The Rosary: Changing Ourselves and Changing the World

(Plain Text Version)

Praying the Rosary

The Rosary consists of 20 groups of prayers, each recalling a major event in the life of Jesus and His Blessed Mother.  We call these events “mysteries.”

We should think about these mysteries while we say the prayers of the Rosary.  To the best of our ability, we should avoid distracting thoughts.  But even when we are distracted, God hears our prayer and makes us more and more like Himself.

Short Scripture passages can help us to better appreciate the mysteries of the Rosary.  There are many books which present a reading for each mystery.  Other books give a verse from scripture for each Hail Mary.

Some people pray all 20 mysteries every day.  Others pray only one.  What counts is that we do what is right in our situation.

The Power of the Rosary in History

Many great miracles have come about through the Rosary, especially when groups of people pray it together.  The Rosary is a way for God’s people to work together to overcome great problems. 

One famous example of the power of the Rosary occurred in 1571.  At that time, western Europe was in danger of being overrun by Muslim Turks.  At the urging of Pope Pius V, the Christians prayed the Rosary for victory against the invasion.  On October 7, the Christians defeated the Turks in a great sea battle, although they were outnumbered three to one.  Miraculously, the Pope knew about the victory immediately, and announced it to all.  He proclaimed the feast of “Our Lady of the Rosary”, to be celebrated on October 7.  This feast continues to be celebrated to this day.

The Power of the Rosary Today

Early in the 20^th Century, Russia absorbed many nations and spread many errors.  This was predicted by the Blessed Mother in the apparitions at Fatima.  She urged us to pray for the conversion of Russia.  The praying of the Rosary for Russia became very popular.  Before the close of the century, the Russian empire suddenly dissolved, and Communism suffered a major setback.  Remarkably, this shift of power occurred with very little violence.

Let us pray for a deep conversion of the leaders and the people of Russia today.  Let us pray especially for the end of the attacks on Ukraine, the withdrawal of the Russian troops, and the return of the captured territories.  

“For nothing shall be impossible with God.”  (Luke 2: 37)  

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