 14:14

OCTOBER 18 – PROMISE #291

I will give you My power to destroy spiritual strongholds. – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

OCTOBER 19 – PROMISE #292

I will cover you with My feathers and protect you with My wings. – Psalm 91:4

OCTOBER 20 – PROMISE #293

My angels will surround all who fear Me. Psalm 34:7

OCTOBER 21 – PROMISE #294

I will meet all your needs so you can overflow with good works. –                       2 Corinthians 9:8

OCTOBER 22 – PROMISE #295

I will give you My strength and bless you with My peace. – Psalm 29:11

OCTOBER 23 – PROMISE #296

I have given you My Spirit, so your body could be My temple. – 1 Corinthians 6:19

OCTOBER 24 – PROMISE #297

My love covers a multitude of sins.           1 Peter 4:8

OCTOBER 25 – PROMISE #298

My great peace will guard your heart and your thoughts in Jesus.      Philippians 4:7

OCTOBER 26 – PROMISE #299

I watch over you and I listen for your prayers. – 1 Peter 3:12

OCTOBER 27 – PROMISE #300

Jesus is happy to share His inheritance with you. – Romans 8:16-17

OCTOBER 28 – PROMISE #301

Those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death. – Revelation 2:11

OCTOBER 29 – PROMISE #302

I have called you to My eternal glory in Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 5:10

OCTOBER 30 – PROMISE #303

I am giving you a kingdom that can never be shaken. – Hebrews 12:28

OCTOBER 31 – PROMISE #304

I promise a crown of life to all who love Me despite their trials. – James 1:12

PRAYER

Dear Mary, help us to pray the rosary, as a family, so that we overcome with serenity, the trials and tribulations which satan inflicts on us.

Hail Mary these roses from our hearts are for you, because we love you so much. Roses of love and gratitude to make a garland for Jesus and you. Roses that will replace the spear of sorrow piercing your tender, loving heart. Amen

INVOCATION TO THE QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY

O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty. Grant, above all, O Virgin Mary, that the study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being.

So shall I acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of supplication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the holy Rosary, through Saint Dominic, thy son of predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.

FOR THE CRUSADE OF THE FAMILY ROSARY

O Queen of the most holy Rosary: with hearts full of confidence we earnestly beseech you to bless the Crusade of the Family Rosary. From you came the grace to begin it. From you must come the grace to win souls to it. We beg you to bless this Crusade so that from every home the incense of this prayer will daily rise before you, O admirable Mother.

O Queen of Homes: by the power of the Rosary we beseech you to embrace all the members of our family in the love of your Immaculate Heart. May you abide with us and we with you, praying to you while you pray for us. May you preside in our homes as once you did at Nazareth with Jesus and Joseph, filling them with the holiness of your presence and inspiration.

O Queen of Peace: it is you who have placed the Rosary in our hands. It is you who bid us to recite it daily. By the power of the Family Rosary we beseech you to obtain peace for us peace within our hearts, our homes, our country and throughout the world.

Through the daily recitation of the Family Rosary we beg you to keep sin from our souls, enmities from our hearts and war from our shores. By the graces received from the devotion of the Family Rosary we pray to be made helpful to one another in following the paths of virtue so that we may be found worthy to be called children of your family, children of your home. Amen.

Cardinal Spellman

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O’Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954