Why Pray the Rosary Anyways?

Today’s world is characterized by speed and lack of patience. Instant results are demanded and waiting has become obsolete. Monotonous and repetitive exercises are avoided as much as possible. So why has the late Pope John Paul II called for a renewed devotion to the Rosary? To understand the purpose in today’s world a little bit of history is necessary.

History of the Rosary

The Rosary is traditionally claimed to have been revealed to St. Dominic (1170-1221) when he implored the Virgin Mary's help in fighting heresy. However, the practice of reciting prayers repeatedly goes back even before that. Members of monastic orders who did not know how to read would repeat the Pater Noster several times because they were unable to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

Purpose of the Devotion

The Rosary goes beyond repeating prayers several times; it is to help lead one closer to God. Through the Mysteries of the Rosary one is able to mediate on the life of Jesus with the help of Mary. This devotion to Mary is not worshipping Mary but is asking one to be lead closer to her Son Jesus. The Hail Marys that are said are meant to help create a spirit of prayer and focus the mind while praying the Rosary. Thus, the Hail Marys are not the most essential aspect of the Rosary; the meditation of the life of Jesus, through the Mysteries, is the most important aspect.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

Originally, the Rosary consisted of three sets of five mysteries each. In 2002, Pope John Paul II added a fourth set of mysteries, the Luminous Mysteries. The Church recommends which mysteries should be prayed each day but it is not required.

Joyful Mysteries (Mondays and Saturdays):

1. The Annunciation
2. Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays):

1. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River
2. The Wedding at Cana
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
4. The Transfiguration
5. The Institution of the Eucharist

Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays):

1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging
3. The Crowning with Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion

Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays):

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
5. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Method of the Rosary

While praying the Rosary may seem confusing at first, it becomes easier with practice. There are many aids to help with lining up prayers with beads. However, there are many websites that can aid with his. The Dominican Fathers/The Rosary Center of Portland, OR has a useful website that gives a guide on how to pray the Rosary. There are links to each of the prayers and prayers are provided in several languages as well. Another valuable resource is a virtual rosary. A recording of the Rosary is activated and is an excellent resource for someone who is beginning to pray the Rosary and wants extra guidance.

Other Aids for Praying the Rosary

Once one knows the prayers of the Rosary, one can focus on meditating on the Mysteries. This can be quite difficult. In the past, the Rosary was used to help those who were poor and unable to purchase a Bible so then they could learn the important events of Jesus' life. Nowadays, there are many ways to help one pray the Rosary. There are Scriptural Rosaries, which give meditations from the Bible. There is also music that could help lead one into the mystery. Danielle Rose has a two disc set entitled Mysteries and has meditations on each of the mysteries.

Newadvent.org

Rosary Beads

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