Rosary Facts: A Collection of Interesting Rosary Facts

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Fact(s)

Benefits of the Rosary

The Rosary is truly an "irreplaceable treasure"! The Rosary...

* Is highly indulgenced

* Reminds us to pray

* Directs prayer away from personal rambling and incessant petitioning

* Is an excellent teacher

* Reminds us of the most important events concerning salvation history, provoking love, gratitude and thanksgiving

* Brings graces

* Helps preserve faith

* Defeats our spiritual enemies

* Pleases the Blessed Virgin

* Pleases God

* Brings many spiritual benefits!

* and much more...

Also See: Daily Rosary | Rosary Reflections | History of the Rosary | What is the Rosary & Why Pray It?

The Blessed Virgin Mary Recommends the Rosary

Our Lady has requested that we say the Rosary in various apparitions. Also, various promises have been attributed to the Rosary by Our Blessed Mother (click here for more information) 

"Of all the prayers, the Rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces; of all it is the one most pleasing to Mary, the Virgin Most Holy." (Pope St. Pius X)

The Church Recommends the Rosary

Numerous popes (nearly all of them in the last several centuries) have urged devotion to the Rosary.

"[M]ay the beads of the Rosary be in the hands of all" (Pope Pius XII, "Ad Caeli Reginam", 1954)

Counting Prayers Before the Rosary

Before the Rosary, repeated prayers may have been counted by pebbles, knots, or other small items.

Also See: Rosary History

The Crucifix

The Rosary begins with a crucifix. For some, it is a (commendable) custom to kiss the crucifix before and after praying the Rosary. Such actions may be indulgenced.

Also See: The Pendant

The Daily Rosary

All should pray the Rosary daily. Click here for more information 

Decades

A traditional, full Rosary contains 15 decades. Usually, however, a five decade Rosary is said by most people. Decades refer to the 10 small beads preceded by a large (or single) bead on a customary string of Rosary beads. Each decade is associated with a mystery of the Rosary (click here for Rosary mysteries). Note: Click here  for information Pope John Paul II's new mysteries.

Distractions While Praying the Rosary

If you experience distractions while praying the Rosary, try here for tips. Note: Also try here for fliers.

Doesn't the Bible Condemn Repetitious Prayer?

Yes, the Bible does condemn some repetitious prayer, but not the Rosary. Click here for more information.

Don Juan and the Rosary

Don Juan attributed his triumph to the "powerful intercession of the Rosary Queen".

The Family Rosary

Praying the Rosary is a great family devotion that has been a longstanding Catholic practice. It is highly recommended for all families. Note: Click here  for 'Family Rosary' Reflections.

"There is no surer means of calling down God's blessings upon the family...than the daily recitation of the Rosary" (Pope Pius XII)

Feast of the Rosary

A feast of the Rosary appears in the Traditional Calendar on October 7. This is associated with the miraculous victory of Lepanto on October 7, 1571 (which was attributed to the intercession of the Queen of the Rosary). The original feast was entitled Our Lady of Victory, but the name has been changed to the feast of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Also See: The Month of October | History of the Rosary

Giving Rosaries

It is a good idea to always keep some spare rosaries on hand. They are inexpensive - often costing well under $1 - (or even free!) and can be given out to friends, relatives, or strangers (as appropriate). It is also recommended to always keep one or more spare Rosaries with you (in your pocket, purse, car, etc.). These spare rosaries should generally be blessed (when you give blessed rosaries out, be sure to let others know that they are blessed). Rosaries also make great gifts. Reminder: Men may prefer black or brown rosaries. Be sure your children and grandchildren have a Rosary (assuming that it is safe and that the children are old enough). Note that you can also make your own Rosaries (click here for more information)

Need a Rosary? Try the Commercial Sections

The Glorious Mysteries

For information concerning the glorious mysteries, click here. [Looking for rosary mysteries coloring pages? Try here Looking for rosary mysteries fliers? Try here]

Handmade Rosaries

You can hand-make your own Rosary. There are various Catholic groups and organizations that can show you how. If you make your own Rosary, be sure to have it blessed.

