OK, I’m confused. Is Father Richard McBrien, in his 10/6/11 column on the rosary’s history, endorsing this devotion — or slamming it?
While his historical facts of the rosary are relevant, I was taken aback by his comment that reciting the rosary aloud is a “blatant misuse” of this devotion at weekday Masses, and during the months of May and October. What exactly is this “blatant misuse?”
I wholeheartedly agree that the rosary should never be prayed DURING Mass, but that’s not the only thing Fr. McBrien seems to have an issue with.
What is wrong with praying aloud with fellow believers?
Um, aren’t we SUPPOSED to pray together? After all, Jesus told us that when two or more are gathered, he is there.
And isn’t the rosary a powerful way to do so? Didn’t Jesus give us his mother as he was dying on the cross? How else are we to beg her intercession, and unite our prayers and suffering to her son?
If there is a better way, I look forward to reading Fr. McBrien’s column on that.
As for now, I am so very grateful for Our Lady and the rosary, and when I am able to join the rosary prayer warriors (mostly men!) at 6 a.m. before daily Mass, and the devoted prayer warriors before 8:30 a.m. daily Mass, both at St. Paul the Apostle in Davenport.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Patti Schmidt
Davenport