October holds a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church, for it is traditionally celebrated as the Month of the Holy Rosary. On October 7, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, remembering the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her loving invitation to draw closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Pope Leo XIII, often called the “Pope of the Rosary,” strongly encouraged Catholics to pray the Rosary throughout October. The Rosary is more than the repetition of familiar prayers—it is a spiritual journey through the life of Jesus in the loving company of Mary. Every Hail Mary becomes a prayer of trust, every mystery draws us closer to Christ, and every Rosary brings grace, strength, and peace into our lives.
“VISIT OF MARY TO OUR HOME”
In 2022, we began a special Marian devotional program in our parish called “Visit of Mary to Our Home.” Since then, this beautiful devotion has continued successfully every October, touching the hearts of many families and bringing prayer, peace, hope, and spiritual renewal into their homes.
Over the past four years, it has been a great joy to witness families gathering around the statue of our Blessed Mother, praying the Rosary together, entrusting their needs to her intercession, and receiving a special blessing for their homes. Parents, children, grandparents, relatives, and friends have joined in these moments of grace. Many families have shared how deeply meaningful and spiritually uplifting these visits have been.
With great joy, we will continue this beloved tradition throughout October 2026. Once again, I warmly invite every family in our parish to open the doors of your home—and, even more importantly, the doors of your heart—to our Blessed Mother.
WHY WELCOME MARY INTO YOUR HOME?
When Mary visits a home, she never comes alone—she always brings us closer to Jesus. Just as she carried Christ to the home of Elizabeth, Mary desires to bring the presence, peace, and joy of her Son into our families.
Today, our homes face many challenges. Families carry worries about health, children, relationships, work, finances, loneliness, grief, and the future. In the midst of these concerns, prayer reminds us that we are not alone. The Rosary places our families beneath Mary’s maternal care and helps us entrust every burden to Jesus.
This devotion also offers a wonderful opportunity to help our children and young people grow in the Catholic faith. When children see their family gathered in prayer, they learn that faith belongs not only in the church but also in the home and in everyday life.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
From October 1 through October 31, 2026, I, accompanied by a dedicated group of parishioners, will bring a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the homes of participating families.
During each visit:
- The statue of Mother Mary will be placed in a special area prepared by the family.
- We will pray the Holy Rosary together for the intentions of the family.
- We will ask Mary to intercede for the sick, the elderly, children, young people, marriages, and all those in need of prayer.
- The home and family will receive a special blessing.
Each visit will last approximately 30 minutes and will be scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Families who would like to welcome Mother Mary into their homes are encouraged to reserve a date and time through the Parish Office.
Because only a limited number of visits can be scheduled each day, please sign up as early as possible to receive your preferred date and time.
Marian Devotional Program:
“VISIT OF MARY TO OUR HOME”
📅 Dates: October 1–31, 2026
🕒 Visiting Hours: 2:00–6:00 PM
⏱️ Length of Visit: Approximately 30 minutes
📍 Reservations: Contact the Parish Office
📞 Phone: 773-631-4127
A SPECIAL INVITATION TO EVERY FAMILY
Whether your family prays the Rosary regularly or is just beginning, you are warmly welcome to participate. You do not need to prepare anything elaborate. A simple place for the statue, an open heart, and a willingness to pray together are all that is needed.
Invite your children, grandchildren, relatives, neighbors, and friends to join you. If someone in your family is sick, grieving, facing a difficult situation, or in special need of prayer, this visit can become a beautiful moment of comfort, encouragement, and hope.
Let us make October a month of prayer in every home. Let us place our families under Mary’s loving protection and ask her to lead us always to her Son. May each visit renew our faith, strengthen the bonds within our families, bring healing to wounded hearts, and fill our homes with the peace of Christ.
Open your home to Mary, Open your heart to Jesus. Let the Rosary bring your family together in faith, hope, and love.
Please reserve your date soon. I look forward to praying with you and your family during this special Month of the Holy Rosary.
Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us and for our families!
Yours in Christ, Fr. Prasad Akula