The Rosary has long been a favorite prayer of Catholics.
Suspended from a crucifix, a medal connects the five decades, forming a circle of beads, which is a good image for this tactile, vocal, pondering prayer.
As the beads slip through the pray-er's fingers, during each decade s/he reflects on one mystery-episode of Jesus and Mary's lives. The repetitive "Hail Mary" becomes a "mantra" and can, along with the savoring of each Mystery (whether Joyful, Sorrowful or Glorious) bring solace to the grieving, joyful hope to the troubled, and lead Jesus' brother/sister to a deep union with God.
Anne Grady, CSJ | 