|
Item |
Fact(s) |
|
Benefits
of the Rosary |
The Rosary is truly an "irreplaceable
treasure"! The Rosary... *
Is highly indulgenced *
Reminds us to pray *
Directs prayer away from personal rambling and incessant
petitioning *
Is an excellent teacher *
Reminds us of the most important events concerning salvation history,
provoking love, gratitude and thanksgiving *
Brings graces *
Helps preserve faith *
Defeats our spiritual enemies *
Pleases the Blessed Virgin *
Pleases God *
Brings many spiritual benefits! *
and much more... Also See: Daily
Rosary | Rosary
Reflections | History
of the Rosary | What
is the Rosary & Why Pray It? |
|
The
Blessed Virgin Mary Recommends the Rosary |
Our
Lady has requested that we say the Rosary in various apparitions.
Also, various promises have been attributed to the Rosary by Our Blessed Mother
(click here
for more information) "Of
all the prayers, the Rosary is the most beautiful and the richest
in graces; of all it is the one most pleasing to Mary, the Virgin
Most Holy." (Pope St. Pius X) |
|
The Church Recommends the Rosary |
Numerous
popes (nearly all of them in the last several centuries) have urged
devotion to the Rosary.
"[M]ay
the beads of the Rosary be in the hands of all" (Pope Pius XII,
"Ad Caeli Reginam", 1954)
|
|
Counting Prayers Before the Rosary |
Before
the Rosary, repeated prayers may have
been counted by pebbles, knots, or
other small items.
Also
See: Rosary
History |
|
The Crucifix |
The Rosary begins with a crucifix. For some,
it is a (commendable) custom to kiss the crucifix before and after
praying the Rosary. Such actions may be indulgenced. Also
See: The Pendant |
|
The Daily Rosary |
All should pray the Rosary daily. Click
here for more information
|
|
Decades |
A traditional, full
Rosary contains 15
decades. Usually, however, a five decade
Rosary is said by most people. Decades refer to the 10 small beads preceded by a
large (or single) bead on a customary string of Rosary beads. Each
decade is associated with a mystery of the Rosary (click here
for Rosary mysteries). Note: Click here
for information Pope John Paul II's new mysteries. |
|
Distractions While Praying the Rosary |
If you experience distractions while praying
the Rosary, try here
for tips. |
|
Doesn't the Bible Condemn Repetitious
Prayer? |
Yes, the Bible does condemn some repetitious
prayer, but not the Rosary. Click here
for more information. |
|
Don Juan and the Rosary |
Don
Juan attributed his triumph to the
"powerful intercession of the
Rosary Queen". |
|
The Family Rosary |
Praying
the Rosary is a great family devotion that has been a
longstanding Catholic practice. It is highly recommended for all
families. Note: Click here
for 'Family Rosary' Reflections.
"There is no surer means of calling down God's blessings upon
the family...than the daily recitation of the Rosary" (Pope Pius
XII)
|
|
Feast of the Rosary |
A
feast of the Rosary appears in the Traditional Calendar on October
7. This is associated with the miraculous victory of Lepanto on
October 7, 1571 (which was attributed to the intercession of the
Queen of the Rosary). The original feast was entitled Our Lady of
Victory, but the name has been changed to the feast of the Most
Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also See:
The Month of
October | History
of the Rosary |
|
Giving Rosaries |
It is a good idea to
always keep some spare rosaries
on hand. They are inexpensive - often costing well under $1 - (or
even free!) and can be given out to friends, relatives, or
strangers (as appropriate). It is also recommended to always keep one or more spare
Rosaries with you (in your pocket, purse, car, etc.). These spare rosaries
should generally be blessed (when you give blessed rosaries out, be
sure to let others know that they are blessed). Rosaries also make
great gifts. Reminder: Men may prefer black or brown rosaries. Be sure your children and grandchildren
have a Rosary (assuming that it is safe and that the children are
old enough). Note that you can also make your own Rosaries (click here
for more information)
Need a Rosary? Try the Commercial
Sections
|
|
The Glorious Mysteries |
For information concerning the glorious mysteries,
click here. |
|
Handmade Rosaries |
You
can hand-make your own Rosary. There are various Catholic groups and
organizations that can show you how. If you make your own Rosary,
be sure to have it blessed. Note:
For more information
concerning handmade rosaries or for information on making
rosaries, try the Commercial
Sections |
|
History of the Rosary |
Click
here for information on the history of the Rosary. |
|
How to
Begin Praying the Rosary |
It's
easy to begin the Rosary! Please give it a try. Click here
for instructions. If necessary, you can begin with one or a few decades
and work up to a full daily Rosary.