Note: For more information concerning handmade rosaries or for information on making rosaries, try the Commercial Sections

History of the Rosary

Click here for information on the history of the Rosary.

How to Begin Praying the Rosary

It's easy to begin the Rosary! Please give it a try. Click here for instructions. If necessary, you can begin with one or a few decades and work up to a full daily Rosary.

Also See: The Daily Rosary | Rosary Tips | What is the Rosary and Why Should You Pray It?

How to Pray the Rosary

Click here for detailed instructions for praying the Rosary

The Joyful Mysteries

For information concerning the joyful mysteries, click here. [Looking for rosary mysteries coloring pages? Try here Looking for rosary mysteries fliers? Try here]

The Living Rosary

The 'Living Rosary' dates from 1826 and its founding association has received papal approval. A 'Living Rosary' consists of groups of 15 members who recite a decade of the Rosary each day, so that an entire (traditional) 15 decade Rosary is completed each day by each group. As a member dies, the group keeps going as another takes the place of the deceased member (thus it is called "living"). The 'Living Rosary' has traditionally been based on the full 15 decade Rosary. For more information on Pope John Paul II's new mysteries, click here

The Luminous Mysteries

Click here for information on Pope John Paul II's Luminous Mysteries

Marian Apparitions & the Rosary

In apparitions, the Blessed Virgin often appears with a Rosary and has asked us to say the Rosary each day.

Also see: The Daily Rosary | Mary, Our Mother Section

The Month of October

Tracing from the miraculous victory at Lepanto on October 7, 1571 - which was attributed to the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary - a Feast of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary was instituted by the Church (it was originally called Our Lady of Victory). In the 20th century, Pope Pius XI dedicated the entire month of October to the Rosary.

Also See: Rosary History

Month of the Rosary

See "The Month of October" (above)

The Mysteries for Each Day of the Week

When one prays a five decade Rosary, the mysteries considered depend on the current day of the week [e.g. Mon. & Thurs. => Joyful; Tues. & Fri. => Sorrowful; Wed. & Sat. => Glorious; Sun. => depends upon the season (Joyful, Sorrowful, or Glorious)]. For more information, click here

The Mysteries of Light

Also called "The Luminous Mysteries" (click here for more information)

Novena of Rosaries

What could be better than a Rosary? A novena of Rosaries! Note that a typical novena may consist of one Rosary per day for nine days for a specific intention. 

Other Names for the Rosary

The Holy Rosary may be known by various names, including: the Rosary, the Holy Rosary, the Most Holy Rosary, the "Psalter of Mary", the Marian Rosary, the "prayer of the saints", "the beads", "Mary's favorite prayer", the "prayer weapon", etc.

Other Rosaries

In addition to the popular Marian Rosary, there are various other (less common) Rosaries (e.g. Rosary for the Dead, Rosary of our Lady of Sorrows, Seraphic Rosary, Augustinian Rosary, etc.)

Other Uses for Rosary Beads

In addition to using Rosary beads to pray the Marian Rosary, traditional Rosary beads may be used for various other rosaries and chaplets. For more information, try the Prayers / Devotions section. Note, however, that some other types of rosaries and chaplets require different sets of beads (since they contain different numbers of prayers).

The Pendent

The crucifix and first five beads of the Rosary are called the "pendent".

Perpetual Rosary

The 'Perpetual Rosary', said to date from the 17th century, refers to the continual recitation of the Rosary by members of a group who pray at scheduled times so that the Rosary is being said continuously, day and night.

Praying From Right to Left or Left to Right

Rosary beads may be prayed from right to left or from left to right. One's preferred direction may depend on the way one is taught, whether one is right or left handed, etc. Note that Rosary instructions may show either direction (although, perhaps, right to left may be more common). 

Praying the Rosary in a Group

The Rosary is well-suited to group prayer. When prayed in a group, the leader generally announces the mystery and begins the prayers, while the others complete the prayers. Leaders may also add commentary and other prayers. Note: Click here  for instructions for praying the Rosary.

