MAKATI CITY — A local priest has emphasized the power of prayer, urging believers around the world to engage in daily recitation of the Rosary to foster peace amidst ongoing global conflicts and natural disasters. This call comes on the eve of the Catholic Church’s observance of Holy Rosary Month, which takes place every October.
According to the Philippine News Agency, Rev. Fr. Carlos Reyes of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Makati City highlighted the Rosary’s significance during these turbulent times. In his appeal, Reyes noted the effectiveness of this spiritual practice in overcoming fears and adversities, positioning it as a crucial preparation for the uncertainties of the future, including the prophesied second coming of Jesus Christ.
The practice of the Rosary has a storied history, with origins dating back to 1206 when, according to fifteenth-century Dominican Alan de la Roch, the Virgin Mary presented the Rosary to St. Dominic. This was during a period of religious strife known as the Albigensian heresy. Mary’s intervention was intended to offer Dominic a powerful tool for spiritual warfare and evangelism. Throughout history, the Rosary has been credited with influencing major events, such as the defeat of the Albigensians at the Battle of Muret in 1213 and the victory over the Turkish fleet in 1571 at the Battle of Lepanto, attributed to the collective prayers of the Rosary confraternities.
Fr. Reyes’ message is timely as it coincides with the annual recognition of the Rosary in the Catholic faith, underscoring its profound meaning and the impact of its devout recitation. He encourages the faithful to reflect on the Rosary’s role in personal and communal spirituality, particularly highlighting its composition of the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries.
In conclusion, Reyes reiterated the importance of the Rosary in contemporary spiritual life, advocating for its daily practice as a source of strength and a means to petition for worldwide peace and reconciliation.