Education in Faith
October: A Month of Prayer and Reflection on the Rosary
As we continue through the month of October, we dedicate our morning prayer to the Holy Rosary. It has been beautiful to watch our students embrace this special time, allowing themselves to slow down, become still and enter into a space of contemplative prayer. In the busyness of school life, these moments offer a precious opportunity to pause, reflect and be present with God.
Mary holds a very special place in the history of our Church. Her faithful yes to God, her trust in His plan, and her willingness to accompany Jesus throughout His life provide us with a powerful example of faith, courage, humility, and love. As the Mother of Jesus, Mary reminds us of the importance of listening to God, trusting in His presence, and responding to His call with an open heart.
Tradition closely associates the Rosary with St Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order in the early thirteenth century. According to a longstanding Catholic tradition, Mary appeared to St Dominic and encouraged devotion to the Rosary as a means of prayer and drawing people closer to Christ. While the Rosary developed over time into the form we know today, St Dominic and the Dominican tradition played an important role in promoting this beautiful devotion throughout the Church.
A Personal Reflection: Mary's House in Ephesus
During my pilgrimage, I had the privilege of visiting Mary's House in Ephesus, a place traditionally associated with the later life of Mary. It was a deeply moving experience, one that allowed me to connect with Mary in a way that felt both personal and profound.
As I stood within that humble and sacred space, I found myself reflecting on the possibility of Mary having once stood in that very room. I imagined her quiet moments of prayer, her memories of Jesus and the faith she carried through the joys and sorrows of her life. There was something incredibly powerful about being in a place so closely connected with her story.
For a moment, history felt less distant. Mary was no longer simply a figure I had read about in Scripture or encountered in prayer; I felt connected to her humanity, her motherhood and her unwavering trust in God. Standing there invited me to consider what it might have been like to walk in her footsteps and to share, even in a small way, in the sacredness of her story. That experience reminded me that faith is not only something we learn about; it is something we encounter, experience and carry within us. Just as I felt a deep sense of connection to Mary in Ephesus, our students are given opportunities each morning to encounter her through the Rosary.
As we continue our October journey with the Rosary, may we remember that, through the Rosary, we are not only remembering Mary's story. We are allowing her to lead us closer to Jesus.
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal
We have recieved a very big thank you from our St Vincient DePaul for our contributions to their Winter Appeal!
Sarah
Education in Faith Leader