Paul VI – Recurrens Mensis October (October 7, 1969): Full Latin Text

The Apostolic Exhortation Recurrens Mensis October (October 7, 1969) is the third Marian encyclical/exhortation of Paul VI devoted to the Rosary for peace. Published on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto. Full text in Enchiridion Vaticanum vol. 3 (1968-1970), paragraphs 1609-1618. A document more rarely cited, but theologically dense.

Latin text, n. 1609: the initial call

Recurrens mensis October opportunitatem Nobis praebet universum populum Christianum denuo adhortandi, ut illa precandi forma usitetur, quae, in catholicorum pietate merito inhaerens, nihil momenti amisit, quod ad difficultates horum temporum attinet: recitationem dicimus sacri Beatae Mariae Virginis Rosarii.

Italian text (text of the Enchiridion)

The return of the month of October offers us the occasion to invite once more the whole Christian people to the practice of a form of prayer rightly dear to Catholic piety, and which has lost nothing of its timeliness amid the difficulties of the present hour: we wish to speak of the Rosary of the most holy Virgin Mary.

English translation

The return of the month of October offers us the occasion to invite once more the whole Christian people to the practice of a form of prayer rightly dear to Catholic piety, and which has lost nothing of its timeliness amid the difficulties of the present hour: we refer to the Rosary of the most holy Virgin Mary.

n. 1610: the intention, peace

Latin: Hoc vero anno omnibus filiis eam proponimus intentionem, quae urgentior et gravior Nobis esse videtur quam umquam alias, ut scilicet pax inter homines et gentes firmetur.

Although some progress has been made and some hope rightly shines, fratricidal struggles persist; once again certain elements of discrimination are being prepared, and even in the hearts of Christians, who are called to one and the same Gospel of love, we look upon one another as adversaries.

Within the bosom of the Church dissensions arise among brothers who accuse and condemn one another. Therefore, now more than ever, we must devote ourselves to peace and implore it.

English: This year we propose to all our children the intention that seems to us more urgent and more serious than ever: that peace be firmly established among men and among peoples.

Despite some progress and legitimate hopes, deadly conflicts still persist; new “hot spots” appear, and we see even Christians, who appeal to the same Gospel of love, fighting one another.

Within the Church herself, misunderstandings appear among brothers, who mutually accuse and condemn one another. Hence it is more urgent than ever to work and to pray for peace.

n. 1611: the centenary of the Rosary of Saint Pius V

Latin: Anniversaria etiam memoria, plus fiduciae ingerens, Nos movet, id est quartum expletum saeculum ab editis Apostolicis Litteris, quae a verbis Consueverunt romani pontifices incipiunt; quibus Litteris Sanctus Pius V, Decessor Noster, temporibus, quibus Ecclesia et mundus perquam turbabatur, formam sacri Rosarii cuivis aetati congruentem, definivit.

English: We are also moved by an anniversary commemoration that instills greater confidence: four centuries have been completed since the publication of the Apostolic Letters that begin with the words Consueverunt Romani Pontifices; with these Letters, Saint Pius V, Our predecessor, in times when the Church and the world were deeply troubled, defined the form of the sacred Rosary suited to every age.

n. 1612-1613: peace as the cause of God

Latin: Cum pax sine dubio sit causa hominum et bonum omnibus commune, oportet de ea sint constanter solliciti cuncti, praesertim ii, penes quos est cura Civitatum et communitatis populorum…

Pax est etiam causa Dei: ipse enim animis nostris ardens desiderium pacis iniecit, ipse nos impellit, ut, pro sua quisque parte, huic operam navemus, dum ad hoc debiles vires nostras et nutantes sustinet voluntates. Ipse solus animum pacificum tribuere potest et conatus nostros pacis stabiliendae penitus firmiterque prosperare.

English: Since peace is without doubt the cause of men and a good common to all, it is necessary that all be constantly solicitous for it, especially those who have the care of the Cities and of the community of peoples…

Peace is also the cause of God: for He Himself has infused into our souls the ardent desire for peace; He impels us so that each one, according to his own measure, may devote his efforts to it, while He sustains our weak strength and our wavering wills. He alone can grant a peaceful soul and make our efforts to establish peace prosper deeply and firmly.

The Rosary as personal and communal prayer

Recurrens Mensis October is the boldest document of Paul VI on the Rosary because it insists on its social and political dimension, not merely on a private spiritual one. The Rosary is a weapon of peace, an instrument of reconciliation, the collective prayer of the Church against the modern scourges: wars, intra-ecclesial divisions, social polarization.

Connection with the papal tradition

This exhortation belongs to the line of:

• Saint Pius V (1569): the Bull Consueverunt Romani Pontifices, which defined the form of the Rosary
• Leo XIII (1883-1898): the thirteen encyclicals on the Rosary
• Pius X-XII: consolidation of the devotion
• Paul VI: this triad Mense Maio, Christi Matri Rosarii, Recurrens Mensis October
• John Paul II (2002): Rosarium Virginis Mariae with the addition of the Luminous Mysteries

Pastoral legacy

Recurrens Mensis October is still a reference point for:

• The month of October as the month of the Rosary in parishes throughout the world
• The Rosary as a prayer for world peace, taken up again in every recent conflict
• The pastoral continuity between Saint Pius V (Lepanto 1571) and Paul VI (Vietnam 1969)

Further reading

Marialis Cultus | Mense Maio 1965 | Christi Matri Rosarii 1966 | Rosarium Virginis Mariae | Saint Pius V and the Rosary of Lepanto