Answer: You are correct—October is the month the Church highlights the Holy Rosary, since October 7th is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. This year, Pope Leo XIV has especially encouraged Catholics to pray it during October for peace. Many Catholics also pray for respect for life during October.  

The Rosary is a private devotion that has enriched the lives of countless Catholics for generations. While it is not the only way to show love for Mary, the Rosary is a privileged form of prayer that helps us embrace her unique role in Christ’s saving mission. As Lumen Gentium reminds us, Catholics are called to “reverence the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ” (LG 52). The Rosary focuses our hearts on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and on Mary’s example of obedience and discipleship.

Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary both individually and with others—families, parish groups, or prayer circles. How often? That depends on what draws you closer to Christ. Some pray it daily, others weekly. What matters is that the Rosary leads us into deeper meditation on Christ’s work of redemption and helps us live out the call to “pray always.”

Is it okay to pray for the Rosary while driving or walking? Yes, provided it can be done safely. In fact, our everyday tasks can be opportunities to sanctify time with prayer. I sometimes pray along with a recorded Rosary while driving so my hands are free. Of course, like all prayers, Rosary can be challenged by distractions—but those struggles are part of the spiritual journey.

Its repetitive nature can also be a gift. Repetition quiets the mind, training us to move from words into contemplation. Many religious traditions use beads or rhythmic prayer to help the soul connect with God at a level too deep for words. The Rosary does the same, gently forming us in prayer from the heart.

Should you have an intention while praying? Absolutely. Many begin by offering intentions for faith, hope, love, or for the Holy Father. Naming our needs helps us open our hearts to God. I often suggest asking for the grace to pray more deeply and contemplatively.

Remember Catholics do not pray to Mary but ask her to pray with and for us. She is our model disciple, and her intercession helps us learn how to pray under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through Mary, we grow closer to her Son.

This October, I encourage you to take up the Rosary anew. It is a simple but profound prayer that can deepen your spiritual life and draw you ever closer to Christ.