Memorial of Our
Lady of the Rosary
(Galatians 3:7-14; Luke 11:15-26)
The Dominican Order since St. Thomas Aquinas has been
accused of being too heady. It is true
that some Dominicans have striven to imitate the genius of the “Angelic Doctor.”
But others have preached a much more
popular devotion. Since its beginnings,
Dominicans have promoted praying the rosary.
Today’s feast celebrates this prayer form.
People pray with the rosary in private, in small groups,
and in large gatherings. Many have made praying
the rosary as much a part of their daily routine as reading the newspaper. Author John Shea wrote a rather sad poem
about a couple who prayed the rosary together for years until one spouse
died. Then the other continued to pray,
but felt ever more acutely her loss. As
she finished the first part of the “Hail Mary,” only silence responded with the
second. Of course, we recite the rosary in
large groups on most occasions that call for prayer – vigils for the dead, demonstrations
in front of abortion clinics, and in procession on pilgrimages.
The rosary is a Marian devotion with definite
Christological overtones. It is directed
to the mother of God in whom the Creator unites with the created in a unique
way. Those who pray the rosary focus on
the great moments of the Redeemer’s life – his joyful coming, his prodigious
ministry, his passionate death, and his glorious resurrection. More than that, however, the rosary provides
space for the individual believer to reflect on her life in relation to
Christ. It can be said that the rosary
is hardly essential to our faith. But
our faith is much richer with the rosary.
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