The month of October is dedicated to the rosary, a Catholic prayer that is believed to bestow “spiritual roses” upon the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, a priest, stated that believers are encouraged to begin or deepen their praying of the rosary during this month, with various events like processions, living rosaries, retreats, and special talks taking place. While traditionally associated with Catholics, the rosary is growing in popularity among other denominations, particularly Lutherans and Methodists.
October has been known as the “month of the Rosary” for nearly 500 years, with its origins tracing back to a naval battle at Lepanto in the 16th century. The battle was between Christian forces in Europe and Islamic forces, and the pope requested that everyone pray the rosary for the Christian forces’ victory, which they achieved against all odds. This triumph was marked by a feast day on Oct. 7, originally known as the feast of Our Lady of Victory but later renamed the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which has since grown into a month-long celebration.
Christians find themselves drawn to the rosary for various reasons, including the reflections on “mysteries” from the lives of Jesus and Mary for each decade of the prayer. The rosary features differently sized beads indicating the part of the prayer one is on, with a simple circle of beads divided into five sets of 10 called a decade. Traditionally, there were three sets of mysteries—Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious—while an additional set, the Luminous mysteries, was added in 2000 by St. John Paul II, focusing on Jesus’ public ministry.
The rosary has biblical inspiration from the Book of Psalms and follows a repetitive nature similar to many psalms in the Old Testament. While originally used for the illiterate to spiritually join in with the monks who chanted the Psalms, the rosary can still be prayed during daily activities like walking, jogging, driving, and waiting, enabling believers to focus on spiritual matters and encounter God amidst the busyness of life. Even if distracted, the beads of the rosary help to maintain focus and keep a peaceful spirit, making it an accessible and easy form of prayer for believers.
In the ebb and flow of life, the rosary is revered for its simple and rhythmic flow, providing believers with a sense of peace and encounter with God. The prayers and reflections on the mysteries during each decade of the rosary allow for a deeper connection to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a spiritual mother and protector. The rosary is not limited to Catholics but is embraced by a growing number of Christians from various denominations, contributing to its popularity and significance during the month of October. The history and tradition of the rosary, combined with its practicality and accessibility for daily use, make it a cherished and meaningful prayer practice for believers seeking spiritual connection and growth.
