Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

What do you do when you are facing an opposing force that has you outnumbered and your chance for victory is near zero? The answer is obvious: PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Today’s feast is Our Lady of the Rosary. Today we celebrate the decisive naval Battle of Lepanto against the Turks on Oct. 7, 1571. The forces of Europe had their backs against the wall; a Turkish victory would mean the suppression of Christian nations. The surprising naval victory was attributed to Our Blessed Lady. The faithful were saying the rosary in street processions while the battle was being fought. The following year Pope Pius V declared a feast day in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Our Lady of Victory.” In 1573 it was later changed to our Lady of the Rosary by Pope Gregory XIII.

The Battle of Lepanto is a microcosm of personal crisis. There have been many times in my own life that I have been faced with confronting difficult situations or having to make critical decisions. I know individuals that have had to deal with extreme physical problems or even life and death moments. I, and others, have turned to prayer in these times, especially the rosary. Prayer is not a magical pill that one swallows to make everything alright. Instead, it’s a statement of confidence that all is placed in God’s hands as we willingly accept His will. Prayer elevates our minds to focus on God’s presence to us.

Tonight, I will celebrate a Mass at Christ King Parish, 2612 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa. I will entrust the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to the care of Our Lady of the Rosary. We have our problems as an archdiocese and we know that there are those who would love to see the Church destroyed. The battle with secular mentality is one that affects not only the Church but also the well-being of our society.

More than 1 million bumper stickers have been distributed with a simple saying “Help America Pray the Rosary.” Someone who prays demonstrates their confidence in a God who cares because He sent His Son. In His cross is His victory and in our prayers is our trust. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us and, as your children, assist us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the October 8, 2014 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.