Our Lady of the Rosary

In the 16^th century, Vienna and the rest of the European nations were threatened by Moslem military power and incursions. Pope Saint Pius V tried to alert the great powers of Europe to the coming menace, calling on the Holy League, which consisted of the Spain, Genoa, Venice, the  Papal States, and the Knights of Malta, to address the Moslem threat.
Don Juan of Austria, the son of the King of Spain, gathered a sturdy fleet. The Venetians were especially passionate about this battle, since they had suffered greatly at the hands of the Turks. The Christian fleet consisted of 300-ships, with 50,000 rowers and 30,000 fighters. Still, they were greatly outnumbered by the Turkish fleet. Pope Pius V called upon all Christendom to pray the Rosary.
Don Juan had a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, newly sent over from the Spanish colony of Mexico, on his vessel, and Andrea Doria, one of the Catholic admirals for the Genoans at Lepanto, carried on his ship a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The morning of the battle arrived on October 7th, 1571, with a strong wind blowing in favor of the Turkish fleets. Don Juan sailed in a small, speedy vessel to each of his ships, shouting encouragement and prayers to the men. Immediately, the winds shifted in favor of the Christians. The battle lasted 5 hours and Christians won a stunning victory, defeating the Turks and saving Europe from Moslem invasion and eventual domination.
In gratitude, Pope Pius V celebrated the Battle as "Our Lady of Victory." Later, the feast of October 7th was renamed "Our Lady of the Rosary" and extended throughout the Universal Church.

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.

James 5:16

Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

Patron of Animals and All Who Care for the Earth

Saint Francis was born as the son of a wealthy merchant in Assisi

in 1182. He loved to sing songs and have fun with his friends.

One day, Jesus spoke to Francis from the crucifix in the tiny

chapel of San Damiano. He said, “Go, rebuild My Church.”

Francis fell in love with Jesus. He gave away his rich clothing and

wore poor clothes. He cared for the sick and needy. He taught

that everything God made, like the sun, the moon, the animals

and plants, is good. God wants us to take good care of our earth.

Francis gathered many followers and set about spiritually

rebuilding the Church.

The pope blessed Saint Francis and his followers. Saint Francis

prayed and preached much. He received the wounds of Jesus,

and died with the words, “Welcome, Sister Death!”

As you know, our new Holy Father is the first pope in history to choose the name of St. Francis.

Pope Francis said he was inspired to do so out of concern for the poor.

Prayer to Saint Francis

Dear Saint Francis, you loved Jesus with all your heart. You

allowed Him to live His life through you. Please bless all who

care for others as you did. Bless those who care for the earth and

all God’s creatures. Help us to love one another. Amen.

Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us.