WHY DOES THE CHURCH DEDICATE OCTOBER TO THE HOLY ROSARY?

FROM LEPANTO TO OCTOBER: THE ROSARY’S POWERFUL HISTORY

A string of simple beads… An Our Father… Ten Hail Marys… And the story of Christ contemplated through the eyes of His Mother.
For Catholics around the world, October is the month of the Holy Rosary. But why October? One important part of the story takes us back to October 7, 1571, when Pope Saint Pius V called Christians to pray the Rosary as the Christian fleet fought the Ottoman Turks in the Battle of Lepanto. Following the victory, a feast of Our Lady of Victory was established, later known as the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated today on October 7.

POPE LEO XIII MADE OCTOBER A MONTH OF ROSARY DEVOTION

Centuries later, Pope Leo XIII gave October’s Rosary devotion particular prominence. Beginning in 1883, he repeatedly called Catholics to devote the month of October to the Rosary — especially in times of difficulty for the Church and the world. But the Rosary is much more than repeating prayers. It is a prayer centred on Jesus Christ. Through its mysteries, we walk with Mary through the life of her Son — from the Annunciation and Bethlehem… to Calvary… the Resurrection… and the glory of Heaven.
Pope Benedict XVI described the Rosary as a contemplative prayer through which, guided by Mary, we fix our eyes on the face of Christ. And that is why the Rosary has found a home not only in churches… but around family tables… at hospital beds… during journeys… and in the hands of people facing fear, loss and uncertainty. Saint John Paul II particularly encouraged families to rediscover this simple prayer as a source of communion and peace.

So as October begins, the Church invites us to pick up the Rosary once again. One bead at a time. One mystery at a time. And with Mary… to keep our eyes fixed on Christ.