“Why Catholics Say the Rosary”

“The Rosary as we know it was developed in the Middle Ages.  It evolved out of an ancient practice in which people who could not read Scripture recited 150 Our Fathers for the 150 Psalms.  Strings of beads, called ‘pater-nosters’ were used to keep track of the prayers.

“Over time, this practice merged with the Scriptures greeting to Mary (‘Hail Mary, full of grace…’) and with meditations on the lives of Christ and Mary.

“In groups or in a family, one person can say the first half of each prayer, while others respond with the second half.

“The Rosary is, at its heart, a biblical prayer, which is why Scripture verses are often used for meditation with each mystery.”

“How to Pray the Rosary”

1. “Begin with the Sign of the Cross.  Pray the Apostles’ Creed while holding the crucifix (part of a set of Rosary beads.)
2. Pray an Our Father.
3. Pray three Hail Marys.
4. Pray the Glory Be, announce the first mystery, than pray an Our Father.
5. Pray ten Hail Marys (called a decade).
6. Pray the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.
7. Before each decade, announce the next mystery, followed by an Our Father.  For each set of ten Hail Marys (or beads on the Rosary string), pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery.
8. After the five decades are completed, pray the Hail, Holy Queen and the concluding Rosary Prayer.”

In these 21st century days of strife and hardship, of neglect and forgotten promises, prayers are consoling to the human mind and soul.

When you need to know more, please let me know by leaving a comment.

Thank you…A. K. Buckroth