Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

October is the month dedicated to Our Lady of  the Rosary and as devoted children of our heavenly  Mother it would do us well to heed her guidance  and pray the Rosary every day. St. Padre Pio, whose  feast we celebrated this past week, often referred to  the Rosary as our weapon against the prevailing evils  of our day. The skeptic may ask, “how can the multi plication of words and seemingly monotony of recitations bring about any good?” That’s because they  cannot see beyond their nose. They are ignorant of  the power of prayer to change hearts and minds and  reset our moral compass to follow the teachings of  our Savior. 

The Sacred Scriptures, today’s Readings, speak about  the changing of minds and it begs the question of  who has that influence to change our minds for the  better. There is a strange new phenomena of this  present age that singles out persons of influence –  “influencers”- that have as peculiar “power” over  decision-making. Who are they and who gave them  such prestige? The only One necessary to influence  is the Son of God, Jesus our Lord. Who can question  the real power and authority that His Words convey?  Sadly, many turn a deaf ear to the saving message He  brings, and would rather heed the nonsense spewed  from self-appointed egalitarians. And what do they  have to offer? Christ the Lord offers us eternal  happiness that begins right now when we surrender  our whole being to Him just as our Mother Mary did.  That’s why praying and meditating on the mysteries of  the Rosary dispose us to the happiness found therein.  Even the Sorrowful Mysteries are laden with hope in  the midst of great suffering, reminding us that this too  will pass. 

Some years ago, a study was conducted on the  physical effects of prayer. Volunteers were instructed to pray and even to pray the Rosary. In doing so  researchers discovered that people’s blood pressure  decreased and a feeling of euphoria came upon them,  i.e. its healthy to pray the Rosary though that is not  its primary purpose. And we do not in prayer try to  change the mind of God, but rather change ours to  conform with the plan God has for us. Hence, Peace!  

 Mary, Mother of the Rosary, pray for us.

 With Blessings, 

Father Langan