Rosaries & Burial

Many Catholics are buried with their rosaries around their hands.

Rosaries as Keepsakes

Rosaries may be considered keepsakes as they are handed down from generation to generation. It can be a moving experience to use the same Rosary beads that many of your ancestors may have used.

Rosaries as Relics

In additional to being a sacramental (if blessed), Rosaries may themselves become "relics" if they are touched to other appropriate relics. It may be possible to make your own Rosary a "third class" relic by touching it to appropriate historical objects (e.g. authentic first/second class relics, or possibly even designated shrines). Note: For more information, consult your diocese.

Rosaries in the Car

Rosaries are often seen hanging from mirrors in cars. Whether this is appropriate may depend on the reason they are there. Rosaries may be kept visible to remind one to pray, for ready access, etc. When one keeps one's Rosary publicly visible it proclaims their Catholicity. If however, one drives poorly with a Rosary displayed from their car, they may give others a bad image of Catholics. One should try to use rosaries (especially blessed ones) for the purpose intended rather than for 'decorative' purposes.

Rosary Advocates

The Rosary has been advocated by many Popes, Saints, and other religious. At least one Pope called it a "truly heavenly instrument". It has also been called "the greatest method of praying", "the scourge of the devil", "a treasure of graces", and "the most powerful weapon" by Popes and Saints. Great artists, kings, and queens have used it, as have lay people from the least to the most educated. The Blessed Virgin herself has advocated its use.

Also See: Praise of the Rosary (Reflections) | The Blessed Virgin Mary Recommends the Rosary

The Rosary & Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima appeared several times to three shepherd children in 1917. On 10/13/1917, she performed the "miracle of the sun" in front of tens of thousands of witnesses. On this day, she was identified as "Our Lady of the Rosary". At the basilica there, 15 altars were erected in honor of the 15 (traditional) mysteries of the Rosary. At Fatima, Our Lady requested that her children say the Rosary and that each decade of the Rosary be concluded with the following prayer: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy."

Also See: The Daily Rosary

The Rosary & Indulgences

The Rosary has been highly indulgenced by popes. Traditionally, praying 1/3 of the Rosary (5 decades) was a common for indulgences (see Raccolta #'s 395, 397, 398). Your Rosary should be properly blessed in order to gain as many indulgences as possible. Note that Rosaries blessed by the Pope (or by a Bishop) may bring additional indulgences, even plenary ones. For additional benefits, consider joining the Rosary Confraternity (click here for more information). For information on Rosary blessings, click here. For more information on indulgences, try the Prayers / Devotions section.

The Rosary & Lepanto 

On October 7, 1571, the Christians enjoyed a miraculous victory over invading forces at the Battle of Lepanto. The victory has been attributed to the Queen of the Rosary.

Also See: Feast of the Holy Rosary

The Rosary & Miracles

The Rosary is considered a gift from heaven (click here) and its long history has been graced by numerous miracles. As Pope Pius IX has said, "Among all the devotions approved by the Church none has been so favored by so many miracles as the devotion of the Most Holy Rosary".

The Rosary as a Sacramental

Once a Rosary is blessed, it becomes a sacramental. For more information on blessings, see above (or click here). For more information on sacramentals, see the Prayers / Devotions section.

The Rosary as a Weapon

The Rosary is often mentioned as a weapon, however it is not actually used against anyone in a physical manner. Rather it is a spiritual weapon, "a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight, to preserve the integrity of life, to acquire virtue more easily, and in a word to attain real peace among men." (Pope Pius XI, "Ingravescentibus Malis", 1937 A.D.)

Rosary Blessings

The priest's blessing of your Rosary makes it a sacramental. Rosaries should be properly blessed in order to gain as many indulgences as possible. Note that Rosaries blessed by the Pope (or by a Bishop) may bring additional indulgences, even plenary ones. Be sure to also have Rosary rings and like articles blessed. For more information on indulgences and sacramentals, try the Prayers & Devotions Section.

