Crown Of Roses

October is the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary. The Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. The word rosary means crown of roses. This beautiful and powerful prayer was given to St Dominic by the Blessed Virgin. She also made 15 promises to Dominic and all who would pray this prayer.
While I am not very good at saying the rosary daily, I do try to pray it often. It has played a profound role in my reversion and in the healing from my abortion. I like to think of my time spent praying this prayer as praying not only to our Blessed Mother, but also praying with her.
I quote Fr. John Corapi often, and do so again. He is known for saying that "In praying the Rosary we pray the Gospel; Jesus is at the center of the Rosary." Meditating on the mysteries will draw us deeper into the life of Christ.  She will guide us in our prayer and always lead us to her Son.
In our difficult and troubled times, we need this prayer perhaps more than ever. The devil hates this prayer because he knows the power of it. Padre Pio would often say to his bothers: "Bring me my weapon!" The rosary is a powerful weapon against evil; Our Lady has armed us well through her gift of this prayer.
During this month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, let us answer our Blessed Mother's call to battle. Let us take up our beaded weapon and pray for peace, for life, and for a return to God for our country.

 "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy."