Daily Rosary Prayer Encouraged in New Diocesan Circular

**BELTHANGADY, Karnataka **— The Syro-Malabar Diocese of Belthangady has invited the faithful to observe October as a special month of prayer and devotion to the Holy Rosary, with particular intentions for world peace, family unity, the faith of young people, the sick and suffering, and the sanctification of the Church. Bishop James Patteril made the appeal through a pastoral circular issued Aug. 30. The circular calls on Catholics across the diocese to renew their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to make the Rosary an important part of their prayer life during October. It will be read in diocesan churches on Sept. 27, in preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on Oct. 7. Reflecting on the spiritual importance of the Rosary, Bishop Patteril described it as a contemplative prayer that leads believers more deeply into the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Through meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary, the faithful are encouraged to reflect on Christ’s birth, suffering, death and resurrection while drawing closer to him through Mary. The bishop also emphasized the significance of the Rosary in strengthening family life. He encouraged families to rediscover the value of praying together, noting that family prayer can nurture love, unity and peace while helping families confront the spiritual and moral pressures of contemporary society. The diocese has also outlined specific parish observances for October. In all parish churches, the Holy Rosary is to be recited for 10 consecutive days before the celebration of Holy Mass. Parish priests and communities have been asked to organize these devotions with greater solemnity and to encourage the active participation of the faithful. Particular emphasis has been placed on involving children and young people. The diocese has encouraged parishes to provide opportunities for the younger generation to participate meaningfully in the Rosary devotion, helping them strengthen and preserve their Christian faith. Bishop Patteril’s appeal comes against the backdrop of conflicts, uncertainty, anxiety and suffering affecting communities around the world. He urged Catholics to bring these concerns before God through prayer, with special intentions for peace among nations, harmony within families, perseverance in faith among young people, consolation for those who are sick and suffering, and the spiritual renewal of the Church. The circular also recalls the Catholic Church’s long-standing tradition of dedicating October to the Holy Rosary. The month is particularly associated with the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on Oct. 7, and has traditionally been observed as a time for Catholics to deepen their Marian devotion and meditation on the life of Christ. Through the October observance, the Belthangady Diocese is seeking to encourage a renewed culture of prayer in homes and parishes, presenting the Rosary as both a devotion to Mary and a means of contemplating Christ, strengthening families and responding in faith to the challenges facing the Church and the world.