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October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, one of the Church’s most cherished devotions. At the heart of this month is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, established by Pope St. Pius V in thanksgiving for the victory of Christian forces at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
The Battle of Lepanto, fought on October 7, 1571, was a decisive naval encounter between the Holy League — a coalition of Christian states organized by Pope Pius V — and the Ottoman Empire. Vastly outnumbered, the Christian fleet entrusted their cause to the Blessed Virgin Mary by praying the Rosary. Their stunning victory not only halted the Ottoman advance into Europe but was also credited to Our Lady’s intercession, leading Pope Pius V to institute the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary in gratitude.
The Rosary is not merely the repetition of prayers; it is a profound meditation on the mysteries of Christ’s life, passion, and resurrection as seen through the eyes of His Mother. Each “Hail Mary” becomes a thread in a spiritual chain linking us to the Gospel and uniting us in prayer with the whole Church.
The dedication of October as the Month of the Rosary was later promoted especially by Pope Leo XIII, who issued numerous encyclicals on the Rosary, beginning with Supremi Apostolatus Officio in 1883, encouraging the faithful to pray the Rosary daily during this month.
During October, Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary daily—whether individually, in families, or as parish communities. In doing so, we enter more deeply into the life of Christ and welcome the protection and maternal care of Our Lady, who always leads us closer to her Son.