1 minute read
Discovering the Gift of Peace Through the Rosary
When Fr. Mariya James was growing up in India, he prayed the Rosary with his family regularly. This made a remarkable impression on him, one that remains with him to this day.
“We said the Rosary together as a family each evening,” Fr. James says. “Before we learned our catechism, we learned to pray the Rosary. It was a regular part of our life. My mother and father always encouraged us children to pray along with them. This is what really brought us close to God.”
Advertisement
Over the years, Fr. James has witnessed the tremendous influence the Rosary has on those who open their hearts to it.
“It has a really deep impact on those who pray it, and it brings them many graces and much peace,” he says. “It is especially helpful for families. Until people experience it for themselves, they cannot understand how great it really is.”
Importantly, the Rosary must not be merely recited — instead, it is a loving conversation with one’s Heavenly Mother.
“When we pray the Rosary, we are asking Our Blessed Mother to plead for us,” Fr. James says. “I believe that those who pray the Rosary with purity of intention and devotion will be granted what they ask for, according to God’s will.”
Each May and October, the Rosary is prayed about one half hour before our parish Masses. This is because May is traditionally the month dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and October is the month which includes the Feast of the Holy Rosary. All are invited to take part in this effort to bring the consoling presence of the Blessed Mother into our midst.
“The Rosary brings so many blessings to a person, and helps them feel the joy and compassion of our Blessed Mother,” Fr. James says. “I encourage you to pray it every day and ask the Blessed Mother to be close to you and your family.”
