Month of the Holy Rosary (October 1)
October 01, 2025
Introduction
In this month of October dedicated to the rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am once again offering a series of mysteries that expand on the standard one, noting with Pope St. John Paul II that “the cycles of meditation proposed by the Holy Rosary are by no means exhaustive” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae; October 16, 2002; no. 24). Indeed the same pontiff, having added the Luminous Mysteries to the traditional fifteen, opened up the possibility for an an even more extensive meditation since the mysteries of faith are themselves inexhaustible.
Hence, this year's mysteries, one for each day, lie in the realization that there are "mysteries within mysteries" adjacent to the traditional ones worthy of further reflection. Thus, the first set, the "Marian Mysteries," expand on the Joyful Mysteries and unfolds more fully Gabriel's greeting "Hail, full of grace" to Our Lady.
The suggested format is the Scriptural Rosary where each mystery begins with the Our Father, each of the ten Hail Marys is preceded by a verse from Scripture with the Glory be at the end. A concluding collect is added from liturgical sources to link these mysteries to the official prayer of the Church.
There are, then, a total of 30 mysteries. One could pray an entire set at a time, of course, but an additional daily mystery could supplement the traditional roster as appropriate.
Pope Leo has requested that we pray the Rosary this month for the intention of peace "personally, in the family, in the community."
First Marian Mystery: Mary Prefigured (Oct 1)
The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living. (Gen 3:20)
The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would; he did for her as he had promised.
Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had stated. (Gen 21:1-2)
Rebecca had conceived children by one husband, our father Isaac--before they had yet been born or had done anything, good or bad, in order that God's elective plan might continue. (Rom 9:10-11)
The prophetess Miriam, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, while all the women went out after her with tambourines, dancing; (Ex 15:20)
The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel. (Judg 5:7)
When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, band he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. (Est 5:2)
When they had visited Judith, all with one accord blessed her, saying: "You are the glory of Jerusalem, the surpassing joy of Israel; You are the splendid boast of our people. (Jud 15:9)
The LORD favored Hannah so that she conceived and gave birth to three more sons and two daughters, while young Samuel grew up in the service of the LORD. (1 Sam 2:21)
The mother was especially admirable and worthy of honorable memory. Though she saw her seven sons perish within a single day, she bore it with good courage because of her hope in the Lord. (2 Mac 7:20)
Who is she that looketh forth as the dawn, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, terrible as an army with banners? (Song 6:10)
O God, who, fulfilling the promise made to our Fathers,
chose the Blessed Virgin Mary,
the noble daughter of Zion,
grant that we may follow her example,
for her humility was pleasing to you
and her obedience profitable to us.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Mass of Mary, Chosen Daughter of Israel)