A Gift From Heaven

One sacramental I treasure greatly is the Rosary, whose efficacy and universality cannot be overstated, and this sacramental presents itself in many styles. Some rosaries are big, some small, some just the right size, some formed from emeralds, and some are even made up of little plastic footballs. People keep rosaries everywhere, whether in their pockets, on their wrists, or looped on the belt of their hip, and some indulge in all of these options. Despite the many fashions of the Rosary, it is in no way a fad but has been “in style” for a thousand years.

The longevity and universality of the Rosary contribute to my appreciation for it, but my devotion flows from my own experience praying it. My earliest memories of praying the Rosary are with my family in our living room as a 6-year-old child. I was not a very pious child, however, and the “Family Rosary” was an opportunity to instigate chaos and disorder. It didn’t take me long to realize that everything is funnier when you're not supposed to be laughing, and I did everything I could to get my siblings to crack... Discovering techniques such as crass noises, staring, rolling on the floor, or making faces, I became an expert at derailing “Family Rosary”. In retrospect, I believe a devotion was planted in my heart, despite my tomfoolery, and even my resistance. Despite many attempts against her agenda, my mother persevered in mandating the “Family Rosary” after dinner, frequently quoting some wise saint; “The family that prays together stays together”. 

A decade later in high school confronted by an uncertain identity and a weak faith, I decided to pray the Rosary every day. I rummaged through my drawer searching for the rosary my mom had given me as a confirmation gift, the gift I had unenthusiastically received two years prior. Little did I know that I would end up praying the Rosary every day, and carrying that rosary with me wherever I went. The Rosary saved my life, and I suspect it continues to do so.

 At John Paul II Seminary, my love for the Rosary has only increased. I am surrounded by brother seminarians who share the same love I have. This seminary is a perfect example of the many “styles” of the Rosary: guys have little rosaries, others have big ones, some have twenty rosaries, others have just one, some pray the rosary while they walk, and some guys pray in Spanish or Latin. Around the world, the Rosary takes many expressions, but it is all the same universal devotion, one unified prayer to Our Lady. There are many books, homilies, and YouTube videos that explain why the Rosary is such a great form of prayer. Instead of attempting to compete with the sage wisdom and insights of Catholic scholars, I simply wanted to share my conviction that the Rosary is such a gift, and a gift that keeps giving. 

Peter Darnell is a College II Seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington.