Even though I am not yet officially Catholic I have been praying The Rosary for a long time. I find GREAT comfort and peace in the times I do this. Focusing on the various mysteries is a big part of it for me. I have been told by some of my "post-Second Vatican Council" friends that the Rosary "really isnt used that much anymore"* Yet I have a young neighbor who loves praying this way?? I am just curious -- thoughts please?
*My prior Catholic training was in the late forties, then again just before Vatican II and into the mid sixties)

Not only is the Rosary still used often, Pope John Paul the Great introduced 5 more mysteries -- the beautiful Luminous mysteries -- highlighting "light-giving" events in the ministry of Jesus while on earth.

I highly recommend them.

In my parish, the rosary is prayed daily prior to Mass.

Blessings,

Mary,

I am still searching following the events of my former churches (ECUSA), the fellowship I followed (AMiA) and on into the CEC. But I'll relate my experience with The Rosary to you.

I was visiting the very church my parents were married in. I had thought, since I was a cradle Episcopalian, it would be just that, an ECUSA church. But it was an Anglican church and even though, I walked inside to see where it was my mother & father took their vows. I prayed and sat in a pew until a Benedictine Monk came to me. We talked and he asked if I had ever prayed The Rosary. I told him no, he taught me, and I went back to my Virginia home and did so fervently.

One of the gifts I have been Blessed with in the healing ministry is the gift of "empathy". During one of my sessions in The Rosary, I was struck down, sobbing deeply, because I could feel the pain of the Blessed Mary over losing her son! It took a while for me to understand why I broke down, but He taught me and once I realized the Blessing I had received, I understood the power there.

I am still not "Roman", I am still searching, and ironically, despite posting some earlier questions in this part of the forum, haven't received any replies.... don't know what that is, but this was my experience, no RC teaching involved at all, just shear faith in Our Lord & Savior Jesus Chrsit!


Roy

Roy Edw,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story. I have found that the peace that comes from saying The Rosary is deeper and more lasting than earthly "peace". One of the thing one hears about "liturgical churches" from the "non-liturgical" is that they pray from a book or say memorized prayers. The statement is sometimes made infering that that is not "the" right way to pray. I am no spring chick, and believe me I have relied on prayer plenty over the years. The depth of Rosary Prayer far and away exceeds anything else for me. Thank you again for your story.

Hello Marysixtyplus,

I saw your post by accident just scanning the sections and saw Rosary, and had to look. Thanks for your story I know where you are coming from. I am in the CEC on another forum, and have been praying the Rosary for many years as well. I find that it brings my mind which is usually going 90 to nothin' to a place of focus.

There are several things I would like to share with you about my experience with the Rosary of our Blessed Mother. I began praying the Rosary more than 7 years ago and the only regret I have is that the Lord didn't see fit to show me sooner!Many people do not have a clue as to what the Rosary is, they have been told something about it usually negative and that is all they can see.

First thing that I began to see about it was that it is the Gospel in prayer. It tells the story of Christ's Incarnation which includes His Death, Resurrection, Ascension and Glorification. On a daily basis one finds oneself praying the life of Christ. Rejoicing at His birth, walking with Him through His Passion and Crucifixion, and falling in adoration at His Resurrection and Ascension, hearing the rush of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and watching in awe the death, Assumption and Coronation of She who said yes to the Divine Will. She who bore Christ, who gave to Him Her flesh that we might be restored, that we who had no hope might come alive with hope in Him. That we might be brought into His saving embrace!

Many dismiss it with the curt reply well if one does not truly meditate upon the mysteries then all is for naught, and therefore one shouldn't pray it. True it is wonderful for meditating upon the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, but it is so much more. When one prays the Rosary, for any length of time, it sets the mind to meditation at all times not merely when praying. I find that I am constantly thinking upon Jesus and Mary all the day long. Whether I am driving while praying it or in front of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament it matters not, I am brought around to Him.

It too is a powerful weapon, the Sword of the Spirit, Scripture in prayer. Some have a problem with the Hail Mary's, but one must remember they are the Word of God too!! Unless there can be a picking and choosing what is the Word of God. And if He called Her by that then who am I to say no?

I have never had a moment, that I would call miraculous, just the humble knowledge of discipline even when I don't particularlly feel like it. There is much more I could say but I'm tired and it is getting late. I may write more later. Blessings be upon you Marysixtyplus continue praying the Rosary you are not alone!

