October is here and the month of the Rosary has begun. As we come to the end of our Parish theme: “Jesus, the Heart of the Family”, let us never forget that family life is a privilege that requires the service of prayer and sacrifice. The Rosary is a prayer of healing and of deliverance. It is a weapon of prayer because it contains the Gospel mysteries.

Our Lady appeared in Fatima, Portugal six times to three little shepherd children: Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia. In every one of these six apparitions, Our Lady said: “Pray the Rosary”. Finally at the end of her apparitions our Lady gave herself the title: “Our Lady of the Rosary”. Our Blessed Mother wants us to experience peace in our families, societies, and nations… She desires that sinners be converted and people experience the abundant life in Christ, so She tells us to pray the Rosary.

The Rosary isn’t just an instrument for world peace. For St. John Paul II, the great modern saint, Rosary was his favorite prayer and he strongly encouraged the world to pray it for the sake of the family and marriage institution. Our society faces many dangers particularly with respect to children, teens and young adults against the virtue of purity. Pornography has widely influenced our youth and society. Devotion to Our Lady and the family Rosary can bring wholeness and stability to family life.

In his book, “Praying the Rosary with Pope Francis”, our Holy Father reminds us that praying the Rosary prepares our hearts for God’s grace, allowing Him to guide our steps along the path of our faith journey. It allows us to make room for God, to glorify His name, and to make Him truly present in our lives.

Let us pray especially for our BEC leaders and team members as they organize the Rosary prayers in their respective BECs. May St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, Patroness of Mission, intercede for us.

Mary, Mother of the Church and the “Mother of the Church of the Home” guard, protect and enlighten our families.