Non-Catholics and the Rosary

Gwynne · Sep 21, 2004

I'm a Methodist, but I absolutely adore the rosary, and prayer beads of all kinds.
I love that with a simple set of beads I can meditate on the entire life of Christ as seen by the Woman through whom he is genetically related to the rest of us. Prayer beads help me focus my mind, something that is difficult at times. Prayer in all forms is something special to me, I'm writing a book on prayer. And as I said I love prayer beads of all kinds, in fact I'm the topic editor of Prayer Beads and Rosaries at Suite101

But I've met a few Catholics who frowned on my use of the rosary, even though I know exactly what it means, and know as much if not more of the history of the rosary than a lot of Catholics do. So I was wondering what the opinions of most Catholics about the use of the rosary by non-Catholics would be.

Irenaeus · Sep 21, 2004

Gwynne,

I suppose a couple Catholics would frown on this, mainly out of disbelief - a Protestant, saying Hail Mary's? <Head explodes>

I'm glad that you say the Rosary. It's such a spiritual treasure that many people dismiss as the book of the foolish and "unenlightened" among us (although God knows how foolish even the greatest among us are) but yet, for the humble, he will reveal his secrets.

However, watch out...praying that Rosary may make a Catholic out of you. :holy:

JJM · Sep 21, 2004

What he said

Gwynne · Sep 21, 2004

Irenaeus said:
Gwynne,

I suppose a couple Catholics would frown on this, mainly out of disbelief - a Protestant, saying Hail Mary's? <Head explodes>

I'm glad that you say the Rosary. It's such a spiritual treasure that many people dismiss as the book of the foolish and "unenlightened" among us (although God knows how foolish even the greatest among us are) but yet, for the humble, he will reveal his secrets.

However, watch out...praying that Rosary may make a Catholic out of you.

Been told that one a couple of times... I won't say never... but highly unlikely

I like being a Methodist... which is closer to Catholic than a LOT of Protestant denominations...

Irenaeus · Sep 21, 2004

Been told that one a couple of times... I won't say never... but highly unlikely I like being a Methodist... which is closer to Catholic than a LOT of Protestant denominations...

I suppose that's true, but it's not as "Catholic" as say, Anglicanism and the Episcopal Church. In any case, leave the option open to what God wants to lead you to...I never thought in my wildest dreams I would become a Catholic.

Well, we'll see. The Theotokos will take care of you. :liturgy:

I have a question - do you have any trouble with the Communion of Saints, as in...believing they can pray for us? I mean, you are saying the Hail Holy Queen and Hail Mary, are you not? I find this belief rare among post-Anglican Protestants.

StPaul · Sep 21, 2004

Well,... I feel that a "Rosary" is something completely different than just a sting of beads on a rope. It's all in the intent, and what makes a Rosary a Rosary is how the "string of beads on a rope" is used.

To some, the Rosary would have no power because they view it as just beads,... but if used correctly, it could be a very powerful, prayer tool. I believe that anyone can pray, because prayer is what brings one closer to God (as well as other things). Likewise, I believe that anyone can pray the Rosary if used correctly (or respected for what it really means).

Have fun!, and God Bless!!

Gwynne · Sep 21, 2004

Irenaeus said:
I suppose that's true, but it's not as "Catholic" as say, Anglicanism and the Episcopal Church. In any case, leave the option open to what God wants to lead you to...I never thought in my wildest dreams I would become a Catholic.

Well, we'll see. The Theotokos will take care of you.
I have a question - do you have any trouble with the Communion of Saints, as in...believing they can pray for us? I mean, you are saying the Hail Holy Queen and Hail Mary, are you not? I find this belief rare among post-Anglican Protestants.

I have no problem at all with the Communion of Saints. Understand it entirely and have a bit of an affinity for Saint Philomena.

I'm a rare kind of Protestant... I find myself defending the Catholic church quite often when in conversation with other Protestants... but there are just a few things I can't get past...

Like I said, I won't say never...

StPaul said:
Well,... I feel that a "Rosary" is something completely different than just a sting of beads on a rope. It's all in the intent, and what makes a Rosary a Rosary is how the "string of beads on a rope" is used.