One more side note. The Fathers saw St. Mary as the Icon of the Church, so could it be that how one views Her, mirrors how one looks upon the Church?

DaO'Rainey

Roy,
I will look at your questions and add my 2 cents. BTW I love the Rose Garden (Rosary). Our Lady is so classy.
Ken

That is a powerful story. I am looking for your questions. Bless you for sharing your testimony.

Friends,

Thank God for the Holy Rosary! It's plenary benefits and gentle awakening of the mystic in us is the cause of many true conversions to Jesus!

Homeward :)

I am very new to the rosary, too. Would like any input form any of you on how to keep it from becoming "just rote prayers".

I am new to the whole "sinless Mother of God" thing, too. I understand the concepts with my mind, but I'm still working through all of it.

I'm sure RCIA will help.

Any input from those already across the Tiber?

Hey Truth Seeker

Not across the Tiber yet but have been praying the Rosary for 9 years now. And it is still not rote. The key? No great secret, just mean it when you pray. You have before you the Gospels in prayer form, the Life of Our Lord and Savior, The Our Father, the greatest of prayers, the Apostles creed and the Angelic psalter, the Ave's. If that doesn't get you to thinking nothing will.

I pray the whole Rosary, three that is, everyday and can't go to bed without finishing. Not that I would be in trouble with the Lord but that I do not wish to do so without thanking Him.

It really is a meditation upon His life from birth to Ascension and Pentecost. I have found that even when time is short and I do not have the time to meditate properly my whole day is filled those scenes.

One side effect that I must warn you about though is that the Hail Mary's may come out at inoportune times, twice I have answered the phone with Hail Mary instead of Hello, once with my Baptist Mother-in-law and once with my Baptist Neice.

I see the Blessed Virgin as who God has made Her to be, and do not have to put the buts after talking about Her. You know, yeah I love Mary, but she is not to be worshipped.... When a proper relationship with Her is had there is no need for the buts.

She is the gaurdian of the Humanity of our Lord, and has fought off every heresy in that regard.

Just begin by getting a good Rosary book that deals with the Incarnation, Passion and Ressurection, there are some with other things in them, these I stay away from.

You will find that circumstances and your own feelings will try and get in the way, just press on through them. To this day I still get tired every time I pray the rosary, sleep starts to look good, other people will want to talk, or what ever. many things will rise up and try and stop you from finishing, but press on and you find a deep reward in praying it.

Da O'Rainey

Tis' an awesome answer from an Irishman.

Hello my dear Ken!

Good to hear from you my freind. Thanks for the comment not really sure we are Irish or Scottish, never could prove either way and never were to much on bigotry, for fear that we might just be what ever we were bigoted against! :D :D

Always a pleasure Ken, take care and God Bless

Da

Da,

Just a fast question as I have purchased a Rosary and am now trying to re-learn this process. Are you praying the Catholic Rosary, or, as I found in my search, the Anglican Rosary? I've had comment made to me, (by you??) about such. Just wondering, but I believe the act of committing to this form of prayer is awesome.

Roy

http://www.cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=167

I had to laugh at this! Isn't funny how those Freudian slips take place? Thanks for sharing that!

And for all your other thougths, as well. These are truly helpful.

We tried praying it together as a family, but our kids just weren't "there" yet. It was too long. But even after trying it for a couple of weeks, they now have the Hail Mary down by heart! I guess that's a start.

Thanks again for your thoughts. Priceless.

Roy,

Yes I pray the Catholic Rosary, it is the one that was given. I believe the Rosary is a gift to the Church from the Lord. It has the wholeness of the Incarnation built into it. You cannot have the Incarnation without the Blessed Virgin, just doesn't work to well. The foundation of the Rosary is the Our Father, and the columns are the Mysteries of Our Lord's life. Joining them together are the faithful (bricks) and the mortar is the Ave Maria's, I don't know something like that, with the roof being the Apostles Creed. It is a discipline not a magical chant, which is seen by many from the outside. When I thank the the Lord I thank Him for her, and when talking with Her I thank Her for thinking of us and saying YES. She is the divine YES. Who was it that addressed Her with the Ave Maria?

Once you begin, if you stick with it, it will begin to shape your day, week, month, year. My children give me a hard time about it also, I don't press them but I do say the Hail's Mary's when I want to mess with them, especially when they are trying to nap! Drives them crazy, but they laugh when they tell me to shut up! Maybe one day?

