Pope St. Pius V established this feast in 1573. The purpose was to thank God for the victory of Christians over the Turks at Lepanto (1571)—a victory attributed to the praying of the rosary. Clement XI extended the feast to the universal Church in 1716.

    The development of the rosary has a long history. First, a practice developed of praying 150 Our Fathers in imitation of the 150 Psalms. Then there was a parallel practice of praying 150 Hail Marys. Soon a mystery of Jesus' life was attached to each Hail Mary.
    Though Mary's giving the rosary to St. Dominic is recognized as unhistorical, the development of this prayer form owes much to the followers of St. Dominic. One of them, Alan de la Roche, was known as "the apostle of the rosary." He founded the first Confraternity of the Rosary in the 15th century.
    In the 16th century the rosary was developed to its present form—with the 15 mysteries (joyful, sorrowful and glorious).
    In 2002, Pope John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light to this devotion.  Eucharistic Rosary, for the Eucharistic Year 2004-2005

    - At Lourdes, the Virgin came with the Rosary on Her hands. Lourdes Art Gallery and information
    - At Fatima, the Virgin named herself Our Lady of the Rosary, for peace. Fatima Art Gallery and information
    - At Garabandal, the Virgin taught the children how to pray the Rosary. Garabandal Art Gallery and information

Comment:
    The purpose of the rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. Pius XII called it a compendium of the gospel.
    The main focus is on Jesus—his birth, life, death and resurrection.
    The Our Fathers remind us that Jesus' Father is the initiator of salvation.
    The Hail Marys remind us to join with Mary in contemplating these mysteries. They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all the mysteries of his earthly and heavenly existence.
    The Glorys remind us that the purpose of all life is the glory of the Trinity. It is the hymn ot the angels mand Saints in /Heaven day and night (Rev.4:8,9,11)
    The rosary appeals to many. It is simple. The constant repetition of words helps create an atmosphere in which to contemplate the mysteries of God. We sense that Jesus and Mary are with us in the joys and sorrows of life. We grow in hope that God will bring us to share in the glory of Jesus and Mary forever.

Eucharistic Rosary, for the Eucharistic Year 2004-2005