October is upon us, and it brings with it a cherished tradition, a month dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. It is a time when we reflect on the significance of this beautiful devotion and how it can be a powerful weapon in times of trouble. Our world, marred by conflicts such as those in Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, is longing for peace and unity.

The rosary, often called a "spiritual weapon," is a profound and timeless prayer that brings us closer to the divine. It is a meditative journey through the life of Jesus and the loving intercession of Our Blessed Mother. In times of adversity and uncertainty, it becomes a powerful source of comfort and strength.

The connection between the rosary and peace is exemplified in the message of Our Lady of Fatima. In 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, with an urgent plea: "Pray the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war."

Today, as we witness conflicts and tensions across the globe, it is more important than ever to heed Our Lady's message. We must remember the words of St. Padre Pio who said, "The rosary is the 'weapon' for these times."

In our own community, students, alongside the LIHM sisters, have been learning about the Marian devotion and have dedicated Wednesdays during lunchtime to learn and pray a decade of the rosary together.

This October, let us take Our Lady of the Rosary's message to heart and embrace the rosary as a means to bring about peace, both in our hearts and across the globe.