Also
See: The Daily Rosary
| Rosary Tips
| What
is the Rosary and Why Should You Pray It?
|
|
How to Pray the Rosary |
Click here
for detailed instructions for praying the Rosary |
|
The Joyful Mysteries |
For information concerning the
joyful mysteries,
click here |
|
The Living Rosary |
The 'Living Rosary' dates from 1826 and its
founding association has received papal approval. A 'Living
Rosary' consists of groups of 15 members who recite a decade of
the Rosary each day, so that an entire (traditional) 15 decade
Rosary is completed each day by each group. As a member dies, the
group keeps going as another takes the place of the deceased
member (thus it is called "living"). The 'Living
Rosary' has traditionally been based on the full 15 decade
Rosary. For more information on Pope John Paul II's new mysteries, click
here |
|
The Luminous Mysteries |
Click here for
information on Pope John Paul II's Luminous Mysteries |
|
Marian
Apparitions & the Rosary |
In
apparitions, the Blessed Virgin often appears with a Rosary and has
asked us to say the Rosary each day. Also
see: The
Daily Rosary | Mary,
Our Mother Section |
|
The Month of October |
Tracing
from the miraculous victory at Lepanto on October 7, 1571 - which
was attributed to the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary - a Feast of
the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary was instituted by
the Church (it
was originally called Our Lady of Victory). In the 20th century,
Pope Pius XI dedicated the entire month of October to the Rosary.
Also
See: Rosary
History
|
|
Month of the Rosary |
See "The Month of October" (above) |
|
The Mysteries for Each Day of the Week |
When one
prays a five decade Rosary, the mysteries considered depend on the
current day of the week [e.g. Mon. & Thurs.
=> Joyful; Tues. & Fri. => Sorrowful; Wed. & Sat.
=> Glorious; Sun. => depends upon the season (Joyful,
Sorrowful, or Glorious)]. For more information, click
here
|
|
The
Mysteries of Light |
Also called "The Luminous Mysteries"
(click here
for more information) |
|
Novena of
Rosaries |
What could be better than a Rosary? A novena
of Rosaries! Note that a typical novena may consist of one Rosary
per day for nine days for a specific intention.
|
|
Other Names for the Rosary |
The Holy Rosary may be known by various
names, including: the Rosary, the Holy Rosary, the Most Holy
Rosary, the "Psalter of Mary", the Marian Rosary, the
"prayer of the saints", "the beads",
"Mary's favorite prayer", the "prayer weapon",
etc.
|
|
Other Rosaries |
In addition to the popular Marian Rosary,
there are various other (less common) Rosaries (e.g. Rosary for the Dead, Rosary
of our Lady of Sorrows, Seraphic Rosary, Augustinian Rosary, etc.) |
|
Other Uses for Rosary Beads |
In addition to using Rosary beads to pray the
Marian Rosary, traditional Rosary beads may be used for various other rosaries and
chaplets. For more information, try the Prayers
/ Devotions section. Note, however, that some other types of
rosaries and chaplets require different sets of beads (since they
contain different numbers of prayers). |
|
The Pendent |
The
crucifix and first five beads of the Rosary are
called the "pendent". |
|
Perpetual
Rosary |
The
'Perpetual Rosary', said to date from the 17th century, refers to the
continual recitation of the Rosary by members of a group who pray at
scheduled times so that the Rosary is being said continuously, day and
night.
|
|
Praying
From Right to Left or Left to
Right |
Rosary
beads may be prayed from right to left or from left to right.