To some, the Rosary would have no power because they view it as just beads,... but if used correctly, it could be a very powerful, prayer tool. I believe that anyone can pray, because prayer is what brings one closer to God (as well as other things). Likewise, I believe that anyone can pray the Rosary if used correctly (or respected for what it really means). Have fun!, and God Bless!!

It's the prayers, and the meditations that make it the rosary, the beads are a tool, a very powerful tool, when combined with prayer and belief, which is the most important part of prayer anyway!

I love the beads themselves, they are beautiful, and I make rosaries myself. But the beads themselves don't really matter. I have several plastic rosaries, a hematite rosary, crystal rosaries and a wooden one sent to me by a friend in Jerusalem. Each one is special in it's own way, and the prayers are just as powerful on the plastic ones as they are on the Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver ones!

StPaul · Sep 21, 2004

Gwynne said:
It's the prayers, and the meditations that make it the rosary, the beads are a tool, a very powerful tool, when combined with prayer and belief, which is the most important part of prayer anyway!

I love the beads themselves, they are beautiful, and I make rosaries myself. But the beads themselves don't really matter. I have several plastic rosaries, a hematite rosary, crystal rosaries and a wooden one sent to me by a friend in Jerusalem. Each one is special in it's own way, and the prayers are just as powerful on the plastic ones as they are on the Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver ones!

My Rosary given to me when I became a Knight is faded, and shows signs of extensive use. I find it hard even thinking of a replacement (it means a lot to me). Praying the Rosary has helped me tremendously when I was in a time of need, and helped bring me back into a faithful life in the Church.

It helped members of my family to come back to Church, and my sister-in-laws to convert into the Church. On Easter two years ago one of my sister-in-laws was Baptized/Confirmed (the whole bit!), while the following weekend on Pentecost Sunday that brother was finally confirmed. As a gift for when my nephew was Baptized, I gave him my Rosary. I hope it is a Blessing on him as it has been a blessing to me.

I still say the Rosary, but have been in the market to find a replacement for quite some time now.

InnerPhyre · Sep 21, 2004

The Rosary is for everyone, not just Catholics. I'm always happy to hear when a Protestant starts praying it. It's a powerful tool to fight the devil and enrich your spiritual life.

Maggie893 · Sep 21, 2004

Gwynne

I was Methodist for several years before returning to the Catholic Church so I know exactly what you mean.

I have many friends who are Protestant who say the rosary. They usually tell me while looking over their shoulder to ensure that no other Protesetants are around.

It's funny that you say it keeps you focused; so many Catholics who don't say the rosary often would say it's because they can't stay focus on it.

Different styles of prayer for everyone is fine. Many people don't realize that the prayer of the rosary is the meditations on Christs life. Mary just helps us through that.

There are so many beautiful devotions with prayer beads I could also recommend that you many or may not have tried but you might want to try the Divine Mercy chaplet as well. One of my favorites!

Enjoy the rosary and may it be fruitful for you.

cleopa_of_emmaus · Sep 21, 2004

The Rosary is for all.

God Bless,

~cleopa

Cat59 · Sep 22, 2004

I agree with cleopa!
There's a great book written by a Methodist about the Rosary- Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy (J Neville Ward)

Credo · Sep 22, 2004

It is my opinion that the Rosary is the key to knocking down the barriers that divide Christendom. This Catholic has no problem whatsoever with non-Catholics praying the Rosary - on the contrary, I encourage it!

JMJ

Gwynne · Sep 22, 2004

Cat59 said:
I agree with cleopa!
There's a great book written by a Methodist about the Rosary- Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy (J Neville Ward)

I'll definitely keep an eye out for that one then!

I haven't met any Prostestants beside myself who pray the rosary, although my aunt who is a Methodist as well has a rosary. Her husband, who passed away last year, was Catholic and she has her mother-in-law's rosary. She told me last week that she pulls it out as a reminder of him because he used it occasionally. I asked her why she didn't use it and got every excuse for not praying the rosary I've heard. I gave her a book that I had and encouraged her to read it.