Thanks for the info, and the Lord Bless you when you pray, it is not easy there is no great feeling or ecstasy just the rythm of praying, I find I can't get through the day without it, weekdays are a snap because of my routine, weekends tend to get crazy especially since all of this has been going on. I am one of the few in the SC former CEC that prays the Rosary, and I get a lot of ribbing, but no matter. Take Roy and thank you for the talk.

Da


Truth,

Glad you liked my story, unfortunately it is true, my wife hates it because when I'm driving somewhere then I am usually praying the Rosary and not listening to her, and if by chance I am not praying it, then I am usually looking off into space thinking about something pertaining to it. When I told the congregation about praying it, and finding yourself meditating all day long, in a sermon, she said that is what is going on? I thought you were just ignoring me!

I used to have about a hundred of them lying around until I gave most of them away, that drove her crazy too, but she got used to them. Even has gotten used to my wall of crucifixes though guests usually gasp when first walking in to the living room.

I have another story I may share with you later. God Bless you and enjoy, it is truely a powerful weapon.

There is also several scriptural Rosaries that uses verses before the Hail Mary's, I find it is useful for group settings and use it at church on Monday night Rosary.

Da

Somehow this morning I am feeling compelled to tell the story of The Gift

It isn't something I would normally do because it is personal and private and yet today seems like it is time to share it. I had mentioned this to you before Da, but never got around to telling it. Perhaps others will benefit too, so with the Holy Spirit's help, here it is.

Everything began in the year 2000, The Jubilee Year. I came across a notice about a trip to the Holy Land and briefly read it...but I had never had any strong inclination to go there so that was all it was, a brief 'so what.'

But then, a few days after I began to have this nag...'find out more about that trip...you really should go.' Again I dismissed it...but for more than a week it kept haunting my brain and interfering with other things. Then, on a Friday, while I was at a Mass, the message changed:

'I want to give you a gift...but you have to go to Palestine to get it.'

I was stunned, but still not convinced, and another week went by and then again on the following Friday, this question: 'Will you reject my gift?'

at that point I could not ignore it any longer, so after Mass I picked up the brochure, filled it out and sent it in, still very unsure of what all this meant.

On arrival at Tel Aviv, after clearing entry, we boarded our bus and headed not for our hotel, but to Emmaus, (a beginning of the fire within) and started our journey with Mass. Frankly my head was enduring a massive migraine, but my Pastor asked me to do the readings...somehow I managed, now greatly grateful for that opportunity.

Next morning we headed out for the top of the Mount of Olives, to walk down making the stops at the various points along the way. There was a movie crew on the path (narrow winding road) too shooting a Claude Van Dam chase scene, guns and all, but they seemed to be in a hold of some kind so we went on through and arrived at the Garden of Gethsemene and The Church of All Nations where we were priviledged to have our daily Mass.

Just as we were finishing the Mass, we could hear the sounds of gunfire, helicopters and much commotion and thought the movie crew was back at it.
Wrong...the 'war' had errupted again. As we exited, there was the smell of smoke, we could see across the valley on the Temple Mount, troops all along the top wall. Below us, as we hurriedly made our way to the bus, damaged vehicles, including an ambulance with its back window blown out...yes, war...errupting from a protest of Ariel Sharon visiting unanounced and unwanted to the Temple Mount making demands. It was to color our entire visit.

Our Guide, a Palestinian Catholic Israeli, and our driver a Palestinian Moselm realized that if we stay to our plan we would soon be 'lock down' in our hotel. So after quick cell phone conference, we headed to Bethlehem. We were hosted there by a shop owner and treated to cold drinks and falafale (sp) and of course time to shop. Well there were burning tires not far away and sporadic gunfire not too far away. None of us really were in the mood to shop at that point...but I did not have a 'proper Rosary' so I found one that was of olive wood beads and although not really what I had wanted I purchased it. Little did I realize what an important part of my journey it would become.

(to be continued***not feeling to well this morning)

I found this online Rosary a few days ago. I kneeled in front of my computer desk and prayed it. You'll love the alleluias in the background (at first, I admit, they were a little distracting, but then I felt like they were heavenly angels, so turn up your sound). You just click on the little beads. Try it!

http://www.fatima.org/essentials/requests/onlinerosary.asp

Blessings,

I loved these statements. You just brought it all home to me in a new way.