Rosary Colors

Rosaries come in colors to suit all persons. Some colors are more common for men (e.g. black / brown).

The Rosary Confraternity

The Confraternity of the Rosary (now an Archconfraternity) was associated with St. Dominic and has been in existence for more than 500 years. It is under the care of the Dominican order. You may gain additional merits by joining the confraternity - including a share in the good works of the Dominicans, special indulgences, etc. You would need to enroll and meet its obligations (pray the Rosary, have your name inscribed in the register, etc.). Those who join the Rosary Confraternity may gain additional merits by joining their Rosaries with "countless thousands" of others and are said to gain "extra spiritual benefits for each Rosary they pray". The benefits may continue even after death. You may enroll via mail or possibly even online (try Catholic Web Links for web address) Note: Contact the Rosary Confraternity for more information and requirements. Their address may be found online or you may try writing:   

The Rosary Center

P.O. Box 3617

Portland, OR 97208

Note: Address and all other information subject to change. Information is provided for your convenience. We are not affiliated with or responsible for this third party organization. To report an address correction, click here.

The Rosary in Latin 

Click here for more information on the Rosary in Latin

Rosary Materials

Rosary beads may be made from various materials (wood, metal, precious stones, plastic, etc.). They may be strung with cord or metal or other appropriate materials.

Rosary Promises

Our Lady has made various promises to those who recite the Rosary, including promises for graces, protection, serving as an armor against sin, heavenly glory, deliverance from purgatory, mercy from God, and more (click here for more information).

Rosary Tips

Click here for Rosary tips

The Scriptural Basis of the Rosary

The Rosary is very scriptural. The Our Father is taken from Holy Scripture as is much of the Hail Mary (click here for more information). Most of the Mysteries are taken directly from Scripture (click here for Rosary Mysteries / Scripture References). Note: For 'Scriptural Rosary' fliers, Try here

Shapes & Sizes of Beads

Rosary beads may come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. There are even some novelty Rosaries [we will leave the appropriateness of this for competent Church authorities to decide].

Significance of the 15 Mysteries

The fifteen mysteries of the (traditional) Rosary may be significant for: the fifteen steps of the temple, and the fifteen gradual psalms. [For information on Pope John Paul II's new mysteries, click here]

The Sorrowful Mysteries 

For information concerning the sorrowful mysteries, click here. [Looking for rosary mysteries coloring pages? Try here Looking for rosary mysteries fliers? Try here]

Splitting Up the Rosary

Splitting up a (five decade) Rosary is generally not recommended unless it is truly necessary.

Sunday & The Rosary Mysteries

Traditionally, the mysteries for Sunday vary with the season (Advent-Joyful, Lent-Sorrowful, rest of the year-Glorious) when one prays a five decade Rosary. Click here for more information on determining the day's mysteries.

Time it Takes to Pray the Rosary

It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to pray a traditional 5 decade Rosary.

A Traditional (Full) Rosary

Although it is customary to focus on a set of 5 mysteries, a traditional, full Rosary is 15 decades. Note: Click here  for information on Pope John Paul II's Luminous Mysteries.

Two Meanings of Word 'Rosary'

The term "Rosary" refers either to the Rosary beads or the prayers of the Rosary as a whole. Generally, when one refers to a Rosary, they are referring to 5 decades of the Rosary (1/3 of a full, traditional 15 decade Rosary).

'Virtues'

When praying the Rosary, it is often helpful to reflect on certain virtues corresponding to the mystery (both to contemplate the virtues and to request an increase in the virtues for oneself). Click here for more information on Rosary Mysteries / Virtues.

What is the Rosary?

Click here for 'What is the Rosary & Why Pray It?'

