Vlog VI: Praying the Rosary

I had an interesting experience a little over a year ago. I am ashamed to say that I rarely if ever prayed the rosary. I think because of this, I was affected by some people praying the rosary behind me in line to watch a film. Three elderly (older than me) people were praying the rosary out loud while they were waiting in line. They were not too loud but I was right next to them so I could hear. After a while I joined in silently. When the rosary was completed, I unexpectedly felt an enormous amount of peace and joy. We were in line to see the documentary about the Carthusians, 'Into Great Silence.' I first learned my prayers in Spanish. Sometimes I will say a Hail Mary in Spanish. It is like magic and seems to encourage my own often very faltering journey and to bring me some peace and joy. The last time I saw my grandmother alive she was in a hospital bed with her rosary in her hand. She seemed peaceful and very prepared for death.

Fr. Jim, I'm glad to know I'm in good company about not knowing the Apostle's Creed from memory. I can never manage to recite it from memory, unlike the Nicene Creed which rolls of my tongue easily. I've begun to pray the rosary again. It's a soothing prayer and I had no idea how many ways one could pray the rosary. It's nice to know that there are different ways to pray it and that they aren't wrong. Recently, I prayed it as the Dominicans pray it when the relic of St. Jude was here. Most recently, I was at a rosary for my mother's cousin (which would mean he was mine as well) who was a 97-year-old Christian Brother and the brother's pray it differently too. I do say the Glory Be's and add a few other prayers between the decades because that's the way I learned. Thanks for this, and your other pray vlogs. They've been helpful.

My 17-year-old son attended the Papal Youth Rally at St. John's Seminary during Pope Benedict's recent visit to the U.S. He came home with a small bag of give-away's and one was a rosary. When he showed it to me my face lit up and I told him how special it is to have a rosary blessed by the Pope! He immediately handed it to me and said I could have it. I felt wonderful! I have not been a rosary person but as a result of this special gift I have been praying the rosary as often as I can...almost daily. I carry it with me everywhere. I had a bit of a struggle at first remembering the order and I know I kept saying the Nicene Creed by accident instead of the Apostle's Creed! And the mysteries! I still refer to a Rosary Card to remember them all! But I have to say not only do I just love praying the rosary now, but it has brought me such peace and joy and incredible gratitude. Sometimes tears will come to my eyes when I meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries. It definitely brings you closer not just to Mary and the Holy Trinity but to the communion of saints as well. I truly hope that more and more people re-discover the rosary as I have. They will be glad they did! Mary