As we come to the closing Sunday of October, our Blessed Mother gently gathers us and teaches us something essential: prayer is not just something we do, it is who we become.

Last week, Mary taught us how the Joyful and Luminous Mysteries form armor for our beginnings. Today, she brings us deeper into the places of pain, perseverance, victory, and hope.

Last week we entered deeply into praying the rosary with the heart of Mary. Today, she shows us that the Mysteries of the Rosary are not only meditations but also spiritual armor.

We have entered the sacred month of October - the month of the Holy Rosary. October is not just a Marian month; it is a formation month.

Last week, we stood at the foot of the cross with Mary. Today, the church lifts our eyes from the cross on Earth to the battle in the heavens.

This past week, the church gave us two Inseparable Mysteries - the Cross of Christ and the sorrowful heart of his mother.

Today, we begin our preparation for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which we will commemorate on September 15th.

Mary's birth is the beginning of Hope for the world, and Mary's armor was born to continue that hope in a world longing for healing, unity, and protection.