Nov 25, 2004 / 22:00 pm
It’s a powerful tool that is changing communities and changing hearts; it’s the rosary. Its popularity has increased over recent years, especially since Pope John Paul II called the Year of the Rosary in October 2003.
The Pope has spoken often on the importance of praying the rosary, urging Catholics to meditate on the mysteries in order to grow in faith, understanding and holiness. While the prayer which is most recited is the Hail Mary, the rosary is a meditation on Scripture and on the different points of Christ’s life.
The faithful have found the rosary to bring them personal peace and to lead them to social action. The devotion to the rosary is common among Catholic communities, so that most parishes have prayer groups, dedicated to it.
Others find solace and strength in praying the rosary on their own, either in their homes, on their lunch breaks or on the public bus on their way to work.