Rosary, << ROH zuhr ee, >> is a string of beads used as an aid to memory and concentration while praying. The rosary commonly used by Roman Catholics consists of 50 small beads divided into equal sections by 4 large beads. A pendant, composed of two large beads, three small ones, and a crucifix, hangs from the rosary.
Catholics recite the Lord’s Prayer on the large beads. On each of the small beads, they address a prayer called the “Hail Mary” to the Virgin Mary. The first words of this prayer repeat the angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary in the Gospel of Luke. At the end of each group of Hail Marys, the faithful say a short prayer in praise of God’s glory.
While reciting the prayers, Catholics meditate upon three cycles of mysteries (significant events) in the lives of Jesus and Mary. These are the traditional Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries that focus respectively on the birth, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each cycle consists of five mysteries.
In 2002, Pope John Paul II authorized the addition of another cycle of five mysteries focused on the ministry and miracles of Jesus. This cycle is called the Luminous Mysteries, or Mysteries of Light. They include the Baptism of Jesus, His appearance at the wedding feast of Cana, His proclamation of the Kingdom of God and call to conversion, His Transfiguration, and His institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
Prayer beads are of ancient origin and were probably first used by Buddhists in an attempt to combine vocal prayer with mental prayer. Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims use them in certain forms of their prayer. Using the rosary for prayer became widespread in the Catholic Church in the 1400’s, and it remains one of the most popular devotional practices.
