Embracing Tranquility: October, the Month of the Holy Rosary

October is a month filled Halloween traditions. However, the Catholic Church recognizes October as a sacred month to show devotion to God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During this month, the Church gives extra importance and emphasis to the Catholic devotion to praying the Most Holy Rosary. 

Written by: Peter Ferrer

Layout by: Raven Delos Santos

October 30, 2023 | 6:45 P.M.

The Scourge of Evil: The Rosary

The tradition of this month stemmed from the faithful battle that took place on October 7, 1571 at the Battle of Lepanto as the Turkish Muslim forces were dominant in their pursuit of conquering Europe and their neighboring countries. This was a day where the faith and perseverance of the Christian forces were tested. 

In an attempt to ignite hope into the hearts of the faithful,  Pope Pius V encouraged people to pray the Rosary and seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother Mary. On that day, despite all the odds and challenges, the faith of the people persevered as the Blessed Mother Mary aided the Christians to victory against the Muslim forces in this battle. With that, October 7 was proclaimed the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary, formerly known as Our Lady of Victory and October as the month of the Holy Rosary.

The Beads that Bind Us

The physical appearance of a rosary is fashioned with beads and a crucifix that serves as a guide and the focal point of the prayer. The origins of the Rosary are unclear, going through multiple changes and evolutions between the 12th and 15th centuries. Eventually, the rosarium (“crown of roses”) was formed, where 50 hymns were recited and linked with the psalms of events connected with Mary and Jesus. In the 16th century, the structure of 50 prayer beads accompanied by the three mysteries was formed and upheld until today, with the addition of the fourth mystery, The Luminous Mysteries. 

It was believed that St. Dominic Dos Santos was part of devising the rosary, however it has been stated that that the prayer had been known for a long time as the Marian Psalter, and has simply evolved into what is now known as the Holy Rosary. Amidst all this confusion and unknown origins of the Rosary, it gained popularity in the 1500's, especially due to the Battle of Lepanto. 

The Symphony of Mysteries

The core of the Rosary lies in its mysteries of faith and the events in the lives of our savior, Jesus Christ, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. These events in their lives are meant to traverse the annunciation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the luminous ministry of Christ. 

The Joyful mysteries cover the events of Jesus’ annunciation at his birth and a fragment of his childhood. These mysteries emphasize Mary’s story of her being anointed along with her experiences leading to the birth of Jesus, the messiah, and his divinity.

The Sorrowful are more than just events that believers should understand and learn; they are the ultimate form of Jesus and his eternal love for his children. It is important to remember the significance of Jesus' act of sacrificing himself for our sins as we retell the events leading up to his death.

The Glorious Mysteries are mysteries that feature Jesus and Mary’s divinity and transfiguration into beings of love, compassion, and divinity.  The mysteries enlighten us to Mary’s eternal love and compassion for her children as well as her strength against the devil and how she is favored by God. It also emphasizes how Jesus rose from death after three days, fulfilling the promise God made to us.

The Luminous Mysteries are mysteries that strengthen faith in God and his teachings. These mysteries are meant to guide, teach, and strengthen faith, beliefs, and lives. 

October: A Month for the Timeless Beacon of Faith

The Holy Rosary is a sacred prayer not confined by borders or cultural boundaries, it is a prayer that can grant miracles for the darkest times and places through the hands of the Holy Virgin Mary. It is important that we be reminded of her significance in our lives as Catholics, not just because of her divinity but because of her love and compassion for humans. Through her hands, those that believe in the power of the Rosary are guided to good, and through her love, are gathered as the children of God. The month of October is given to us to praise and love the Blessed Virgin Mary and thank her for all she has done for her children.