When Rosary Beads Are Not Available

It is not strictly necessary to be holding Rosary beads to pray the Rosary. However, Rosary beads are helpful for keeping track of where you are and for keeping your mind focused. Also, if blessed, they are sacramentals and may bring additional benefits (e.g. opportunity for indulgences). Furthermore, Rosary beads may become one's "old friend"; just having them around (e.g. in you pocket, purse, hanging on the wall, in your sick room, etc.), may bring comfort. Besides Rosary beads, there are also other counters used to pray the Rosary (e.g. Rosary rings, Rosary bracelets, Rosary cards, etc.). Some of these items may be more discreet for times when you cannot use beads or when beads may be disadvantageous (e.g. while driving). They may also be excellent for small places where you can't fit Rosary beads or for other places where space considerations are important. Note that all appropriate items (e.g. Rosary rings) should be blessed. Finally, if Rosary beads, Rosary rings, and other similar items are unavailable, you may employ your fingers to pray the Rosary! Although they are certainly 'at reach', they are not as convenient, they do not benefit from the special blessing given to rosaries, and they do not engage one's sense of touch (which may help one to focus while praying). They are best used for those "emergency situations" when nothing better is available.

When the Rosary May be Said

The Rosary may be said at any appropriate place or time. 

Also See: Where to Pray the Rosary

When to Say Which Mysteries

Click here for more information on determining the day's mysteries.

Where the Hail Mary Comes From

Click here for information on this topic.

Where to Keep Your Rosary

You should strive to always carry your Rosary on your person (or at least close by). Rosaries may be conveniently kept in one's pocket or purse. Note that there are various special protectors or cases for rosaries, if desired. It may also be wise to have some inexpensive rosaries handy so that you will always be near one (either for praying or for giving to others). Rosaries should especially be kept in reach in sick rooms (as appropriate). You may also keep a Rosary around a doorknob (if safe) or other appropriate place to remind you to pray.

Where to Pray the Rosary

The ideal place to pray the Rosary is in church in front of Blessed Sacrament. However, you can pray the Rosary in any appropriate place. If necessary, you may even pray the Rosary while performing certain activities (e.g. while washing dishes, driving, etc.), if it is safe. If you are not praying the Rosary in a group, you should try to find a quiet location where you will be free from interruptions. Ideally, you should pray where you can kneel (if you are physically able). Note that various unexpected situations (e.g. waiting in line) may offer you the opportunity to pray extra decades of the Rosary.

Who Can Pray the Rosary

The Rosary has been called "the method of prayer for ordinary people." The Rosary may be prayed by the least educated (or non-educated) to most educated, by the poorest or the wealthiest. Children can be taught to pray the Rosary at a young age. Elderly persons may pray the Rosary. Sick or injured persons may pray the Rosary. Blind persons may pray the Rosary. Deaf persons may pray the Rosary. All persons who can pray may pray (and should pray!) the Rosary! 

Why Pray the Rosary?

Click here for 'What is the Rosary & Why Pray It?'

The Word 'Rosary'

The word "rosary" is derived from the Latin word "rosarium" (meaning rose garden / crown of roses). The Rosary is compared to a spiritual bouquet of roses for our Blessed Mother, with each Hail Mary being a special rose given by the one praying to Mary.

Misc.

The Rosary is said to take into account the "whole person" since it uses one's physical, vocal, and spiritual facilities.

The practice of beginning and ending the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross is called "bracketing".

In 1495, Pope Alexander VI is said to have referred to St. Dominic as "the renowned preacher long ago of the Confraternity of the Rosary, and through his merits, the whole world was preserved from universal ruin." Note: For more historical information, click here.

Towards the end of the 1800's, Pope Leo XIII added the invocation "Queen of the Most Holy Rosary" to the Litany.

Pope Leo XIII has been called the "Pope of the Rosary". He wrote more than a dozen times regarding the Rosary. Note: Click here  for some classic encyclicals on the Rosary.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) has been called the "Saint of the Rosary". He said countless rosaries in his lifetime (an "inconceivable" number), dozens per day. He urged his spiritual children to pray the Holy Rosary (and is even quoted as saying that he wanted to leave his spiritual children the Rosary as his legacy). He is reported to have died "tightly hanging on to the rosary, murmuring the names of Jesus and Mary."