What are rosaries? A rosary is a set of beads much like a necklace and is used by Catholics to pray to Mary or the Father. The Rosary is a form of prayer bead. Prayer beads have been in use for centuries....
The Rosary is a form of prayer bead. Prayer beads have been in use for centuries. Some religions require followers to say a certain prayer or series of prayers many times. Beads help the praying person to keep track without being distracted by the counting process.
Steve Shadrick, Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Judith Vap, Marketing Communications Manager for Inspirations.com say, "The Rosaries are used by Catholics to pray to Mary."
Rosary beads are a vital part of the Catholic religion. They are a circular string of alternating beads. Each set of beads is made up of ten beads of one color. This group of ten is called a decade. On either side of the decade lies a bead of a different color than the decade. This pattern repeats as many times as necessary to complete the circle. At the end of the circle, there are several beads leading to a crucifix.
Steve and Judith tell us, "Different beads are used for different prayers. Certain beads stand for 'Hail, Mary' and others stand for 'Our Father.'"
These prayers are used for worship and as penance for sin as directed by the person's priest. On the decade beads, the person is to recite the "Hail, Mary" prayer. On the end beads, "Our Father" also known as "The Lord's Prayer" is said. In between sets of beads the praying person meditates on a predetermined, traditional Mystery of the Rosary.
These mysteries are broken into four categories: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous. There are five Mysteries in each category. The mystery used for meditation is determined by the day of the week.
Joyful Mysteries are considered on Monday and Saturday. They include such Biblical events as "The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary", and "The Birth of Our Lord."
On Tuesday and Friday, Catholics meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries. In this category are events such as "Our Lord is Crowned with Thorns" and the Crucifixion.
The Glorious Mysteries are to be contemplated on Wednesday and Sunday. Included here are The "Resurrection of Our Lord", "The Ascension of Our Lord."
Finally, The Luminous Mysteries are meditated upon on Thursday. These include the Wedding at Cana, and the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
When a person is praying the Rosary, they begin by touching the crucifix and saying the Prayer of the Cross. This is followed by a recitation of The Apostle's Creed. Then you come to the first bead of the Rosary. This is the first "My Father", The next three beads are for the "Hail, Mary" prayer. This is followed by the "Glory Be", which is followed by the "Fatima" This series is ended with a second "My Father." When these prayers are complete the praying person should be at the first bead of the circle.
The circular beads are prayed in order. First with "My Father", the decade beads stand for "Hail, Mary". In between decades, the Mysteries are meditated upon.
When ending the Rosary, the "Hail, Holy Queen" is said first. This is followed by, "The Final Prayer." The Rosary prayers are always completed with "The Sign Of The Cross."
