The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was instituted by Saint Pius V (Pope from 1566 to 1572). The date chosen was October 7, the anniversary of the victory won by Western Christians at the Battle of Lepanto (1571).

This battle has great significance, with historical and religious connotations: the Christian victory against the Muslim invaders was immediately attributed to the Mother of God, invoked before the battle by the Christian warriors, who prayed the Holy Rosary in unison. Lepanto ensured the prevalence of Christianity as a universal religion, as a moral framework and way of life.

For these reasons, St. Pius V decided to establish this important Marian feast, initially known as the “Feast of Our Lady of Victories.” It is beautiful and instructive to see how faith is interwoven with the history of peoples and to see how, in all these things, Mary has always been the protagonist. That is why, essentially, the celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary is an occasion to return to her and meditate on the mysteries of Christ in her company.

Celebration at the Shrine:

Rosary: 5:15 p.m., Mass: 6:00 p.m.