The holy rosary, a spiritual weapon that lights hearts on fire

October is the month of the rosary. Catholics around the world are encouraged to join in praying the rosary daily to honor the Virgin Mary. On Oct. 7, Catholics celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was previously known by the alternate title of “Our Lady of Victory.”

The feast day takes place as a commemoration of the Battle of Lepanto, a 16th-century naval victory that secured Europe against Turkish invasion. Pope Pius V had encouraged the faithful to pray the rosary, and the Blessed Mother’s intercession was credited with the triumph of the “Holy League.” For centuries, the rosary has been considered a weapon of protection against evil and a powerful tool of intercession.

October is the month of rosary and all Catholics are called to unite to ask for the intercession of our Mother and to meditate on the mysteries of the life and teachings of Jesus through her prayer. The recitation of the Holy Rosary is one of the most deeply rooted devotions among the Christian people. It originated around the ninth century as a simplification of the Psalter and spread rapidly among the unlettered laity as a simple prayer. The rosary is a crown of roses that we give to our Mother.