Let us pray to our Lady of the Rosary to guide our journey through life in her blessed company
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7, 2020): GAL 2:1-2,7-14; PS 117:1-2; LK 11:1-4
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes in the 19th century and at Fatima in the 20th century did a great deal to increase the appreciation of this beautiful and powerful method of prayer.
This memorial saluting Mary as Our Lady of the Rosary was originally established in gratitude for her intercession in securing the safety and success of Christian navies. They were fighting the more powerful fleet of the Ottoman Empire in 1571when Pope Pius V requested that Rosaries be offered to the Blessed Virgin asking her help. After winning the battle, Our Lady of Victory was venerated, with her title later changed to the current one. The Rosary itself took form over a number of centuries using repetitions of the Our Father and Hail Mary in five decades. It became a meditation on the life of Christ through the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries. While it is considered a legend that the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Dominic in 1214 and gave him a set of the rosary beads we know today, it is true that his Order of Preachers did a great deal to promote their widespread use. The appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes in the 19th century and at Fatima in the 20th century did a great deal to increase the appreciation of this beautiful and powerful method of prayer. In the 21st century, Pope St. John Paul II introduced the Luminous Mysteries to invite us to examine ever more deeply the mission of our Lord. Each individual prayer along with these Mysteries teach us about the Son of God and His Mother, the story of our salvation, and the holy virtues we seek to embrace as Christians.
The Rosary concludes with the Salve Regina, both a prayer and a hymn that offers a final petition to ask Mary’s assistance. “Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! … Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.” When we revere Mary as our Lady of the Rosary, we ask her guidance in using the Rosary in gaining victory over sin in our lives and, finally, the eternal reward of Heaven.
Suggested missionary action: We can resolve to pray the Rosary each day; remembering not only our family and loved ones, but all those who need the help of the Blessed Virgin. And let us always keep in prayer the Church’s missionaries and the people to whom they dedicate their lives, offering a World Mission Rosary for them.
For resources for the celebration of World Mission Sunday / Mission Month, including materials for prayer and reflection, visit this website.