As for the kids and the wife...
Just keep drivin' 'em crazy...maybe one day they'll be joining in with you! ;)

Thanks for passing along this info., Jaybird.

I wonder if I can try it at the library the next time I check my e-mail there? :lol:

Seriously, though. It sounds wonderful. I can't wait to check it out.

Jaybird,

I had a great lunch today! Thank you

Roy

The Story of The Gift continued....

Conditions in Bethlehem were quickly getting worse, gunfire closer to where we were, more smoke. We were told to get back on the bus, that we might be in danger if we stayed there much longer. After consultations via cell phone to his sources, it was decided to take us back to our hotel were we would remain the rest of the day and evening.

Very early next morning we were scheduled to have our Mass at the Holy Sepulcure. On the way there, we did the Way of the Cross, in the path thought to be that which Jesus took. It was still pitch dark and the enclosed cobbled streets were difficult to walk. We did it by flashlight and prayers that now one would fall. There were still traces of the struggle that had continued well into the previous night. Everyone was affect by it and it had its effect on our prayers as we walk the Via Dolorosa. As we finished our guide led us on a short cut by way of the Ethiopian Complex that would take us more quickly down a back stairway into the Church of the Holy Sepulcure. We did not dare be late for our Mass time, or we would not be permitted to use the space since it was in great demand.

That space itself is tightly contained within the Church of the Holy Sepulcure. One can walk all around the outside of it, and to enter you much bend down to actually access the 'tomb' itself where the Mass is actually said. Only the priests had room to be within, the rest of us crowed into the outer space, listening, responding and then waiting for the Eucharist to be brought out to each of us. Awesome is an inadequate word.

When we were finished, we then toured the remainder of the Church that was built around the Sepulcure.

The next day, we again set off this time for the High Roman Road and our destination: Jericho. That road is through the mountains, winding and treacherous especially for a large bus. Shear cliffs on the sides of the narrow road showed the wadis deep below. My roomie was getting sick and had to move to a different place in the bus to lay down.

At the top of the mountain, we stopped to look down upon the partially hidden Monastery clinging to the walls the water had carved so long ago. Access to it was possible but treacherous at best. We also were only a short distance on the road from the Israeli checkpoint allowing (or disallowing) entry to and from the Palestinian territories. Our bus got in line...and our guide went ahead to confer with the guards. We were told we could not cross over, that we would be in grave danger if we did, they were adamant and told us the Palestinians would kill us if we attempted to go to Jericho. We learned that one of the persons injured severely in the first attacks in Jerusalem was from Jericho and had been taken home...to die.

So again, we were not able to do what was intended...so we drove as our guide talked on the cell phone. We ended up in the Golan Heights at the Peace Vista farms. On the way back to the hotel, we kept our custom of saying the Rosary together.

Yet another day was dawning and no one knew for sure where we would be allowed to go or what we might find on our agenda. But, as we started out, I knew, I really knew...we were going to Jericho! It is at Jericho that there is a sky tram that takes people across the valley to the Mount of Temptation and the Orthodox Monastery more than a hundred steep steps above the landing area.
It was there...that I would receive the revelation concerning The Gift...

too be continued...

The Gift part 3

Just getting to Jericho without passing through an Israeli checkpoint would be the first part of the days adventure. As we headed out the old road, there was not any traffic and after a short drive, there on the side of the road waiting was an older man. The bus stopped, and our guide and driver exited to speak to him. After a lot of hand gestures, and talk, they returned to the bus and we continued a bit further, but more slowly, this time looking for another road.

There it was, on the left. Hardly a road, more like a path that soon almost all of us recognized as a left over from the '67 war. Pock marks, holes: boy oh boy, our driver was earning his money that day. After about an hour of this slow progress we finally came to what was more like a road and the speed increased. Within another hour we were at the back gates of Jericho.


To me, the town was beautiful, tree lined streets, roses, clean and neat, crisp painted houses. I loved it. And looking up I could see the tramway, and the mountain.

Because of the events of the previous days, everything had been shut down. But, we had been given a special ok by the owners of the tram to use it that day. Onward and upward. At the top of the landing is a lovely covered gathering area to see for miles across the valley, to Jericho below, and to the mountains on the opposite side.

