Wednesday, Oct. 7, is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Church calls all of us to pray the rosary regularly, daily if possible. Taking time to pray the rosary gives us 15 to 20 minutes to spend with Jesus and Mary.

The rosary is a meditation device that helps us to imagine the Mystery of the Rosary being prayed. For instance, when you come to the first Joyful Mystery, take a few moments before you start saying the prayers to picture Mary in her home in Nazareth, as the Angel Gabriel appears to her. Perhaps focus on Mary’s Fiat, when she says, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Is the Lord asking something of you, and have you said yes to his request? Bring the image into your life, or that of someone else in your life.

Says Fr. Comer, "I always offer a particular petition for each mystery as well. I usually pray one mystery for my family, one for the people of Mother of God, one for Bishop Iffert and the priests of our diocese, and one or two for various local or national or international situations."

Saturday, Oct. 11, is the Feast of Pope St. John XXIII. Many of us still have memories of St. John, as he was the Vicar of Christ from 1958 to 1963. He was seen as a grandfather figure, known as Good Pope John, full of love and kindness. He is also known as the pope who called forth the Second Vatican Council. The council was carried out in four sessions, over four years. Pope John XXIII died after the first session of the council and was followed by Pope Paul VI.