One's preferred direction may depend on the way one is taught,
whether one is right or left handed, etc. Note that Rosary
instructions may show either direction (although, perhaps, right
to left may be more common). |
|
Praying
the Rosary in a Group |
The
Rosary is well-suited to group prayer. When prayed in a group, the
leader generally announces the mystery and begins the prayers, while the
others complete the prayers. Leaders may also add commentary and other
prayers. Note: Click here
for instructions for praying the Rosary.
|
|
Rosaries & Burial |
Many Catholics are buried with their rosaries
around their hands. |
|
Rosaries as Keepsakes |
Rosaries may be considered keepsakes as they
are handed down from generation to generation. It can be a moving experience
to use the same Rosary beads that many of your ancestors may have
used. |
|
Rosaries as Relics |
In
additional to being a sacramental (if blessed), Rosaries may themselves become
"relics" if they are touched to other appropriate relics.
It may be possible to make your own Rosary a "third
class" relic by touching it to appropriate historical objects
(e.g. authentic first/second class relics, or possibly even
designated shrines). Note: For more information, consult your
diocese. |
|
Rosaries in the Car |
Rosaries are often seen hanging from mirrors
in cars. Whether this is appropriate may depend on the reason they
are there. Rosaries may be kept visible to remind one to pray, for
ready access, etc. When one keeps one's Rosary publicly visible
it proclaims their Catholicity. If however, one drives poorly with
a Rosary displayed from their car, they may give others a bad
image of Catholics. One should try to use rosaries (especially
blessed ones) for the purpose intended rather than for
'decorative' purposes. |
|
Rosary Advocates |
The
Rosary has been advocated by many
Popes, Saints, and other religious. At
least one Pope called it a "truly
heavenly instrument". It
has also been called "the greatest
method of praying", "the
scourge of the devil", "a
treasure of graces", and
"the most powerful weapon"
by Popes and Saints. Great artists, kings, and queens have used it, as
have lay people from the least to the most educated. The Blessed Virgin
herself has advocated its use. Also See:
Praise
of the Rosary (Reflections) | The
Blessed Virgin Mary Recommends the Rosary |
|
The
Rosary & Fatima |
Our Lady of Fatima appeared several times to three shepherd children in 1917.
On 10/13/1917, she performed the "miracle of the sun" in front
of tens of thousands of witnesses. On this day, she was identified as
"Our Lady of the Rosary". At the basilica there, 15 altars
were erected in honor of the 15 (traditional) mysteries of the Rosary.
At Fatima, Our Lady requested that her children say the Rosary and that
each decade of the Rosary be concluded with the following prayer:
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell,
lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy
mercy." Also
See: The Daily Rosary |
|
The Rosary & Indulgences |
The
Rosary has been highly indulgenced by popes. Traditionally,
praying 1/3 of the Rosary (5 decades) was a common for indulgences
(see Raccolta #'s 395, 397, 398). Your Rosary should be properly
blessed in order to gain as many indulgences as possible. Note
that Rosaries blessed by the Pope (or by a Bishop) may bring
additional indulgences, even plenary ones. For additional benefits, consider joining the Rosary
Confraternity (click
here for more information). For information on Rosary blessings, click
here. For more information on indulgences, try the Prayers
/ Devotions section.
|
|
The Rosary
& Lepanto |
On October 7, 1571, the Christians enjoyed a
miraculous victory over invading forces at the Battle of Lepanto.
The victory has been attributed to the Queen of the Rosary. Also
See: Feast of
the Holy Rosary |
|
The Rosary & Miracles |
The Rosary is considered a gift from heaven (click
here) and its long history has been graced by numerous
miracles. As Pope Pius IX has said,
"Among all the devotions approved by the Church none has been so
favored by so many miracles as the devotion of the Most Holy
Rosary".
|
|
The Rosary as a Sacramental |
Once a Rosary is blessed, it becomes a sacramental.
For more information on blessings, see above (or
click here). For more information on sacramentals, see the Prayers
/ Devotions section. |
|
The Rosary as a Weapon |
The Rosary is often mentioned as a weapon,
however it is not actually used against anyone in a physical
manner. Rather it is a spiritual weapon, "a powerful weapon
to put the demons to flight, to preserve the integrity of life, to
acquire virtue more easily, and in a word to attain real peace
among men." (Pope Pius XI, "Ingravescentibus
Malis", 1937 A.D.) |
|
Rosary
Blessings |
The
priest's blessing of your Rosary makes it a sacramental. Rosaries
should be properly blessed in order to gain as many indulgences as
possible. Note that Rosaries blessed by the Pope (or by a Bishop)
may bring additional indulgences, even plenary ones. Be sure to
also have Rosary rings and like articles blessed. For more
information on indulgences and sacramentals, try the Prayers
& Devotions Section. |
|
Rosary Colors |
Rosaries come in colors to suit all persons.