But we were here for a purpose. Time to climb the steps. They are arranged in a sort of 'switch back' manner and it is a long and tiring climb. At the last, the closed doors of the Monastery soon openned and we were greeted surpisingly by an American from Minnesota. A monk of only a few who spoke much english.

Inside we walk up even higher, but less steep, it was cool and very pleasant. Almost everyone was beginning to relax as we became accustomed to the dark after such bright sunlight outside. Deep inside there was a gathering space carved into the mountain itself with benches all around the edges in a semi-circular pattern. Then I realized there were several small doors with small gratings and stone steps just outside them. Yes, confessionals. Well in this space, we were treated to a narative about the Monastery and of course about the main reason we had come to this place. Up in a higher part of the mountain, was what is believed to be a sort of cave that contains a stone where Jesus is believed to have prayed during his 40 days in the desert.

On the way up there, we passed a magnificent Icon screen, hiding of course the main altar for their worship.

More steps, very narrow and steep lead us to our destination. We each had an opportunity to venerate and also touch our rosaries and pray at least momentarily at this most sacred spot.

Then back down to the 'gathering area' where our Monk had laid out cold water, and biscuits which I sensed might be from a gift to him, now shared with us. All of us were impressed by the water...so clean, cold and pure. We were told it came from a spring withing the Monastery which had been found many years before and that it never ran dry. As I sat there a strange feeling came over me and I heard a voice I recognized. I was told to go over to the bucket and use the water I still had in my cup to 'wash my hands.' Okay...there were crumbs on them and my rosary was wrapped around my hand. Our Monk friend was now intently watching me. As I poured a small amount of water I started to remove the rosary and the voice said no...pour the water on the rosary too. I looked up and the Monk was smiling and nodding yes...as if he knew exactly what was happening.

By now, I needed to sit back down. As I did, the voice again spoke telling me that my hands and the rosary were now blessed in a special way, that they would be used to assist in obtaining healing for many. But, I was told the blessing was not yet complete and that there were other places where I would be told what to do.

As you might imagine, by now I am in a bit of a fog...wondering...but I had not been fooled by the voice...it was one I knew...and the recognition from the Monk seemed like a 'seal of sorts.' Time to go...back down the steps...board the tram...and have some time to shop in the store below.

Then all too soon we were warned to hurry back to the bus. Seems the man who had been injured a few days before had died and our safety could no longer be guaranteed. Out the other gate as fast as our driver could go, heading back toward Jerusalem...

to be continued....

Hello Nell,

Thank you for telling the story, I am waiting with bated breath for the rest of the story! It is good to hear from you, know that you are in my prayers daily. I thank the Lord for your friendship as well. Take care and please, finish the story, do not make us wait until next season :D .

Da
aka Fr. shawn rainey

Da O, daylight comes and I want to go home!
My brother has come out of the closet.
Blessings to you. :o

Nell,
The story in intriguing!

Sorry guys, I have been rather unsteady and only able to do short stints at a time. And Da, I did tell you it was a long story didn't I?


Now, to finish the story of The Gift

The next day, we set off for Nazareth. Three important sites here. The archeological site which contains the possible home of Joseph and Mary along with a wonderful museum filled with artifacts. The Church of the Annunciation, which is huge and contains remembrances of art and many with the Scriptures in native language. And, another Orthodox Church which is said to contain the tombs of St. Anne and Jochaim.

In the courtyard of this church is a water source that has been used for centuries and has never run dry. It is lovingly known as 'Mary's Well'. The water is pumped to the above ground site from the depths of the church itself where the spring which is the source is located.

Entering this church, one travels down many, many steps to reach the tombs and also the main worship areas. Again dark seems to decend with you as well as a peaceful coolness. About halfway down, is a stop where water is available from the source of Mary's well.

On the way back up, (yes climbing up is harder) I stopped and thought to taste the water. There were several in our group ahead of me and as I waited, the voice I knew spoke again. "I want you to wash your hands here too. The water here is very sacred, my Mother came here often for water." In my mind, as I paused, I said, 'and the Rosary too?' The answer was immediate: 'Yes, the Rosary too.' By then it was my turn, and the Rosary which was always in hand now and my other hand were fully covered with the water. And again, the voice spoke: 'Now, you have the second blessing, this one of peace. And although you may not always be peaceful, you will have the ability to impart peace and comfort to others even from a distance.'

I was glad for the darkness and the cool, because I was shaken and in tears.

