Praying the Rosary - vital part of one’s spiritual life

by Rosemary Van Keulen

The Council of Catholic Women Family Concerns Commission has chosen to pray the family Rosary on a daily basis as their 2002-2003 goal.

I remember seeing my grandmother in her chair mouthing the Hail Mary and fingering her rosary. My other grandmother always had her rosary ready to pray in her apron pocket.

The Rosary should become a vital part of the family’s spiritual life. The Rosary is a series of praise and petition to the Mother of Jesus, held together by events from the life of Jesus or Mary on which to meditate while saying the prayers.

The fifteen mysteries (meditations) are all found in scripture. The Mysteries of the Rosary compare so much to what the family faces — joy, sorrows, and victories. We reflect on those issues and learn for Christ’s example.

The Rosary is an ancient form of prayer. A string of beads or knotted cord was used not only among the early Christian monks and hermits but also by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

The word "rosary" means "crown of roses"; the rose being one of the symbols of the Virgin Mary. The Rosary was developed over centuries so no one person can be given credit for its origin.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said the Rosary is not just a vocal prayer. It is also a mental prayer. While the prayer is being said, the heart is medi-tating on the life of Jesus and applying it to ones own life and needs. He said the rosary helps us to sanctify the idle moments of our lives.

Taking a walk, driving in the car, waiting in line at the supermarket can all become opportunities to focus on God’s presence in our lives. In doing this we are following St. Paul’s advice to pray at all times and under all circumstances.

The Rosary could be prayed for various intentions on different days of the week or each decade could have a special intention including an increase in vocations, healing in our church and peace in the world, for an end to abortion, child abuse, violence, pornography or personal intentions. Children could be involved by voicing the mystery and/or choosing the intention.

This is an easy goal. Let’s get into the habit of praying the Rosary daily, a wonderful way of praising Our Blessed Mother and letting her lead us to her Son.

Rosemary Van Keulen is Diocesan Coordinator of the Council of Catholic Women Family Concerns Commission.