Some colors are more common for men (e.g. black / brown). |
|
The Rosary Confraternity |
The
Confraternity of the Rosary (now an Archconfraternity) was
associated with St. Dominic and has been in existence for more
than 500 years. It is under the care of the Dominican order. You
may gain additional merits by joining the confraternity -
including a share in the good works of the Dominicans, special
indulgences, etc. You would need to enroll and meet its
obligations (pray the Rosary, have your name inscribed in the
register, etc.). Those who join the Rosary Confraternity may gain
additional merits by joining their Rosaries with "countless
thousands" of others and are said to gain "extra spiritual
benefits for each Rosary they pray". The benefits may
continue even after death. You may enroll via mail or possibly
even online (try Catholic
Web Links for web address) Note: Contact the Rosary
Confraternity for more information and requirements. Their address
may be found online or you may try writing:
The
Rosary Center
P.O.
Box 3617
Portland,
OR 97208
Note:
Address and all other information subject to change. Information
is provided for your convenience. We are not affiliated with or
responsible for this third party organization. To report an address
correction, click
here.
|
|
The Rosary in Latin |
Click here
for more information on the Rosary in Latin |
|
Rosary Materials |
Rosary beads may be made from various materials (wood,
metal, precious stones, plastic, etc.). They may be strung with cord
or metal or other appropriate materials. |
|
Rosary Promises |
Our
Lady has made various promises to
those who recite the Rosary, including
promises for graces, protection,
serving as an armor against sin, heavenly
glory, deliverance from
purgatory, mercy from God, and more (click
here for more information). |
|
Rosary Tips |
Click
here for Rosary tips |
|
The Scriptural Basis of the Rosary |
The Rosary is very scriptural. The Our Father
is taken from Holy Scripture as is much of the Hail Mary (click
here for more information). Most of the Mysteries are taken
directly from Scripture (click here
for Rosary Mysteries / Scripture References). |
|
Shapes & Sizes of Beads |
Rosary
beads may come in a large variety of shapes
and sizes. There are even some novelty Rosaries [we will leave the
appropriateness of this for competent Church authorities to
decide]. |
|
Significance of the 15 Mysteries |
The fifteen
mysteries of the (traditional)
Rosary may be significant for: the fifteen steps of the temple,
and the fifteen gradual psalms. [For information on Pope John
Paul II's new mysteries, click here] |
|
The Sorrowful Mysteries |
For information concerning the
sorrowful mysteries,
click here |
|
Splitting Up the Rosary |
Splitting up
a (five decade) Rosary is generally not recommended unless it is truly
necessary. |
|
Sunday & The Rosary
Mysteries |
Traditionally, the mysteries for Sunday vary with the season
(Advent-Joyful, Lent-Sorrowful, rest of the year-Glorious) when
one prays a five decade Rosary. Click here
for more information on determining the day's mysteries. |
|
Time
it Takes to Pray the Rosary |
It
takes approximately 15-20 minutes to pray a traditional 5 decade Rosary.
|
|
A Traditional (Full) Rosary |
Although
it is customary to focus on a set of 5 mysteries, a traditional, full Rosary is 15 decades.
Note: Click here
for
information on Pope John Paul II's Luminous Mysteries. |
|
Two Meanings of Word 'Rosary' |
The term "Rosary" refers either to
the Rosary beads or the prayers of the Rosary as a whole.
Generally, when one refers to a Rosary, they are referring to 5
decades of the Rosary (1/3 of a full, traditional 15 decade
Rosary).
