Some smile, always ridiculing you, if you gently and lovingly suggest them to pray this old, yet effective prayer. Others might label you ‘backward,’ not in touch with today’s world at all if you just dare to say a word in favour of this family prayer.
However, the inner emptiness and shocking existential meaninglessness of your critics gives you no alternative other than to pray fervently and keep promoting the powerful prayer of the rosary.
This year’s Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary was really a great gift to me from God. Since I was a child I had the grace of literally being encouraged to take up the rosary beads and pray this magnificent prayer which forges that necessary bond of communion and fraternity with Christ through the maternal intercession of Mary.
A great multitude of saints spoke untold wisdom concerning the inimitable strength of this Christological and Marian prayer. For instance, Pope Blessed Pius IX said: “Give me an army saying the rosary and I will conquer the world.” Blessed Alan de la Roche observed: “If you persevere in reciting the rosary, this will be a most probable sign of your eternal salvation.” He even noted that “the Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessing.” Finally, St Francis de Sales affirmed that “the greatest method of praying is to pray the rosary.”
Why can I conquer my eternal salvation with the recitation of the rosary? Why can I conquer the world through this formidable intercessory prayer? And why is the rosary an immense storehouse of heavenly blessing and the strongest mode of praying?
I found my answer in the life-giving reflection Pope Benedict gave on Mary’s Assumption on August 16, 2006. “We may be sure of it: from on high, Mary follows our footsteps with gentle concern, dispels the gloom in moments of darkness and distress, reassures us with her motherly hand. Supported by awareness of this, let us continue confidently on our path of Christian commitment wherever Providence may lead us. Let us forge ahead in our lives under Mary's guidance.”
When I decided to pray the rosary daily I saw great miracles occurring in my personal and priestly life. Through Mary’s intercession my prayers were heard by God. I felt an indescribable peace taking hold of my entire existence. I know that now I am lovingly protected by my heavenly Mother.
I want you to share in the countless blessings I am receiving. I urge you to take up the rosary and start praying it daily. As time passes you will realise that my simple words are just your heavenly Mother’s plea to take her into your heart.