October 6th, 2024 - Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
October is a special month in the Church, dedicated to the Holy Rosary, one of the most beloved Marian devotions among the faithful worldwide. The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7, has its roots in a story of faith and protection that continues to inspire believers today.
At Notre Dame of Jerusalem, Our Lady holds a very special place, not only in our hearts but also physically. A visitor entering Notre Dame will find her front and center of the building—in the central mosaic in the lobby and, of course, at our chapel dedicated to her. She is always present for our friends and visitors.
The tradition of the Rosary, according to history, began during a difficult time for Christendom. In 1571, Europe faced a great threat at the Battle of Lepanto. Pope Pius V, aware of the gravity of the situation, asked Christians to pray the Rosary, seeking the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The unexpected victory of the Christian forces was attributed to her intercession, and since then, the Rosary has been a powerful tool of prayer, meditation, and union with the life of Christ through the eyes of His mother.
At Notre Dame, this month holds special significance. The Rosary is not just a prayer, but a meditation on the mysteries of our faith—a way to draw closer to God with humility and trust. Over the years, we have seen how the power of this prayer has touched the hearts of pilgrims visiting Jerusalem, seeking to renew their faith and find spiritual comfort.
We want to invite our guests, friends, and collaborators to rediscover the value of this Marian devotion. October is the perfect time to pause from our busy lives and contemplate the lives of Jesus and Mary through the joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries. On October 7th the Patriarch of Jerusalem (echoing the Pope's invitation) has invited all to a day of penance and prayer as we pray for peace in the Holy Land and in the world. Here at Notre Dame we will be offering a special Rosary for these intentions here in our chapel.
We encourage you to pray the Rosary, either alone or with family, as a way to strengthen your relationship with God. Whether from the tranquility of your home or atop the Notre Dame rooftop with the Holy City of Jerusalem as a backdrop, the Rosary remains a source of peace and hope for all of us.
May this month of the Rosary be an opportunity to draw closer to Mary, who always leads us to Jesus.
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