Friday, October 7, 2022

 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.