October: The month of the Rosary
We are at the threshold of the month of the Rosary. The origins of the Rosary seem to date back to when a popular equivalent to the prayers said throughout the day in monasteries (the Liturgy of the Hours) – especially the complete 150 Psalms – was being sought. Less than ten percent of the community could read and write back then so the prayer had to be able to be memorised. The initial prayer was the ‘Our Father’ and then the ‘Holy Mary’ was added. Eventually a set of 150 Hail Marys, with the Our Father, and the Doxology (‘Glory Be’) became standard.
It was around then that a tradition arose that St Dominic was granted a vision of Mary directing him to instruct sinners to pray to her: ‘pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.’ The name of the Rosary comes from the common form of a ‘garland’ of prayers – a ‘rosarium’ (Rose Garden). Prayer beads have been around for millennia, and in all sorts of forms for all kinds of religions, and rosary beads are now familiar. Originally rosary beads were called ‘Pater Noster’ beads – the Latin name for the ‘Our Father’ prayer.
In 2002 Pope John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries to the traditional Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries. Last month Pope Francis said the Holy Rosary should be prayed regularly, as it is compendium of the entire history of our salvation, it is a powerful weapon against evil, and it is an effective means of obtaining true peace in our hearts.
The Rosary is described as a compendium of the life of Jesus and Mary and a summary of the liturgical year. During the recitation of the Rosary, we meditate on the saving mysteries of our Lord’s life and the faithful witness of our Blessed Mother.
The famous proponent of the Rosary, Fr. Peyton, challenges us: “Set apart ten minutes for Rosary at home, you will make your home a haven of peace.” Let us make great efforts to pray the Rosary in our homes and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother convert them to a haven of peace.
Michael Howley and Fr Joy
