Paul VI – Recurrens mensis October (7 October 1969): full Latin text

English Translation

The Apostolic Exhortation *Recurrens Mensis October* (7 October 1969) is the third Marian encyclical/exhortation of Pope Paul VI dedicated to the Rosary for peace. Published on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto. The full text is found in *Enchiridion Vaticanum* vol. 3 (1968-1970), paragraphs 1609-1618. This document, while less frequently cited, is theologically dense.Collection: *Enchiridion Vaticanum* vol. 3, paragraphs 1609-1618Pope: Blessed Paul VIDocument: *Apostolic Exhortation Recurrens mensis October*Date: 7 October 1969 (Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary)Source: *AAS* 61 (1969) 649-654Anniversary Celebrated: Fourth centenary of the Bull *Consueverunt Romani Pontifices* of Saint Pius V (1569)

Text Latin, n. 1609: 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.*

Text Italian (from Enchiridion)

> Il ritorno del mese di ottobre ci offre l’occasione di invitare nuovamente tutto il popolo cristiano alla pratica di una forma di preghiera giustamente cara alla pietà cattolica, e che non ha perso la sua attualità nelle difficoltà dell’ora presente: vogliamo parlare del rosario della santissima Vergine Maria.

Portuguese Translation

> O retorno do mês de outubro oferece-nos a ocasião de convidar mais uma vez todo o povo cristão à prática de uma forma de oração justamente cara à piedade católica, e que nada perdeu da sua actualidade nas dificuldades da hora presente: referimo-nos ao Rosário da santíssima Virgem Maria.

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.> While some progress has been made and some hope shines justly, persistent fratricidal struggles continue; once again elements of discrimination are being prepared, and even the hearts of Christians, who are called to the same Gospel of love, see one another as adversaries.> Disagreements arise within the Church between brothers who accuse and condemn one another. Therefore, now more than ever, we must dedicate ourselves to peace and pray for it.English: This year, we propose to all the children the intention that seems to us more urgent and grave than ever: that peace be established between men and peoples.Despite some progress and legitimate hopes, deadly conflicts persist; new “hotspots” appear, and we see Christians fighting each other, appealing to the same Gospel of love.Within the Church itself, misunderstandings break out between brothers, who mutually accuse and condemn one another. Therefore, more urgent than ever is to work and pray for peace.n. 1611: The Centenary of Saint Pius V’s RosaryLatin: Anniversaria etiam memoria, plus fiduciae ingerens, Nos movet, id est quartum expletum saeculum ab editis Apostolicis Litteris, quibus Litteris Sanctus Pius V, Nosser predecessor, temporibus, quibus Ecclesia et mundus perquam turbabatur, formam sacri Rosarii cuivis aetati congruentem, definivit.English: Also, a commemorative memory that infuses greater confidence moves us: four centuries have passed 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 suitable for every age.n. 1612-1613: Peace as the Cause of GodLatin: 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:Being peace undoubtedly the cause of men and the common good of all, it is necessary that all constantly strive for it, especially those who have the care of cities and the community of peoples…Peace is also a cause of God: for He Himself has infused into our souls the ardent desire for peace; He urges each one of us, according to his measure, to dedicate his efforts to it, while He sustains our feeble forces and wavering wills. Only He can give a peaceful soul and deeply and firmly prosper our efforts to establish peace.

The Rosary as Personal and Communal Prayer

*Recurrens Mensis October* is the most bold document of Paul VI on the Rosary because it emphasizes its social and political dimension, not just spiritual private. The Rosary is a weapon of peace, an instrument of reconciliation, the collective prayer of the Church against modern plagues: wars, internal church divisions, social polarization.

Connection with Papal Tradition

This exhortation fits into a line:– St. Pius V (1569): Bull *Consueverunt Romani Pontifices* defining the form of the Rosary – Leo XIII (1883-1898): thirteen encyclicals on the Rosary – Pius X-XII: consolidation of 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 Heritage

*Recurrens Mensis October* remains a reference for:– The month of October as Rosary month in parishes worldwide – The Rosary as prayer for world peace, invoked in every recent conflict – The continuity of pastoral care between St. Pius V (Lepanto 1571) and Paul VI (Vietnam 1969)

Further Reading

– *Marialis Cultus* – *Mense Maio 1965* – *Christi Matri Rosarii 1966* – *Rosarium Virginis Mariae* – *St. Pius V and the Rosary of Lepanto*