The Month of the Rosary
October has arrived, bringing with it more than a hint of autumn and winter. The tenth month of the calendar year is traditionally known as the month of the Holy Rosary. This beautiful form of prayer is commended to us all as a lovely way to recall the saving events of Our Lord’s life and the vital role of his Blessed Mother.
Perhaps those of us who are less than regular in praying the Rosary could consider committing to a daily Rosary for the rest of this month. Putting aside twenty minutes of the day to offer these simple prayers can reap great rewards, spiritual and otherwise.
If we are looking for a particular intention for our Rosary prayer we need look no further than the situation in the Middle East. You don’t need me to tell you how awful the situation is there, with the age old hatreds, misunderstandings and prejudices continuing to dominate. We ask Mary, Queen of the Rosary to pray for peace, as we seek to support all those who make peace.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, has recently written these powerful words:
‘Violence, which has caused and is causing thousands of innocent victims, has also found its way into political and social language and actions. It has struck a profound blow to the common feeling of belonging to the Holy Land, to the consciousness of being part of a plan of Providence that wanted us here to build together His Kingdom of peace and justice. We have a duty to commit ourselves to peace, first by preserving our hearts from all feelings of hatred, and instead cherishing the desire for good for everyone.
We also need to pray, to bring our pain and our desire for peace to God. We need to convert, do penance and to implore forgiveness.
May each of us, with the Rosary or in whatever form he or she sees fit, personally but better again in community, find a moment to pause and pray, and bring to the Merciful Father and God of all consolation our desire for peace and reconciliation.’
