We have heard a lot about the horrible atrocities being perpetrated by extreme terrorist organisations like Boko Haram and Isis, whose aim seems to be to destroy western civilisation, including the Christian religion.

Many are of the opinion that a strong, concerted, international military campaign should be vigorously undertaken to crush this growing menace.

However, I believe that to counter this evil, more than a united military campaign, what is urgently needed is a joint spiritual one to obtain divine assistance by means of a wave of prayer, particularly the Rosary.

It is common knowledge that when in the 16th century the large, powerful Ottoman army was on the verge of invading and conquering Christian Europe, it was precisely the Rosary, universally recited on the Pope’s appeal by Europe’s Christian populations that miraculously turned the tide in favour of the far-outnumbered Christian forces at thy Battle of Lepanto.

Moreover, our own national history provides ample testimony to the power of the Rosary since it is commonly believed that at certain critical times we were rescued from the brink through the intercession of Our Lady.

Contrary to what many believe, the Rosary is not a monotonous prayer. Put your heart into it and you will see how dynamic, consoling and useful it is.