Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Today's feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was originally the named the feast of Our Lady of Victory in thanksgiving for our Lady's intercession in defeating the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto. In this picture by the artist, Cossali, we see St. Pope Pius V pointing to the Blessed Mother as the instrument of Divine Grace in bringing about this great victory through praying the Rosary. Across from St. Pius V is Don Juan of Austria who led the Catholic forces and who had a great devotion himself to Mary.

The expansion of an Islamic state and destruction of Christianity is still the goal of many. Rather than fear we should remember the great victory of Our Lady on this day and with hope and confidence in her intercession pick up our Rosary's once again and pray for the conversion of these souls.