Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, a “feast instituted by Pope Pius V to celebrate the anniversary of the defeat of the Turkish fleet at the battle of Lepanto.” In making this connection, the Church reminds us, her children, of how powerful this simple prayer can be. Its beauty is veiled, revealed to those who seek with a childlike heart.

At that very moment, he rejoiced [in] the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.” (Luke 10:21)

Praying the Rosary in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament trains our bodies, minds, and hearts for the battles we will encounter in this life. In my book, The Rosary: Eucharistic Meditations, I write: “When we combine the most powerful weapon for our times, the Rosary, with the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist, we are indeed sitting in the inner room of our hearts, with Jesus and Mary. Let us then ask Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament to grant us the graces we need to go through Him, with Him and in Him.”

We all face battles, most of which happen within our minds and hearts. I have many different rosaries, but the most used one is the one I keep on my nightstand. When the enemy comes unbidden in the middle of the night, I grab my beads and call upon my mother ten times through each mystery… ten times.

Whichever battle you are facing, you are not alone. “Fear not, my children; call out to God…Turn now ten times the more to seek him…for he…will…bring you back enduring joy.” (cf. Baruch 4:27-29)

Let us pray:

Blessed are you, Mary, exalted daughter of Sion! You are highly favored and full of grace, for the spirit of God descended upon you. We magnify the Lord and rejoice with you for the gift of the Word made flesh, bread of life, and cup of joy. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, our model of prayer in the cenacle, pray for us that we may become what we receive, the Body of Christ, your Son. ​Amen. (Prayer to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament)