Wearing the Rosary

[WarriorAngel]

http://catholicsay.com/wearing-the-rosary-as-a-necklace-is-it-okay/

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

You've gotten yourself a new beautiful rosary that you're just dying to wear now haven't you WarriorAngel?

 

[Sword of the Lord]

Since Orthodox can and do wear Chotkis on their wrists, I don't understand why it's a problem for Catholics to wear a Rosary. It doesn't strike me as being any different than wearing a Crucifix necklace. I wear a cross around my neck and a Chotki on my wrist.

 

[Michie]

My priest says it is not a problem. The Latino community wear them all the time and are often buried wearing them. I think the issue comes if you are wearing it out of vanity or because of the way it looks. Like you, I see no issue with it.

Since Orthodox can and do wear Chotkis on their wrists, I don't understand why it's a problem for Catholics to wear a Rosary. It doesn't strike me as being any different than wearing a Crucifix necklace. I wear a cross around my neck and a Chotki on my wrist.

 

[benedictaoo]

The intent. It's the intent behind why you wear it.

 

[Tallguy88]

I used to, but I don't anymore. I just don't like wearing any kind of jewelry.

 

[LoAmmi]

I hope if you wear one you do not get harassed because of it. I know people that have been harassed for wearing religious garb.

 

[Albion]

The fact that gang members and young admirers of them have taken to wearing rosaries probably doesn't help.

 

[Sword of the Lord]

My cross hides under my shirt because it isn't for anyone but me.

 

[Albion]

Are you speaking of a cross on a chain, as opposed to an actual rosary?

 

[Sword of the Lord]

Are you speaking of a cross on a chain, as opposed to an actual rosary?

Yes.

If you wear a Rosary though is there a rule that you have to have it exposed?

 

[Michie]

No.

Yes.

If you wear a Rosary though is there a rule that you have to have it exposed?

 

[Sword of the Lord]

No.

I guess I don't understand why it would matter if it was a cross and chain or rosary then.

 

[Michie]

It doesn't according to my priest. It is a personal thing how the wearer chooses how or why to wear it. It really is a matter between the wearer and God. But wearing the rosary is very common in other cultures.

I guess I don't understand why it would matter if it was a cross and chain or rosary then.

 

[Albion]

I guess I don't understand why it would matter if it was a cross and chain or rosary then.

It would "matter" only if some Catholics thought the practice disrespectful. And there are such people. After all, the rosary hasn't historically been an object meant to be worn.

No one considers a cross on a chain around the neck to be irreverent, but I know churchmen and women who do think that wearing the rosary is irreverent. They would probably be the same people who think that hanging one from the rear view mirror is also wrong. But OTOH, in both cases there are sodalities in the church that are pledged to promote such usage, believing that it makes the rosary more personal and, therefore, more likely to be prayed by that person.

So, after all is said and done, there probably is no clearcut answer, but I'd think that the opinion of the clergy would have the greater weight than the gut feelings of laypersons.

 

[Rosary Mart]

Indeed, even I don't think there ought to be any complaint on wearing catholic crucifix as a necklace or around your wrist. What I believe that these spiritual objects should not be disobeyed and this is what actually matters.

 

[Andres88]

I normally wear a cross around my neck, but not a rosary. There are people who see it as an "unworthy" use of the rosary, which, in my opinion, isn't so. The truth is that there are a lot of people who use it as an accessory, and that makes another story. If it was my thing, I'd wear it, but I prefer having it in one of my pockets, and just wear a cross.

 

[mark46]

So, after all is said and done, there probably is no clearcut answer, but I'd think that the opinion of the clergy would have the greater weight than the gut feelings of laypersons.

It is interesting that this is being considered an issue for theology and for rules and regulations.

I believe that this is a cultural issue. Many of our Hispanic members wear rosaries; few of our Anglo members wear rosaries.

One of the very worst things that the RCC does is to try to make rules and regulations about such issues.

The issue, as almost always, is about intent. One shouldn't wear or a cross if the intent is to show off or to be seen. For me, a cross or a rosary is for the wearer, usually worn under the blouse or shirt. Of course, a US tradition is to carry a small wooden cross in our pockets as a reminder of who we belong to.

 

[Andres88]

One of the very worst things that the RCC does is to try to make rules and regulations about such issues.

I definitely agree with you on this one. There are so many intents of regulating on aspects of the daily life that should be left to the Christian freedom and the judgment of one's own conscience, as long as what is done does not contradict any binding Church teaching. There are quite some Theologians that criticize precisely how the dicasteries regulate and over-regulate without leaving enough space for one's own conscience and reason (well formed) to act freely.

 

[Tallguy88]

I don't usually wear a rosary, or any other forms of necklaces. I just feel weird with jewelry on. If I have a rosary with me, it's in my pocket.