Gwynne · Sep 22, 2004

Credo said:
It is my opinion that the Rosary is the key to knocking down the barriers that divide Christendom. This Catholic has no problem whatsoever with non-Catholics praying the Rosary - on the contrary, I encourage it!

JMJ

So many people just don't understand what it's for! I've heard every excuse in the book for not praying the rosary and it all boils down to the Protestant prejudice against Catholics. Every Biblical citation for not using the rosary is taken out of context or flat out used incorrectly. The rosary is as Biblical a prayer as I've ever seen!

I just finished reading an excellent book by Father Oscar Lukefahr, C.M. called Christ's Mother and Ours: A Catholic Guide to Mary The last several chapters cover the mysteries of the rosary in depth, including New Testament and Old Testament scriptural background, descriptions of the scenery associated with the mystery, applications to modern life and ideas for intercessory prayer for each mystery! What other prayer tool can help keep a person focused, bring them INTO the mysteries of Christ's life, apply his life and teachings to our own lives, and help to intercede for others ALL IN ONE!!!!

I get frustrated when I hear people say "You shouldn't pray to Mary, only to God.." I'm not praying TO Mary, I'm asking her to pray FOR and WITH me! If I can ask my neighbor to pray for me, why not Mary!

epiclesis · Sep 22, 2004

I think it's great for non-Catholics to say the Rosary.

I've gotten a couple of protestant friends to say the Rosary in a group before.

Gwynne · Sep 22, 2004

Steph said:
I think it's great for non-Catholics to say the Rosary.
I've gotten a couple of protestant friends to say the Rosary in a group before.

One of the most profound experiences I have had since becoming a Christian was saying the Rosary with a group

I felt like I was walking on air for a week afterwards!

plum · Sep 22, 2004

Gwynne said:
I haven't met any Prostestants beside myself who pray the rosary....

Meet me!
Oh the rosary is a beautiful aid to my relationship to God and to Mary. Praise Jesus, The Reason.

I am like Gwynne... the biggest pro-Catholic protestant I know. God has blessed me with the desire for unity with my Family in the Body. He may be leading me to join the Church, but on this road I am on right now I am not looking ahead or behind. God is meeting me here where I'm at... right in the middle.

And let me thank you brothers and sisters of mine who are helping me find my way. :crosself:

Carrye · Sep 22, 2004

Gwynne,

To be quite honest, I would have been thrilled if you did nothing more than understand the rosary, much less to pray it yourself!

I'm curious too, if this isn't too bold, as to what your points of disagreement are with the Church. It's always interesting to me to see where people have difficulties. Please feel free to PM me.

God bless you,
Carrie

Gwynne · Sep 22, 2004

missju said:
Meet me!
Oh the rosary is a beautiful aid to my relationship to God and to Mary. Praise Jesus, The Reason.

I am like Gwynne... the biggest pro-Catholic protestant I know. God has blessed me with the desire for unity with my Family in the Body. He may be leading me to join the Church, but on this road I am on right now I am not looking ahead or behind. God is meeting me here where I'm at... right in the middle.

And let me thank you brothers and sisters of mine who are helping me find my way. :crosself:

Yay! I'm not alone! I'm not sure where I'm headed, it was as big a shock as any when I became a Christian!

clskinner said:
Gwynne,

To be quite honest, I would have been thrilled if you did nothing more than understand the rosary, much less to pray it yourself!

I'm curious too, if this isn't too bold, as to what your points of disagreement are with the Church. It's always interesting to me to see where people have difficulties. Please feel free to PM me.

God bless you,
Carrie

Some of my points of disagreement are, in some ways, stubbornness on my part. I know all of the arguments for and against Catholicism, and many of the arguments against it are just hogwash and discrimination.

It's hard to explain why, but I just feel that God wants me in the Methodist church right now. That may change in the future, but right now I feel that's where I'm supposed to be.

And there has been a LOT of prayer that has convinced me of that. But I also know God is good at smacking me upside the back of the head and saying "Hey, I got somewhere I want you to go..." and that somewhere is usually NOT where I was planning....

Non-Catholics and the Rosary

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