October Devotion: The Rosary and Saint Joseph - Conclusion

by Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.  |  10/20/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Beloved Parishioners,

I wish to conclude the reflection started last week in this Pastor’s Corner on the Rosary and St. Joseph. I hope the reflection helps you to enter into the habit of praying daily the rosary and honoring Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and Foster Father of Jesus.

October became particularly associated with the Rosary after the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where Christians, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Rosary, achieved a significant naval victory against the Ottoman Empire. The Battle of Lepanto, fought on October 7, 1571, was a crucial naval engagement between the Holy League, a coalition of Christian states, and the Ottoman Empire. During the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire was expanding aggressively into Europe, threatening Christian territories and maritime trade routes. The rise of Ottoman power prompted fears among European nations, leading to the formation of the Holy League, which included Spain, the Papal States, and the Venetian Republic. Pope Pius V played a pivotal role in organizing the Holy League, rallying support from various European powers.

The naval battle between the Holy League and the Ottoman troops took place near Lepanto, a port in western Greece. The tide turned in favor of the Holy League, resulting in a decisive victory. In recognition of the battle's significance, Pope Pius V established the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7th, to commemorate the victory and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Rosary was seen as a powerful prayer that had contributed to the success of the Holy League. More so, this feast equally promotes the Rosary as a means of spiritual warfare and intercession.

The month of October calls us to reflect on the mysteries of the Rosary and we must understand that the rosary is not merely a repetitive prayer but a meditative journey through the key events of salvation history. Each decade represents an opportunity to contemplate the joys, sorrows, glories, and luminous events in the lives of Jesus and Mary and furnishes us with ample graces. Further, the practice of praying the Rosary fosters community and family bonds. Parishes like ours often organize communal Rosary prayers during this period which help strengthen the faith of the parishioners. In our parish community here at Our Lady of the Lake, the rosary is said daily at 7:30 am before Mass. We have also the rosary makers who promote the daily recitation of the rosary and produce rosaries sent to different parts of the world. On my personal level, I say my rosary every day during my daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, I encourage that in our various families, we pray the rosary together during this period because it instills a sense of shared faith and spiritual growth among our members, especially our children. What is more? The Rosary also serves as a tool for intercession. We believe in the efficacious power of Mary’s intercession, thus asking her to present our petitions to her Son profits us more and reflects our understanding of the communion of saints, where the faithful on earth can seek the prayers of those in heaven. May Our Lady, through the Rosary, help us win many of our lives’ battles. Amen.

Finally, my beloved parishioners, last month I made a passionate appeal to you about the emergency situation of our air conditioning units which are on the brink of breaking down completely. In my appeal I mentioned that we are seeking about $240,000.00 to fix the problem. There was a family who had talked to me about helping with a large sum but for reasons they are no longer coming forth with the offer. Many of you have made some donations but that is not near what we are looking for. As of today, we have got about $13,000.00. I appeal once again to you all as this air conditioning unit is an emergency and needs to be fixed. We are only lucky that winter is coming but we would need to place the order as soon as possible to be able to have it here before next summer. Whatever you can donate to this urgent appeal would be highly appreciated.