On October 7, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the yearly feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Known for several centuries by the alternate title of “Our Lady of Victory,” the feast day takes place in honor of a 16th century naval victory which 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.
In modern times successive popes have urged the faithful to pray the Rosary. It is a form of contemplative prayer, mental and vocal prayer, which brings down God’s blessing on the Church. It is a biblically inspired prayer which is centered on meditation on the salvific mysteries of Christ in union with Mary, who was so closely associated with her Son in his redeeming activity.
Prayer
Let us devoutly celebrate the glorious feast of the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, that she may intercede for us with Jesus Christ our Lord! Glory be to the Father…
O powerful Virgin, Thou art like the Tower of David! Thou art most beautiful and amiable, O Daughter of Sion; lovely as the moon, brilliant as the sun, awe inspiring as an army set in array. The Lord gave Thee His own power, for through Thee He completely overcame our enemies. Hail Mary…
O Virgin Mary, most noble Queen of the world, plead for peace and salvation in our behalf, for Thou didst bring forth Christ the Lord, Savior of us all. Hail Mary…
O blessed Mother and spotless Virgin, glorious Queen of the world, may all who celebrate the solemnity of the most holy Rosary feel Thy help! Hail Mary…
Let us Pray:
O God, whose Only-begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection obtained for us the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beg 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.
