The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary

October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, one of the best-known and most cherished prayers of the Catholic Church.

Through the Rosary, we reflect with Mary on the great events of the life of Jesus – his birth and ministry, his suffering and death, and the glory of his Resurrection. At the heart of the Rosary is therefore not simply the repetition of prayers, but a prayerful meditation on Christ and the Gospel.

The Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on 7 October. During this month we are especially encouraged to rediscover the Rosary, whether prayed individually, as a family or together as a parish community.

Pope Leo XIV has also invited the faithful to pray the Rosary during October 2026 particularly for peace and an end to war, accompanying our prayer with acts of mercy, reconciliation and penance.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for October

For mental health ministry

We pray that care for mental health may become increasingly integrated into the life and ministry of the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with mental illness.

Some Important Days During October

01 October – Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known as the “Little Flower”, reminds us that holiness can be found in doing the ordinary things of life with extraordinary love.

02 October – The Holy Guardian Angels

A day on which the Church gives thanks for the protection and guidance of the angels whom God has placed beside us.

03 October – Blessed Columba Marmion

An Irish-born Benedictine abbot and spiritual writer whose teaching emphasised our call to share in the life of Christ.

07 October – Our Lady of the Rosary

A special day of devotion to Mary and an invitation to meditate through the Rosary on the mysteries of Christ’s life.

15 October – Saint Teresa of Ávila

A Carmelite nun, reformer and Doctor of the Church whose writings continue to teach Christians about prayer and friendship with God.

17 October – Saint Ignatius of Antioch

One of the earliest bishops and martyrs of the Church, remembered for his courageous witness to Christ and his writings on the Christian faith.

18 October – World Mission Sunday

On Mission Sunday Catholics throughout the world unite in prayer and practical support for the Church’s missionary work. The 2026 theme is “One in Christ, United in Mission.”

22 October – Saint John Paul II

The Church remembers Pope Saint John Paul II and his long ministry of proclaiming Christ throughout the world.

28 October – Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

The Church celebrates two of the Twelve Apostles who were called by Jesus to carry the Gospel to the world.

Sundays in October

4 October – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants in the vineyard, reminding us that God’s gifts are entrusted to us so that our lives may bear good fruit.

Gospel: Matthew 21:33–43

11 October – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus uses the image of a wedding feast to speak about God’s invitation to his Kingdom.

Gospel: Matthew 22:1–14

18 October – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time / World Mission Sunday

The Church reflects on her responsibility to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to every people and nation.

Matthew 22:15–21

25 October – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus gives us the heart of Christian life: to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves.

Gospel: Matthew 22:34–40

A Prayer for October

During this month of the Rosary, may we turn to Mary and ask her to lead us more closely to her Son.

Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, pray for us.

Help us to contemplate Christ with you,

to grow in faith, hope and love,

and to become instruments of his peace in our homes,

our parish and our world. Amen.