The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

Today, October 7th is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary — originally called Our Lady of Victory.

Do you know the origin of this feast?

Pope Pius V created the Feast of Our Lady of Victory to commemorate the victory of the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571.

On April 1, 1573 Pope Gregory XIII moved the feast to the first Sunday of October and changed the name to honor the Holy Rosary.

The history surrounding the naval victory is important, especially for Christians.

Without Our Lady’s miraculous intercession, the Ottoman Empire would have gained control of Europe and Christianity could have disappeared from the continent!

Who is she that comes forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array?

(The Catena Legionis Antiphon)

In honor of Our Lady of Victory and the Rosary, I want to share a video from Living The Faith Podcast.

In this podcast, they explain the:

• Origin of the Rosary
• Battle of Lepanto
• Power of the Rosary

As we begin the month of the Holy Rosary, I encourage you to begin (or continue) to pray the Rosary daily.

This has been Our Lady’s request for centuries, and she makes tremendous promises to those who follow her request!

May our Blessed Mother grant us protection and victory over the enemy.