Why Do Catholics Pray the Rosary?

Catholics pray the rosary because it’s a powerful prayer to God, through His mother, Mary.

Praying the rosary has been a tradition in the Church for a long time. It’s a bit fuzzy who made it more formal; some say it was St. Dominic and others say it wasn’t. What really matters is that this prayer is

super powerful.

Throughout Church history, many popes and saints have highly recommended that we pray the rosary. St. Louis de Montfort said, ‘When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than any other prayer.’

In various apparitions, Mary has appeared holding a rosary and has asked that we continue to pray this prayer. She always leads us to her Son, and presents our needs before Him. Prayer is about developing our relationship with God, and loving Him more, so it makes sense to get to know Him through the events of the life of Christ that we meditate on during the rosary.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

‘Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him’.
(CCC 2708)

Rosaries are not just decorations. Battles have been won because people prayed the rosary! There have been hearts converted, and impossible intentions answered too. Your life can only be blessed if you start praying the rosary.

How To Pray The Rosary

The Rosary Prayers

Intentions

Suggested intentions for each decade at this time are as follows:

For all suffering from illness, in particular the COVID-19/coronavirus, that they are given strength and peace throughout their illness

For those who care for the sick and the vulnerable, that Christ will be by their side to support and carry them when they can go no further on their own

For those in government and other decision-making roles, that they are guided by the will of God to make the right decisions for the good of all

For the Church and the faithful, that they may be spiritually strengthened and comforted through hard times, and that more may draw close to Christ

For our own families and friends, for protection and peace, to know God is with them and will not leave their sides

Additional Aides

We would recommend praying with a physical rosary, if you have one. Alternatively, or if you would like some help in leading the prayer, you can pray using an interactive online rosary, like this one:

You can also pray alongside Bishop Robert Reed every day on Catholic TV.