With Mary, We Pray and We Care

The month of October holds a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church. It is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary and to our Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting us to renew our love for this beautiful devotional prayer. The Rosary is more than a repetition of prayers. It is a gentle and profound journey through the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes and heart of Mary.

For centuries, the Rosary has taken deep root in the hearts of Catholics. Its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone – young and old, families and individuals alike. As we move from one Hail Mary to another, we are gently invited into the mysteries of Christ: His joy, suffering, death, resurrection and His Ascension. Mary accompanies us, teaching us to listen, to trust and to say, as she did, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

The Rosary always leads us to Jesus. Mary does not draw attention to herself but gently brings us closer to her Son. When we pray with Mary, we learn from her faith, her patience and her willingness to remain close to Jesus, especially in moments of suffering. Through the Rosary, may our prayer life and Marian spirituality grow deeper, and may we be led to service – especially towards the sick, elderly, lonely and those who quietly carry their burdens.

This October, as we pray the Rosary, we are also invited to remember the Holy Father’s intention for mental health ministry in our parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, this ministry has not yet been established at St Thomas Church in Kuantan. Pope Leo XIV desires that mental health ministry be established throughout the Church worldwide, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with mental health difficulties.

Many people today carry hidden emotional and psychological pain. Some suffer in silence because they fear judgment or misunderstanding. A caring Christian community can make a great difference by listening without judgment, offering companionship, encouraging appropriate professional help and helping people remain connected to their families, Church and wider community.

In our Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, we continue to support and pray for the mental health ministry under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Philip Chua, as well as for those experiencing mental and emotional difficulties.

In this month, let us rediscover the beauty of the Rosary. Whether we pray individually, as a family, or as a parish community, may Mary teach us to be “anxious to see Jesus” (Lk 9: 9) while opening our hearts with greater compassion to those who are suffering. May our prayer become a source of grace, healing, hope and deeper love for Christ and for one another.