The Church dedicates the whole month of October to the Month of the Rosary, highlighting the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. On this day, we celebrate the Holy League’s defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. Even though the Turkish forces were very powerful, the Christians won due to the intercession of Mary and the prayer of the Most Holy Rosary.

The faithful are encouraged to pray the rosary this month individually, or in groups, or go to dedicated Marian Shrines to honour our Blessed Mother who intercedes powerfully through means of this prayer. Many saints were devoted to this form of prayer, one in particular was St Josemaria Escriva who said; "The Holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you will be amazed at the results." (The Way, no. 558)

This year, also on this feast day, and on the anniversary of the beginning of the current war in Israel, Our Archbishop Peter Comensoli (in union with Pope Francis) has asked the faithful to pray and fast for world peace. One could fittingly pray the rosary for this intention.

For a reflection of the Holy rosary and some recommendations on how to pray this month of October go to: https://stjosemaria.org/october-month-of-the-holy-rosary/

For Archbishop Comensoli's letter to the Church, and the Prayer for Peace go to:

https://melbournecatholic.org/news/archbishop-comensoli-calls-faithful-to-pray-for-peace

For further reading on the history of this feast day go to:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/feast-of-our-lady-of-the-rosary-617