If I'm not off hiding somewhere with a good book, chances are I'm chasing a toddler or a Jack Russell (or sleeping, because every mom can use a nap!). I found Prince Charming and married him, and now we enjoy the idiosyncrasies of life in an old farmhouse. Oh yeah, and we root for the Buckeyes. Every time.
Loveliness of Rosaries
When she introduced the Loveliness Fairs for this spring, Colleen explained the Loveliness of Rosaries this way: Praying the rosary is that moment when we encounter our Sweet Mother on the journey and share a quiet conversation with her. In the month of Our Lady, let's share our stories of her rosary and how it has shaped and formed us on our journey. And let's share the simple loveliness of rosaries themselves.
The rosary has a special place in my life. I remember learning it, haltingly. It was as unfamiliar to me as a new Catholic as the controls of my parents' car was when I was a new driver. The prayers sat in my mouth, clogging my tongue and distracting me from the mysteries. The counting and figuring out the beads distracted me from the prayers. The mysteries loomed impossibly before me. It was all a nice theory, at first.
And then, having given it up, I was inspired to pray like the dickens for a miracle. I was doing a lot of driving back and forth to grad school, and the rosary became my companion on the late night drive home. I think now that Mary might have been there with me as I sobbed and cried, my heart splintering as I prayed and my appreciation for the mysteries - and Mary's role in leading me to Jesus - deepening.
We all have a different approach to the rosary, just as we have different ways of approaching so many things in life. And so, with this collection of posts, let's pause together between posts and reflect together on the mysteries that hold the rosary together. You don't have to be Catholic to do this. You don't have to be familiar with the prayers or comfortable with the set-up. You can just amble along with us. (More information about the mechanics of the rosary, as well as links to some great rosary resources, are at the end of this post.)
Think of it as a walk in the garden with your mother. Her arm is around your shoulders, and as you get more comfortable, maybe you slip your arm around her waist. There's warmth there, between your bodies. You're going to the same place, though she knows the way far better than you do.
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Annunciation
"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!'" Lk 1:26-28
- In the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, Darcee finds peace in the Rosary Garden. She shares about this living, breathing rosary and how special it is to her.
- Virginia shares a piece of her conversion story that involves a lost rosary, found just recently.
Image Source: Women for Faith & FamilyThe Visitation
"In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (...) And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home." Lk 1:39-40, 56
- I found myself inspired by apron strings when I sat down to think about the rosary. My Mother has long let me tag along on her apron strings, after all, so it's no wonder!
- Bethany has quite a talent for making rosaries. She shares a rosary and pouch that are nothing short of lovely.
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Nativity
"And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" Lk 2:7
- Elizabeth found that in the midst of a trying time, that God was calling her to pray the full rosary. How did she do it? And how did it change her life - including her family? Go, find out. (And wouldn't it be wonderful if we all joined her in that devotion?)
- Regina got me laughing with a lively description of her husband's brass knuckles rosary (followed by pictures) and then got me thinking with her rosary creed.
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Presentation
"And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." Lk 2:33-35
- Ruth was there, praying the rosary. And when she looked around, she saw all the hands...all praying the rosary together. Her unique perspective won't disappoint you.
- From Kirsten, we have a portrait of the rosary throughout her life, as the "prayers of her life."
Image Source: Seven Sorrows of MaryFinding Jesus in the Temple
"After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers." Lk 2:46-47
- Do you find, as Barb did, that you would like a new way to honor the Blessed Mother? She shares the Franciscan Crown.
- Kate's rosary is her "lovey." Though she admits she's far from perfect in her devotion, "I believe with every angle of my heart that Mary is a powerful intercessory who gives us the gift of a well-paved route to her Son. She's also everything I should strive to be as a mother."
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Baptism in the Jordan
"And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'" Mt 3:16-17
- Jamie loves May, and in sharing all the reasons why, she includes helpful links for how to pray the rosary, free rosary resources, as well as the 15 promises for praying the rosary that were given to St. Dominic and the blessings of the rosary.
- Jamie also shares some beautiful handmade rosary projects here and here. She also couldn't resist sharing a story about a very special rosary.
Image Source: Rosary Page (Our Lady Press) - Luminous MysteriesThe Wedding at Cana
"This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him." Jn 2:11
- Michelle has a rosary for every occasion, and some extras. In the end, though, it's about a special bond with a special Mother, and the prayer she's leading you to, isn't it?
