The history of this feast dates back to the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, when a coalition of Christian countries battled the Ottoman Empire at sea off the western coast of Greece. The coalition of Christian forces, or “Holy League” were outnumbered and at a serious material disadvantage. Pope Pius V, knowing the importance of this battle, and the practicality of the situation, ordered all of Europe to pray for the success of the military forces under the patronage of the Blessed Mother. Churches were to remain open through the day and night, and the Pope himself led a rosary procession in Rome. Pope Pius V proclaimed October 7th the feast of Our Lady of Victory to commemorate the victory of the Holy League at Lepanto.
Pope Gregory XIII later changed the name of the celebration to the Feast of the Holy Rosary. While the name of this feast day was altered several times before 1969 when it became known as the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the message remains the same – that prayer and devotion to the Blessed Mother is a most powerful aid in all our trials. Let us continue to pray the rosary and to entrust all of our needs to her.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.