Celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
The strong rains and winds of typhoon Tramis that slowly moved from Okinawa to the rest of Japan caused the postponement of the previously announced Marian Festival of the Diocese of Saitama. Instead of September 30, the festival has been reset to October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Another typhoon has been reported, causing concern about another postponement of the Marian Festival. However, the heavens may send the sun instead to allow for the happy celebration for Mama Mary!
Beyond the date and another typhoon threat, is it possible that it may be Mama Mary’s way of strengthening the faith of this festival’s participants and guests 1.) To focus on the meaning of and reason for the Festival; 2.) To celebrate our Mama Mary’s motherhood and her complete obedience and love for God; and, 3.) To reflect and keep close to heart her words: “Do whatever He tells you.”
Whether the Marian Festival proceeds or not in Tomobe this October 7, then is it Mama Mary’s way of asking all not to forget that the celebration is a remembrance of God’s gift of love and faith given to her which she faithfully accepted and practiced throughout her life? Is the festival her reminder about her valuable role in our salvation and redemption made possible when God gave us his only son because of his love for us? Is it her way of touching everyone’s heart to remember that the true essence of the Marian Festival goes beyond the food booths, the exhibits, the program and other activities lined up for that day? Does our Lady want all to remember that the Marian Festival is a celebration and gathering of happy, sincere hearts united in prayer and love for God and for Mama Mary?
On this day, October 7, our Lady is calling everyone to remember to pray the rosary together as one big family. We are reminded especially on this day that the family that prays together, stays together.
We are also all enjoined to join all our brothers and sisters for the worldwide rosary prayer D-Day. So far, partners from 34 countries have committed to join this global rosary prayer this Sunday, October 7.
In a recent communiqué, Pope Francis also invited “all the faithful of all the world, to pray the Holy Rosary every day” during the Marian month of October.
He asked all “to join in communion and in penitence, as the people of God, in asking the Holy Mother of God and Saint Michael Archangel to protect the Church from the devil, who always seeks to separate us from God and from each other.”
He asked all “to conclude the recitation of the Rosary with the ancient invocation ‘Sub Tuum Praesidium,’ and with the prayer to Saint Michael Archangel that he protect us and help us in the struggle against evil.”
This is the Sub Tuum Praesidium: “We fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.”
To Saint Michael, this prayer: “Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
Enjoy this month of Our Lady praying the Rosary daily!
- Latest