- Esther is a pro at praying the rosary. She's proof, though, that even a pro can find some great tips and then share them with the rest of us. See if her tips don't help your devotion to the rosary.
Image Source: The Legion of MaryThe Proclamation of the Kingdom
"Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel." Mk 1:14-15
- Marilyn planned, at the beginning of May, to get her family back in the habit of the family rosary. "Whenever we are trying to serve the Lord and pray more," she writes, "things get very difficult." With their family rosary, though (and she has a list of some awesome resources too!), they know they have some extra help from above.
Image Source: Women for Faith & FamilyThe Transfiguration
"And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him." Mt 17:1-3
- Barb's post is titled "With God, All Things Are Possible." Though that sums it up nicely, do click through and read the amazing email she received after shipping some rosaries. See if it doesn't make you all shivery.
- Barb sent me another post, and in it she talks about the scriptural rosary. As a new Catholic, I found this version of the rosary particularly helpful - and as a distracted mother, I find it immensely helpful now. But then, what beauty and loveliness!, she shares a passage about the role the beads play - it's about more than just keeping count. Go see!
- Incidentally, Barb's generously giving one of these breathtaking rosaries away to some blessed person. We'll award it to a random person who leaves a comment on this post by Sunday. The winner will be announced Monday morning. Thanks for making this fair even more lovely, Barb!
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Institution of the Eucharist
"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Mt 26:26-28
- Here's one that needs only a title to make you skedaddle over..."Make Like the Pope's Secretary, and..." Why, what could it be? Thanks to Elizabeth for submitting it. (What are you doing still here? Go, find out just what you're supposed to be doing with the pope!)
- Lorri sends in the chronicle of the rosaries in her life, and each rosary (complete with pictures!) tells the story of the person it belongs to, whether by the beads or the colors or what materials are in it.
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Agony in the Garden
"And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.'" Mt 26:37-39
- Jennifer struggled with the Sorrowful Mysteries. But God got her attention, and with the help of a CD, she found the place that is the rosary.
Image Source: A Catholic LifeThe Scourging at the Pillar
"So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." Mk 15:15
- Denise has many years of experience as a military wife. In her post, she will give you an insight on how you can help soldiers with the rosary by praying the Sorrowful Mysteries in a very intentional way.
Image Source: Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of InspirationThe Crowning with Thorns
"And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; they came up to him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' and struck him with their hands." Jn 19:2-3
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationCarrying the Cross
"So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha." Jn 19:17
- For Colleen, the rosary is a direct line to her heavenly mother-in-law. She paints a portrait of a relationship with Mary that reframed things for me, and introduced my dearly beloved husband into the equation in a way I had never before considered. See if it doesn't do the same for you.
Image Source: WikipediaThe Crucifixion
"And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.'" Lk 23:33-34
- Karen shares a piece she wrote after her fifth miscarriage. "It's a piece about dashed plans and a broken dream," she writes. "But, it is also about renewed hope and strengthened faith, and I offer it today to anyone who has ever lost a baby."
Image Source: Orchard LakeThe Resurrection
"The the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead." Jn 20:8-9
- On a lighter note, fitting for a different set of mysteries, Karen shares another little excerpt from her life.
The Ascension
"Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven." Lk 24:50-51
- For Laura, saying the family rosary is reminiscent of her days as a child. Her post is titled "Shut UP! We're saying the ROSARY!" if you're looking for a reason you MUST read it...
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Descent of the Holy Spirit
"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:1-4
- As part of her conversion story, Heather shares how her daughter opened her eyes to Mary's motherhood as they prayed the rosary together.
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Assumption
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me." Lk 1:46-49
- Matilda has struggled with fostering a love for the rosary. But after hearing a homily that piqued her interest and touched her soul, she started saying a decade a night. She shares the touching moments this has fostered with her children - and herself.
Image Source: Holy Cards for Your InspirationThe Coronation of Mary
"And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." Rev 12:1
- Andrea made rosary boxes, and in her post, she includes pictures, a link to the original instructions, and some great game ideas.
Thanks for joining us.
If you're interested in more information on the rosary, you can find all you need to know - and even order a free CD of the rosary (this is how I learned it, those many years ago, driving back from classes) - at CatholiCity. You can also download it to your iPod or MP3 player or computer at Rosary Army.
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