September 29, 2024
Dear Parish Family:
What happened to September? Wasn’t it just Labor Day? I hope that September was a good month for everyone and that the last three months of 2024 will be filled with all kinds of grace and blessings. As we begin October, we start by remembering it is the Month of the Holy Rosary.
The development of the rosary has a long history. First, a practice developed of praying 150 Our Fathers in imitation of the 150 Psalms. Then there was a parallel practice of praying 150 Hail Marys. Soon a mystery of Jesus’ life was attached to each Hail Mary. Though Mary’s giving the rosary to Saint Dominic is recognized as a legend, the development of this prayer form owes much to the followers of Saint Dominic. One of them, Alan de la Roche, was known as “the apostle of the Rosary.” He founded the first Confraternity of the Rosary in the 15th century. In the 16th century the rosary was developed to its present form—with the 15 mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious). In 2002, Pope John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light.
The purpose of the Rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. Pope Pius XII called it a compendium of the Gospel. The main focus is on Jesus—his birth, life, death, and resurrection. The Our Father reminds us that Jesus’ Father is the initiator of salvation. The Hail Mary reminds us to join with Mary in contemplating these mysteries. They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all the mysteries of his earthly and heavenly existence. The Glory Be reminds us that the purpose of all life is the glory of the Trinity.
The constant repetition of words helps create an atmosphere in which to contemplate the mysteries of God. We sense that Jesus and Mary are with us in the joys and sorrows of life. We grow in hope that God will bring us to share in the glory of Jesus and Mary forever.
Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan