Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary [Feast]

October 7 is commemorated as the Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. In 1571, a great victory over a mighty Turkish fleet was won by Catholic naval forces from Spain, Venice, and Genoa under the command of Don Juan of Austria. It was the last battle at sea between oared ships, which featured the most powerful navy in the world-- a Muslim force with between 12,000 to 15,000 Christian slaves as rowers.

Knowing that the Christian forces were at a distinct material disadvantage, and greatly outnumbered, Pope Saint Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory. Victory came decisively, preventing the Islamic invasion of Europe. At the hour of victory, Pope Saint Pius V (who was hundreds of miles away in Rome), is said to have gotten up from a meeting, walked to the window, and exclaimed with supernatural radiance: “The Christian fleet is victorious!” He then shed tears of thanksgiving to the Lord.

The Battle of Lepanto was first celebrated liturgically as “Our Lady of Victory,” instituted by Pope Pius V. Later, the feast of October 7 was renamed “Our Lady of the Rosary,” and extended throughout the Church by Pope Clement XI in 1716.

Queen of the most holy Rosary,
in these times of such brazen impiety, manifest thy power
with the signs of thine ancient victories,
and from thy throne,
whence thou dost dispense pardon and graces,
mercifully regard the Church of thy Son,
His Vicar on earth,
and every order of clergy and laity,
who are sore oppressed in the mighty conflict.
Do thou, who art the powerful vanquisher
of all heresies, hasten the hour of mercy,
even though the hour of God's justice
is every day provoked by the countless sins of men.
For me who am the least of men,
kneeling before thee in supplication,
do thou obtain the grace I need
to live righteously upon earth
and to reign among the just in heaven, while in company
with all faithful Christians throughout the world,
I salute thee and acclaim thee
as Queen of the most holy Rosary.

Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.

(Indulgence: 500 days, per Leo XIII, July 3, 1886)