The Rosary

The Catholic rosary is a contemplative process involving a crucifix and prayer beads strung together in a circular pattern. There are many variations, but there are common elements. The idea is to bring one closer to Mary, Jesus, God; to calm one’s spirit through meditation and spiritual focus. Other religions use similar methods for comparable ideals. The devotion can be done in private, or anywhere, and does not require the actual rosary beads. The crucifix and beads are helpful and comforting to work with, though.

Technically, 153 Hail Marys and the rest of the cycle fulfill one complete rosary; one setting can be done, however, doing one revolution involving a total of 53 Hail Marys, five mysteries, and other prayers.

The version I’ve been doing for the last year and a half starts with holding the crucifix while saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Next, the Apostles’ Creed (a statement of faith in the trinity and the Holy Catholic Church) is followed by the Lord’s Prayer and three Hail Marys. After a brief Glory Be or Glory to the Father, it’s time to announce and contemplate the first mystery.

The cycle of five mysteries per mini-rosary is determined by the day of the week, or holy day. Typically, I do the Joyful Mysteries on Mondays and Thursdays; the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays; and the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesdays and weekends. Pope John Paul II added five Luminous Mysteries to the cycle, suggesting they be done on Tuesdays. I have no idea how much this has caught on, which is one of the interesting aspects of Catholicism (one official doctrine, a variety of actual practices).

In any case, I end with Hail, Holy Queen, a paean to Mary. This is considered optional, but I’ve been doing it since the beginning, so why stop?

Mary is closely associated with roses – they are beautiful, and they have thorns, too. The term rosary is derived from the Latin rosarium, or crown of roses.

Rosaries can be done at any time and for me, take about ten or fifteen minutes. There are also more elaborate sacramentals, such as novenas (traditionally nine days’ worth of focusing on something in particular).

For bigger issues, there's the powerful 54 day Rosary Novena. This is really a super-novena: three nine-day novenas (27 days) of petition followed by three nine-day novenas (27 more days) of thanksgiving. For maximum effect, one must consistently complete a rosary every day for 54 days. Something will happen – the petition may not be granted exactly in the manner one hopes or visualizes, but good does always come of it. At least in my experience. At worst, one is merely meditating for an extended period of time. At best, one’s life is guided into a better place, spiritually and often pragmatically.

To enhance the effects, light candles or incense. Other forms of meditation such as yoga often use similar enhancements to add focusing atmosphere.

Happy Easter, everybody! I'll return to more worldly posts soon. . . . .