The (Catholic) Rosary refers to both a sequence of prayers some Catholics choose to recite daily or weekly and the string of beads used to track the sequence. The rosary beads come in many atypical forms such as rings, bracelets, and non-jewelry items, but the standard rosary consists of five sets of ten beads each separated by a larger bead. Another, shorter strand connected to the loop has a small crucifix, a large bead, three small beads and another large bead.
The History of Catholic Rosary Beads
Using counters such as beads or stones has a long and unclear history in religious practice; the Catholic Encyclopedia affirms that Christianity has at least occasionally observed this practice since Christianity's earliest days. Other religions, such as Buddhism, likely have an even longer history with prayer beads.
Most modern rosaries are made of wood, plastic or glass, though many exotic varieties are available. Gold, silver, and other precious materials are all available. Charitable organizations assemble millions of rosaries each year to distribute in impoverished countries.
The History of the Catholic Rosary Prayer
The Rosary prayer is that most frequently associated with the rosary beads, and constitutes an important facet of Mariology, the practice of devotion to the Mother Mary. The Rosary is said to originate from a vision of Mary in the 13th century by Saint Dominic. The “rosary promises” - fifteen boons given to one who prays the Rosary – were given to Alanus de Rupe by a vision of the same.
The “Rosary Pope,” Pope Leo XIII, extolled the virtues of praying the Rosary through 17 statements in the 19th century; John Paul II dictated five new, optional “mysteries” (events of the life of Jesus contemplated during the recitation), known as the “Luminous Mysteries,” in 2002.
How to Pray the Rosary
Holding the crucifix, make the Sign of the Cross and recite the Apostles Creed (for prayers, see How to Pray the Rosary). Recite the Our Father on the large bead beside it, then recite a Hail Mary for each of the three small beads proceeding it. On the next large bead, recite the Our Father and the Fatima prayer (optional).
Each sequence of a large bead followed by ten small beads is known as a “decade.” On the large bead of the decade, announce the associated Mystery, pray the Our Father, and recite a Hail Mary for each small bead that follows it, contemplating the Mystery as one does so. End the sequence by making the Sign of the Cross, and reciting the Hail Holy Queen if one wishes.
The Mysteries of the Catholic Rosary
Each set of Mysteries consists of five events in the life of Jesus. The set recited will vary by the day, and the sequence of Mysteries over the week differs depending on whether or not one includes the Luminous Mysteries. See below for the Mysteries.
The Joyous Mysteries: The Anunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, and The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple.
The Luminous Mysteries: The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, The Wedding at Cana, Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, The Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist.
The Sorrowful Mysteries: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, The Crowning with Thorns, The Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion.
The Glorious Mysteries: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Descent of the Holy Spirit, The Assumption of Mary, and The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pray the Rosary Online
Online services now enable Catholics to have a guided session of praying the Rosary that does not require using the Rosary beads at all. For their assistance and sense of community, these may be wonderful tools for new and experienced reciters of the Rosary. Explore Pray the Rosary Online and Come Pray the Rosary for more.
Sources
"Rosary." Wikipedia. N.p., 26 May 2010. Web. 29 May 2010.
"Rosary Prayer." How to Pray the Rosary. N.p., 2010. Web. 29 May 2010.
Josefine Cole - Josefine is a BA graduate of Naropa University's Religious Studies program, which emphasizes self-transformation through practice of ...
