Spiritual weapon

Through the ages the rosary has been known as a “spiritual weapon” which calls on the Blessed Mother’s intercession for victory in times of trials and conflicts. The Battle of Lepanto, which occurred on Oct. 7, 1571, which is the same day as Our Lady of the Rosary, highlights this belief.

At the time, the Ottoman Empire was a military of great power. It threatened to seize control of the Mediterranean Sea, which historians think would have let them overtake Christian countries bordering the Mediterranean.

Pope St. Pius V recognized the danger and organized a papal fleet of ships from Spain, Naples, Venice, the papacy, Genoa and others. It was known as the “Holy League.” He appointed Don Juan Jose of Austria to be its commander.

On Oct. 7, in the Battle of Lepanto, referred to as “the battle that saved the Christian west,” the Holy League fought an intense battle with the Ottoman forces.

Calling upon the help of the Blessed Mother, St. Pius V ordered  the churches be open for prayer day and night and urged the faithful to pray the rosary to ask the Blessed Mother to intercede to her son Jesus for victory.

Although the Ottoman navy was much larger and superior, it is said through the power of the prayers to the Blessed Mother, a major defeat was inflicted upon the Ottoman Empire.

When St. Pius V heard of the victory of the Holy League, he saw the event as possible through the divine aide of Mary and brought through the praying of the rosary by the faithful. 

According to tradition, joyful people praised Mary for her intercession through Jesus as church bells pealed.

St. Pius V added the feast day of Our Lady of Victory to the liturgical calendar on Oct. 7. His successor, Pope Gregory XIII, later changed the name to the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a feast day still celebrated today.

The feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary is a reminder that Mary is not only our Blessed Mother but one whom you want by your side in any battle you may face in life!