October 7 is the Feast of the Holy Rosary was instituted by Pope St. Pius V to commemorate the victory of the Christian forces over the oppressive Ottoman Empire navy at the Battle of Lepanto. Many joined in to pray the rosary, asking Mary for help. Don Juan of Austria led the troops to a miraculous victory which occurred on October 7, 1571. 

The month of October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and to Respect Life. It may be a good time for us to take our rosaries, recall the mysteries of the rosary which lead us to meditate on the life of Christ,  and to renew our trust in Our Lady’s intercession which is often “miraculous.” What might be your special intention for the month?