Tuesday, October 7, 2008

No more powerful prayer!

Today the Church draws our attention to the wonderful prayer, the Rosary, and gives us the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary. Pope St. Pius V established this feast in 1573 and the purpose was to thank God for the victory of Christians over the Turks at Lepanto—a victory which was attributed to the help of the Mother of God invoked through praying the rosary. Pope Clement XI extended the feast to the universal Church in 1716.

In the Office of Readings today the writer reminds us that the celebration of this day invites all of us to meditate upon the mysteries of Christ, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was so singularly associated with those mysteries – the incarnation, the passion and glorious resurrection of her Son – the Son of God.

Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, said the Rosary was his favorite prayer. In fact, during his pontificate, he sent the Church an Apostolic Letter, “Rosarium Virginis Mariae”, inviting the faithful to look with new eyes and consider with renewed hearts the beautiful prayer – the Rosary. (Click on this link to read the letter)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae_en.html

If you don’t know how to pray the Rosary or need your memory refreshed regarding the Mysteries of the Rosary click on this link:
http://www.pacifier.com/rosary-center.org/howto.htm

There is no more powerful pray than the Rosary. As we reflect on the mysteries we pray the "Hail Mary" which becomes the beautiful background music for our meditation. Pope John Paul says "to recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ."

The Sisters pray the Rosary together each day during our evening Holy Hour. Please join us especially in the days ahead, that God would have mercy on our United States and guide our upcoming Presidential Elections.


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