The Rosary ... not just for old ladies
By Sheila S.
There is a beautiful rosary ministry in my parish. The ladies of the group meet monthly to make rosaries that are given to outreach ministries in Central and South America, as well as local hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. They always make a few extra rosaries and place them at the back of the church for the needs of the parishioners. These rosaries are made entirely of plastic beads and fabric cord, which make them safe for accompanying patients undergoing medical tests, such as CT and MRI scans. Every week, when I pass through the Narthax of the church, there is a selection of rosaries laying by the entrance doors. They are made with many colors and styles of beads. Occasionally, if one catches my eye, I pick it up and stick it in my purse. Then, when I encounter someone who needs a rosary, I give it to them.
I started praying the rosary daily last fall. It had been many years since I had run the rosary beads through my fingers, and I did it, initially, because I had a very big intention in mind for my sister. Over time, the habit of praying the rosary became so much an integral and special part of my day, I continued to pray with my rosary beads in hand even after my initial prayers had been answered. Walking my dog, standing in line at the post office, wherever I found a quiet moment, my hand went to the rosary in my pocket, and my thoughts turned to Mary; and as this happened, I began noticing a devotion to the rosary that had not previously caught my attention.
There are two beautiful older women who say the rosary after mass every Friday morning. I suspect they are there every single day saying the rosary, but I am able to attend daily mass only on Friday mornings. When I first noticed them after mass every week, they were alone. Eventually, I began joining them. Too shy to lead any of the decades, I allowed them their practice of taking turns in leading each decade with the meditations and then the prayers. Kneeling in the sacristy with them and listening to their lovely voices brings an unspeakable sense of calm. I have to believe it is Grace that overcomes me each time I pray the rosary with these ladies. I have come to think of them as the jewels of our parish, and it concerns me: When they are no longer with us or able to continue this beautiful ministry, who will fill their shoes? So, as we pray the rosary together, I include a secret prayer for their continued health until a time when I, or someone else, can come forward to be there every day leading others in these beautiful prayers to Our Blessed Mother and her Son.
There is a beautiful rosary ministry in my parish. The ladies of the group meet monthly to make rosaries that are given to outreach ministries in Central and South America, as well as local hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. They always make a few extra rosaries and place them at the back of the church for the needs of the parishioners. These rosaries are made entirely of plastic beads and fabric cord, which make them safe for accompanying patients undergoing medical tests, such as CT and MRI scans. Every week, when I pass through the Narthax of the church, there is a selection of rosaries laying by the entrance doors. They are made with many colors and styles of beads. Occasionally, if one catches my eye, I pick it up and stick it in my purse. Then, when I encounter someone who needs a rosary, I give it to them.
I started praying the rosary daily last fall. It had been many years since I had run the rosary beads through my fingers, and I did it, initially, because I had a very big intention in mind for my sister. Over time, the habit of praying the rosary became so much an integral and special part of my day, I continued to pray with my rosary beads in hand even after my initial prayers had been answered. Walking my dog, standing in line at the post office, wherever I found a quiet moment, my hand went to the rosary in my pocket, and my thoughts turned to Mary; and as this happened, I began noticing a devotion to the rosary that had not previously caught my attention.
There are two beautiful older women who say the rosary after mass every Friday morning. I suspect they are there every single day saying the rosary, but I am able to attend daily mass only on Friday mornings. When I first noticed them after mass every week, they were alone. Eventually, I began joining them. Too shy to lead any of the decades, I allowed them their practice of taking turns in leading each decade with the meditations and then the prayers. Kneeling in the sacristy with them and listening to their lovely voices brings an unspeakable sense of calm. I have to believe it is Grace that overcomes me each time I pray the rosary with these ladies. I have come to think of them as the jewels of our parish, and it concerns me: When they are no longer with us or able to continue this beautiful ministry, who will fill their shoes? So, as we pray the rosary together, I include a secret prayer for their continued health until a time when I, or someone else, can come forward to be there every day leading others in these beautiful prayers to Our Blessed Mother and her Son.
posted by Cheri Lomonte at 2:06 PM
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