The Rosary, Part 1

October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. Many saints throughout the centuries have proposed the Rosary as a beautiful devotion to help us grow in the spiritual life.

The Rosary, or Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the most excellent prayers to the Mother of God. Thus, "the Roman Pontiffs have repeatedly exhorted the faithful to the frequent recitation of this biblically inspired prayer which is centered on contemplation of the salvific events of Christ's life, and their close association with the his Virgin Mother. The value and efficacy of this prayer have often been attested by saintly Bishops and those advanced in holiness of life".

The Rosary is essentially a contemplative prayer, which requires "tranquillity of rhythm or even a mental lingering which encourages the faithful to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord's life". Its use is expressly recommended in the formation and spiritual life of clerics and religious.

The Blessing for Rosary Beads indicates the Church's esteem for the Rosary. This rite emphasizes the community nature of the Rosary. In the rite, the blessing of rosary beads is followed by the blessing of those who meditate on the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Our Lord so as to "establish a perfect harmony between prayer and life".

From Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (197-8)

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