|
|
'Virtues' |
When praying the Rosary, it is often helpful
to reflect on certain virtues corresponding to the mystery (both
to contemplate the virtues and to request an increase in the
virtues for oneself). Click here
for more information on Rosary Mysteries / Virtues. |
|
What is the Rosary? |
Click
here for 'What is the Rosary & Why Pray It?' |
|
When
Rosary Beads Are Not Available |
It is not strictly necessary to be holding
Rosary beads to pray the Rosary. However, Rosary beads are helpful
for keeping track of where you are and for keeping your mind focused. Also, if
blessed, they are sacramentals and may bring additional benefits
(e.g. opportunity for indulgences). Furthermore, Rosary beads may become one's
"old friend"; just having them around (e.g. in you pocket, purse, hanging
on the wall, in your sick room, etc.), may bring
comfort. Besides Rosary beads, there are also other counters used to
pray the Rosary (e.g. Rosary rings, Rosary bracelets, Rosary cards, etc.). Some of these items may be more discreet for times
when you cannot use beads or when beads may be disadvantageous
(e.g. while driving). They may also be excellent for small places
where you can't fit Rosary beads or for other places where space
considerations are important. Note that all appropriate items
(e.g. Rosary rings) should be blessed. Finally, if Rosary beads, Rosary
rings, and other similar items are unavailable, you may
employ your fingers to pray the Rosary! Although they are certainly 'at reach', they
are not as convenient, they do
not benefit from the special blessing given to rosaries, and they do
not engage one's sense of touch (which may help one to focus while
praying). They are best used for those "emergency
situations" when nothing better is available.
|
|
When the Rosary May be Said |
The Rosary may be said at any appropriate place
or time. Also
See: Where
to Pray the Rosary |
|
When to Say Which Mysteries |
Click
here
for more information on determining the day's mysteries. |
|
Where the Hail Mary Comes From |
Click
here for information on this topic. |
|
Where to Keep
Your Rosary |
You should strive to always carry your
Rosary on your person (or at least close by). Rosaries may be
conveniently kept in one's
pocket or purse. Note that there are various special protectors or
cases for rosaries, if desired. It may also be wise to have some inexpensive rosaries
handy so that you will always be near one (either for praying or
for giving to others). Rosaries should especially
be kept in reach in sick rooms (as appropriate). You may also
keep a Rosary around a doorknob (if safe) or other appropriate place to remind you to pray.
|
|
Where
to Pray the Rosary |
The ideal place to pray the Rosary is in church in front of
Blessed Sacrament. However, you
can pray the Rosary in any appropriate place. If necessary, you may even pray the
Rosary while performing certain activities (e.g. while washing dishes, driving, etc.),
if it is safe. If you are not praying the Rosary in a group, you should
try to find a quiet location where you will be free from interruptions.
Ideally, you should pray where you can kneel (if you are
physically able). Note that various unexpected situations (e.g.
waiting
in line) may offer you the opportunity to pray extra decades of
the Rosary. |
|
Who Can
Pray the Rosary |
The
Rosary has been called "the method of prayer for ordinary
people." The Rosary may be prayed by the least educated (or non-educated) to most
educated, by the poorest or the wealthiest. Children can be taught to
pray the Rosary at a young age. Elderly persons may pray the Rosary.
Sick or injured persons may pray the Rosary. Blind persons may pray the
Rosary. Deaf persons may pray the Rosary. All persons who can pray may
pray (and should pray!) the Rosary!
|
|
Why Pray the Rosary? |
Click
here for 'What is the Rosary & Why Pray It?' |
|
The Word 'Rosary' |
The word "rosary" is derived from the Latin word "rosarium"
(meaning rose garden / crown of roses). The Rosary is compared to a spiritual
bouquet of roses for our Blessed Mother, with each Hail Mary being a
special rose given by the one praying to Mary. |
|
Misc.
|
The
Rosary is said to take into account the "whole person"
since it uses one's physical,
vocal, and spiritual facilities. The
practice of beginning and ending the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross
is called "bracketing". In
1495, Pope Alexander VI is said to have referred to St. Dominic as
"the renowned preacher long ago of the Confraternity of the
Rosary, and through his merits, the whole world was preserved from
universal ruin." Note: For more historical information,
click here. Towards
the end of the 1800's, Pope Leo XIII added the invocation "Queen of
the Most Holy Rosary" to the Litany. Pope
Leo XIII has been called the "Pope of the Rosary". He
wrote more than a dozen times regarding the Rosary. Note: Click
here for some classic encyclicals on the Rosary. St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
has been called the "Saint of the Rosary". He said
countless rosaries in his lifetime (an "inconceivable"
number), dozens per day. He urged his spiritual children to pray
the Holy Rosary (and is even quoted as saying that he wanted to
leave his spiritual children the Rosary as his legacy). He is
reported to have died "tightly hanging on to the rosary,
murmuring the names of Jesus and Mary."
|
