The Holy Rosary is considered a perfect prayer because within it lies the awesome story of our salvation. With the Rosary we meditate upon the mysteries of joy, sorrow, glory, and light of Jesus and Mary.  It reminds us that Mary is still closely joined to her son, Jesus. 

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The traditional fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary were finalized by the sixteenth century and grouped into three sets: the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries.  In 2002,  Saint John Paul II, when he was the pope, announced the new Luminous Mysteries. 

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Catholics are invited to observe the Month of the Holy Rosary in a variety of ways.  Some suggestions offered by different sources are: 

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1.  If you don't already do this, set aside a time every day to pray the rosary, or pray the rosary with your family (even just a decade together, even just one family member).  Let each person share an intention they'd like the family to pray for.  

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2.  Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on October 7 (note: we have a Rosary at St. Patrick for this feast day on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 pm).  

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3. Read and meditate the scripture from which each mystery comes.  (See the links for this information). 

4. Add Rosary-inspired prayers at different moments throughout the day. For example, a Hail Mary after grace before meals; or a lesser known Rosary-associated prayer, such as the Hail Holy Queen or the Fatima Prayer.    

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5.  Surround yourself with art and music that celebrates our Blessed Mother Mary.  

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6. Set up a small space in your home, complete with statues, flowers, and candles dedicated to praying the rosary.  

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7.  Share the Rosary with others.  Give a rosary to a friend or family member going through a difficult time; make a rosary to give as a gift to someone; donate rosaries to hospitals or nursing homes for Catholic patients who might benefit from them.  

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. . .any many other ways to honor Mother Mary through your prayerful and loving actions.