**************

The next day was to be our final day staying in Jerusalem so we started out with a very full schedule. First to the Dead Sea where some of our group went for a swim. (or I should say, a float). From there we headed for the Sea of Galilee and a cruise as well as a tour of 'Peter's house' in Capernaum. Then after lunch, we headed to the river Jordan.

The Jordan site was one of many that is reputed to be where Jesus was baptised by John. Many were wading in the water, and just enjoying the site. For me, the voice once more softly spoke: 'Wash your hands again, Nell. And before I could ask; and yes, the Rosary too.' So bending down on the bank my hands and the Rosary were well watered. As I stood dripping, again the voice came and said:
Now, you have been washed and blessed three times with sacred water and as long as you use the Rosary and faithfully continue to spread devotion to my Mother, you will never be without my presence. In addition to the healing and peace that will be granted, I have much work for you to do. As for you, yourself, the path will be difficult and full of sorrows but with them you will find revealed answers to locked away secrets that lie hidden within that need to be exposed and discarded. Wisdom comes to you as the third blessing, but if you do not stay on course, it will become a curse instead. Use the Rosary faithfully each day and my Mother will show you many things. The love you lacked in the past you will now always know where to find.'

Walking back to the main buildings and store, I knew I wanted to find a certain coin. A widows mite. I did and it reminds me always that even when we have but a little, and even when we ourselves are small and seem useless and insignificant, we are seen in a very different way by Him who IS the I AM.

That evening back in Jerusalem, I came across a wonderful Olive wood statue of Mary and the Child Jesus which is very reminicent of the 'Sweet Kissing' icon. It sits now in a place of honor in my home.

Yes, I still have that Rosary. And I also make Rosaries although my hands now find that work more difficult and there always seems to be some 'force' present that trying to stop the work. But as many of you know, Mary will not be stopped.

blessings to all, there are more stories, maybe another time.

nell

Nell,

I don't see you as unsteady at all, what a beautiful story! I was wishing I could be there to do the same washing with my new Rosary, perhaps one day! Since you make Rosary's can you answer a question. I was praying the Rosary off of the web site recently given here earlier, and that Rosary only has 5 decades. When I finsihed, I looked down, and I had 2 decades left. As a novice it turns out I purchased a Rosary with 7 decades, Why 7, what does it mean??

God's Blessings for you in your work, I pray for your healing hands to know His strength :wub:


Roy

Hello Nell,

Thank you for the story it was good hear it without the clamour of dishes when I first tried to listen! That is a wonderful story and it blessed me to hear it. Thank you again!


Roy

I am not sure which one you have if there are seven decades and seven beads between them then you have the chaplet of the Seven sorrows of Mary. It is a beautiful chaplet centered around the seven sorrows that Mary went through in her life. Beginning with the prophecy of Simeon to the burial of Jesus. It is quite beautiful, in it's own right. There are many variants of this devotion, i have included one where Seven sorrows , I found the chaplet. Enjoy!

Ken,
I wouldn't say it is coming out of the closet, it wasn't hidden very well. I had seven phone calls after my first post. Blessings!

Da
aka Fr. shawn rainey

I have a couple of stories I would be interested in sharing about the Rosary if any are interested temselves. But you gotta ask!

"Da"

No, there are 10 beads between each... :unsure:

There is a custom among some of the Eastern Europeans to inject into each "Hail Mary" in each decade the mystery.

I do not know the exact translation - I had heard it recited this way in Czech and translations were offered to me informally by a gentle older lady.

The premise is, when saying the Hail Mary, you insert, after the name of JESUS a very brief description of the mystery.

("Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art though among women and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS [interjection]! Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death! Amen!)

Rough translations are as follows:

(Joyful Mysteries)
JESUS, annoucned to you by St. Gabriel!
JESUS, in your womb when recieved by St. Elizabeth!
JESUS, born in Bethlehem!
JESUS, presented to Simeon in the temple!
JESUS, found in the Temple!

(Sorrowful Mysteries)
JESUS, Who agonized in the garden!
JESUS, Who was scourged at the pillar!
JESUS, Who was crowned with thorns!
JESUS, Who carried the cross of our salvation!
JESUS, Who died on the cross for our salvation!

(Sorrowful Mysteries)
JESUS, Who was resurrected from the dead!
JESUS, Who ascended into heaven!
JESUS, Who sent for the Holy Spirit!
JESUS, Who assumed you into Heaven!
JESUS, Who Crowned you Queen of Heaven!

