Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
(Galatians
3:7-14; Luke 11:15-26)
Among the
many accomplishments of St. John Paul II was the addition of the luminous
mysteries to the rosary. These episodes from
the ministry of Jesus testify that the rosary is not a repetitive prayer but a
reflection on the gospel. Today we give
particular attention to the rosary as a prayer to the Mother of God.
Mary has
long been considered the source of the rosary.
Popular devotion depicts Mary entrusting a rosary to St. Dominic. He was, in turn, to present it to the
world. Dominican friars through the
centuries have been among the most zealous promoters of the rosary. In fact, it was a Dominican friar turned pope
(St. Pius V) who promulgated the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. After encouraging prayer with the rosary, the European
fleet called by the pope defeated the Ottoman Turks to save Europe from Muslim domination.
The rosary
is not too long to be said comfortably in a sitting. It focuses either on Christ or his mother. Because
it is known by most Catholics, it can be used to gather people in prayer. Surely, it is not the only way to pray. But it as surely a genuine way to begin our
prayer.
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