Our Lady of the Rosary
Feast day: October 7
In the 15th century, Dominican friars and local rosary confraternities initiated the observance of a special feast dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. This tradition found its roots in the historical events of October 7, 1571, when Christian and Turkish forces clashed in the Gulf of Lepanto, near Greece. In response to the impending battle, Pope Pius V implored the intercession of Mary, urging Catholics to recite the rosary for the protection of Catholic territories. The subsequent victory achieved by the Christian forces was attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary.
In 1572, Pope Pius V permitted the celebration of Our Lady of Victory on the first Sunday in October. By 1573, the feast’s name was officially changed to Our Lady of the Rosary. It wasn’t until 1716 that the feast became universally recognized within the Catholic Church. The date of October 7th was formally established for this feast in 1913.
Prayer
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord,
your grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son
was made known by the message of an Angel,
may, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
by his Passion and Cross
be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