(Luminous Mystries might include)
JESUS, baptized in the Jordan!
JESUS, at the wedding at Cana!
JESUS, Who proclamed the Kingdom!
JESUS, transfigured with Moses & Elijah!
JESUS, Who offers us the Eucharist!


Using these forms or something like them helps to insert a small mediation into the prayers and helps to focus on the mystery. When I "discovered" this, it totally changed my focus and enriched my mediation. If I wanted to add another mediation or another decade, it was as simple as adding a new interjection such as:

JESUS, Who came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the first!
JESUS, Who prayed that all might be one!
JESUS, Who entered Jerusalem on a donkey!

(Interesting to note that with Luminous Mysteries, now all but ONE of the major Eastern [Orthodox/Byzantine] feasts are meditated upon. The exception being "The Entrance in Jerusalem" [Palm Sunday] are now included in the Rosary. Could this legacy of JP the Great have a place in the Divine Economy of aiding in reunion?)

I hope you find this helpful.

Goodmorning all! This morning the first of two visits to the 'vampire' to give blood for my surgery which is scheduled for November 9th. Pray they can find a good place for it to leak out.

Roy, the 7 decade Rosary which you have is known as The Franciscan Crown, or the Seven Joys of Mary. You will find a great article about it here:

http://www.shrinesf.org/rosary.htm

and then a beautiful walk through of these mysteries. You can quickly see why they consider it the Franciscan Crown, since every time it is prayed it crowns her with roses.

But then, each deacade you pray on any rosary with give her a beautiful rose and
each group of 5 decades will also present her with a beautiful crown. Either way
you honor our Lady and she never refuses to help those who so honor her.

blessings to you all, Heart of Mary, pray for us.

nell

A Simple Sinner,

You are correct, and the method you are telling us about is one that has been used many years. It is a perfect tool for teaching the mysteries and of course it does help to keep minds on what they are doing. The same thing happens with scriptural rosaries and other ways to teach us both to remember, and to meditate.

In the earliest times, there was no set pattern of prayers used, but only teachings as given by a spiritual guide or from the Bible itself. The whole idea is to remember the life and times of Jesus and Mary on earth. And, to offer our prayers both in expiation for sins, and in intercession for help for all of us here on earth to become more like Mary and so one day to be worthy to be with her and all the saints in heaven adoring our God forever.

The best thing to remember is this: what works for you will help you. What works for you may not work for someone else. What works for someone else may not work for you.

I myself have written several meditations for all the Rosary mysteries and have just recently completed a 7 decade Rosary meditation especially for the Passion of Our Lord.

Bottom line...keep praying...but remember that prayer is a two way conversation.
Try to leave time for the other person to speak as well a you being heard.

blessings,

nell

I found this article on the rosary on a blog I read. I thought it was a good primer on what the rosary is. The blogger is a Catholic youth minister in Canada, who has converted from a Pentecostal background.



Wayward Heart Blog

Nell,

I lift you up to our Lord, may His precious Holy Spirit be with you in this time of healing He desires for you! Holy Spirit, interceed with the Father for your servant Nell, guide the physicisns hands, sharpen the knowledge you, as the Great Physician, have given them. Send your Holy Spirit to be there when this procedure is done to perfect your healing Love and restore Nell to do the work only You have prepared for her to do. We (all) ask this in the name of the Risen Christ. Thank you Jesus for the work you do within us, through us to glorify your Holy Name!


but one desciple

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Miracle_Rosary

That is a link to an article describing certain alternate mysteries. There are mote still out there yet. Catholics may wish to mediate on them in addition to marrian devotions. When it comes to Jesus and the Rosary, you can never have enough!

I have seen other "alternative mysteries" Can anyone else share some of the ones they know about?

http://www.eucharisticlife.com/ELimages/Rosary/euchrose.html

Here is another set of alternate myseries.

I wish I had the strength to pray a 30+ decade rosary daily!

http://www.webspawner.com/users/joseros/novenarosarytos.html

http://www.osjoseph.org/osj/hsm/rosary.php

These are chaplets To St. Joseph should be close to us all, a man's man, he was the one chosen by God to protect, defend and tearch Our Saviouras an example of manhood and fidelity to the Father! To hae Mary as your wife and Jesus as your son, contemplate that!