Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Rosary, a string of prayer beads, has its origins in the practice of reciting 150 Hail Marys, symbolizing the 150 Psalms.

The memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary commemorates a pivotal moment in 16th-century history and the enduring power of the Rosary in Catholic devotion. The memorial's origin is linked to a significant event in 1571 when Pope Pius V united Christian forces to confront the Ottoman Turks in a naval battle in the Gulf of Lepanto, Greece. On the same day, the Rosary Confraternity in Rome prayed for the Christians in battle, resulting in a remarkable victory attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Pope Pius V initially dedicated the day as one of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Victory, later renamed the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary by Pope Gregory XIII.

This memorial underscores Mary's intercessory power, emphasizing that when Christians face danger or individuals seek solace and guidance, they can turn to Mary through the Rosary. The memorial also highlights the deep significance of the Rosary in Catholic spirituality and devotion.
 
Celebrate the memorial by doing the following:

• Attend mass.
• Learn to pray the Rosary at nolacatholic.org.
• Sing/learn Marian hymns.