What is the Rosary? For some it is merely a collection of beads on a string but for others it is an enduring devotional prayer for Catholic Christians. It has been described as “the New Testament on a string” because of the New Testament references from the life of Christ that are meditated upon while praying the Rosary.
Its enduring quality may well be its simplicity but also a way of praying that engages individuals from their earliest years right through to their dying years. It has been a family prayer for centuries and although not as popular as it once was, it is still considered an ideal family prayer. The Our Father and Hail Mary prayers that are central to praying the Rosary are among the earliest prayers that children are taught, allowing them to participate and join in family prayer.
Rosary prayer not only allows one to engage Mary, Jesus and New Testament personalities and events in meditation and conversation, but also serves to unite families, prayer groups, and church groups with one another. Rosary prayer also continues to be an individual prayer for many as well.
The popularity of Rosary prayer is universal and reasons for praying the Rosary are many. Access to Mary, Jesus’ mother and her maternal attributes is certainly one reason. The repetitiveness, while off-setting for some, may actually be another reason. The Hail Marys have the effect of a mantra.
During her Sixth apparition at Fatima, Mary, the mother of Jesus, declared herself to be the Lady of the Rosary and asked that the Rosary be prayed every day.
In the Church calendar, the month of October is dedicated to the Rosary and the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary is, October 7.
Are you struggling with a concern or need? Could the Rosary offer you the peace, strength and hope you long for? This might be the perfect time to give it a try.
