Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
Initially, this feast commemorated the defeat of the Turkish forces on the western coast of Greece in 1571. The people of the area were called upon to pray the Rosary; because of this, they were victorious. It is good for us to see the Rosary as a weapon against our enemies. We pray the rosary to repel the attacks of Satan and his demons. We pray the rosary to repel the attacks of vice and hatred. We pray the rosary to repel the attacks of fear and doubt. We also pray the rosary to grow in holiness and trust in God.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who was told that her heart would be pierced so that the thoughts of many would be revealed, leads us to her son in all things. By the faithful recitation of the rosary, we are soaked in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is why the rosary is such a powerful weapon and teacher; the life and death of Christ are alive in us when we pray.
I encourage you to pray the rosary each day. Pray it as a family. Pray it in times of distress and doubt. Pray the rosary when we rejoice and are glad. By committing ourselves to Our Lady of the Rosary, we are committed to Christ in all things.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections