The Rosary – Introduction
The Rosary was initially revealed to Saint Dominic (1170–1221), founder of the Dominican Order, by the Virgin Mary herself. Dominic, an educated monk and an idealist, aimed to preach against the Cathar heresy in southern France. Despite his efforts, he felt as his voice Being lost in the wilderness, lacking the powerful means to achieve his mission. On the verge of despair, after a period of prayer and fasting, Mary appeared to him alongside three queens and fifty virgins. She presented him with the Rosary, detailing the prayers for each bead, the Mysteries for meditation during the prayer, and how to proceed through the beads. Mary described the Rosary as a potent spiritual instrument designed to rekindle the true love for Jesus among the faithless and aid seekers on their path to perfection.
According to legend, like Bernard of Clairvaux before him, Mary bestowed drops of milk from her breast (symbolizing Jesus’s humanity) onto Dominicus. She also entrusted him with the practice of the Rosary, likened to spiritual nourishment for believers, designed to cultivate the inner presence of Jesus within them. Dominicus integrated the Rosary’s prayers and contemplations into the foundational practices of the new order he established. Pope Pius XI has stated, “The Rosary of Mary is the primary foundation of the Dominican Order, aimed at perfecting the lives of its members and securing the salvation of others.”
Mary’s breast, symbolizing Jesus’s humanity, provided the milk that sustained Him, enabling His sacrifice on the cross. John Paul II highlighted that the primary aim of the Rosary practice is to transform the material world and our external nourishment into a spiritual reality. This practice steers us towards God, the ultimate sustainer and nourisher. The repetitive nature of the prayers and accompanying meditations ushers the mind into a state of meditation and receptivity, facilitating an awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence. This process fosters a sense of security and peace, contributing to the equilibrium of the human system.
The rosary consists of a circular string with five sets of ten beads, each set separated by a single bead. At the beginning of the string, there are three beads followed by a single bead before and after them. To start the rosary, one enters through the thread and moves around the string, pausing at each bead to recite a prayer. For each bead in the sets of ten, the believer silently says the “Hail Mary” prayer, and for the initial set of three beads, the prayer “Our Father in Heaven” is recited on each single bead. While silently repeating the prayers, one reflects on the mysteries of Mary, with each set of ten beads representing one mystery.
Traditionally, the rosary is practiced three times a day. In the morning, believers meditate on the five Joyful Mysteries, at noon on the five Sorrowful Mysteries, and in the evening on the five Glorious Mysteries. Through the repetition of prayers, a progression unfolds in the contemplation of the events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. These events are profound, carrying hidden messages and sublime meanings that resonate in the believer’s life. They offer lessons and blessings that yield fruits over time.
Pope John Paul II introduced five additional Mysteries to the Rosary practice, known as the Luminous Mysteries. As a result, he proposed a new sequence of practice based on the days of the week. He recommended that believers meditate on the Joyful Mysteries two days a week, the Sorrowful Mysteries two days, the Glorious Mysteries two days, and the Luminous Mysteries on one day. w
The “Hail Mary” prayer recited in the Rosary combines the words spoken by the angel Gabriel to Mary during the Annunciation: “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28), with the words of Elizabeth upon meeting Mary in Ein Karem: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42). These passages relate to the first two Joyful Mysteries. Additionally, a request for Mary’s intercession in life and at the time of death was added. Thus, the complete wording of the “Hail Mary” prayer is: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” This prayer is repeated with each bead.
The term “rosary” originates from the rosette windows found in Gothic cathedrals, which resemble a bouquet of roses. These windows feature layers of petals radiating towards the center, where Mary and the child Jesus are often depicted, with Mary holding a rose. In this interpretation, Mary symbolizes the stem and Jesus the flower, representing her as the mystical rose, with Jesus as the most precious essence. This symbolizes the potential for each individual to give birth to Jesus within themselves. The practice of the rosary aims to facilitate this spiritual birth. Mary is revered as the lily of the valley, the rose without thorns, symbolizing spiritual purity. The beads represent the crown of Mary, forming a bouquet of flowers, symbolizing her role as Queen of Heaven.
In the 15th century, the rosary practice, as it is known today, was formalized, along with the formulation of the “Ave Maria” prayer. Dominican priest Alanus de Rupe from Brittany, France (died 1475), played a pivotal role in this. He established that the “Ave Maria” prayer should be recited 50 times consecutively, totaling 150 times a day, along with five “Our Father” prayers at a time, totaling fifteen a day. De Rupe also defined the three types of Mysteries: joy, sorrow, and glory. In 1470, he founded the confraternity of “The Psalms to the Glorious Mary,” which promoted the belief in the efficacy of the Rosary for obtaining grace and protection from Mary, thereby initiating the practice and devotion to the Rosary as it is observed today.
As a result, in 1475, the first fraternity named after the Rosary was established by Jacob Sprenger, known for his role as a witch hunter, leading to the spread of the Rosary practice in Western Europe. Pope Alexander VI, despite his controversial reputation, mentioned the rosary and approved its use in 1495. Then, in 1520, the practice of the rosary was officially recognized as a Christian religious practice by Pope Leo X. The original rosary consisted of 15 Mysteries, corresponding to the 150 chapters of psalms, with the string of beads organized into five groups of ten beads. In each group, the “Ave Maria” prayer is repeated, totaling 150 times a day.
The Ave Maria prayer has its origins as early as the 7th century among the Byzantines, blending the blessings of the angel’s annunciation and Elizabeth’s visitation. Initially, an abbreviated version lacking the request to “pray for us sinners” was used. By the 11th century, the Ave Maria had reached the West as a Christian angelic hymn, attributed to the monk Petros Damianus (Damian). By the 12th century, the Ave Maria prayer had become established in the Christian canon. In the 13th century, the Franciscans and Dominicans promoted its use as a replacement for longer prayers, calling it “The Psalms of Our Lady.” Bernardino of Siena added the phrase “Pray for us” in the 15th century, and in 1568, the final sentence “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death” was officially added.
The practice of the rosary emerged during the Renaissance era amid moral decline within the Church, which eventually led to the Reformation in the early 16th century. It was introduced to revive meditative aspects, religious fervor, sincerity, and accessibility for the masses. At the close of the 16th century, Pope Pius V issued a bull titled Consueverunt, endorsing the use of the rosary. Legend has it that this Pope received guidance from Mary through the rosary, aiding him in forging an alliance between Italy, Spain, and the Habsburgs against the Ottoman Empire. The combined Christian forces achieved victory over the Ottomans at the naval battle of Lepanto, thus averting a potential invasion of Europe. The open churches and prayers to Mary through the rosary during the battle are believed to have played a pivotal role in this success.
Pius V’s endorsement of the rosary practice traces back to Saint Dominic, who allegedly received it from the Virgin herself in the 13th century. According to legend, Mary bestowed Dominic with her own rosary, akin to the sash given to doubting Thomas during her ascension. However, historical evidence to support this narrative is lacking. The earliest records of rosary usage date back to the 15th century with Alanus de Rupp, who may have been the originator of both the story and the practice.
There are various methods for practicing the Rosary. Typically, practitioners visualize the events (Mysteries) or use mental images of them. As they move the beads between their fingers and recite the prayer silently, they imagine the Mystery or visualize it. Sometimes, delving into the details of the imagery or focusing on a word or feeling aids in concentration. Other times, simply reciting the words and touching the beads suffices, with divine grace guiding the rest. Traditionally, rosaries are not purchased but are received as gifts or found through divine providence. Occasionally, the beads emit a scent reminiscent of rose petals, symbolizing the connection between the beauty of the material world and the divine.
John Paul II on the Rosary
John Paul II, the Pope of the Millennium Year (2000), holds the distinction of being the second-longest-serving pope, with a reign spanning 28 years, second only to Pius IX, who served for 32 years in the mid-19th century. He was the first non-Italian pope in 400 years and miraculously survived two assassination attempts. His tenure witnessed the collapse of communism, the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Vatican, and numerous other notable events. He embarked on over a hundred international visits, including a historic trip to Israel.
John Paul II was one of the greatest proponents of Marian devotion. In his encyclical Redemptoris Mater, he articulated Mary’s dual roles. Firstly, she serves as the mediator for humanity: “And this is how the mediation takes place: Mary places herself between her Son and humanity in the reality of their desires, needs and suffering. She puts herself ‘in the middle’, meaning she Acts as a mediator from the inside and not as someone from the outside, but in her place as a mother. She knows that this way she can show her son the needs of the human race, and in fact she has the right to do so. And so her mediation has the character of lobbying, Mary intervenes for the human race.” Secondly, Mary is presented as the model of Christian faith and the mother of the Church: “Mary embraces each and every one in the church, and adopts each and every one through the church. In this sense, Mary, the mother of the church, is also the model of the church.”
John Paul II draws upon the teachings of Louis de Montfort, a French saint who passed away in 1716. Montfort emphasized the sanctification of Jesus through Mary, and John Paul II acknowledged that it took him some time to grasp the inseparability of the Holy Trinity from the presence of Mary. He was profoundly impacted by Montfort’s book “The Secret of the Rosary,” which provides guidance on meditating on the Rosary with sincerity and focus, filtering out distractions, and approaching the practice with reverence.
John Paul II expanded upon the teachings of Louis de Montfort and introduced innovations, particularly in the realm of Marian devotion. His immense popularity provided him with the platform to propose changes to Christian prayers and rituals. In October 2002, he penned an apostolic letter titled “Rosarium Virginis Mariae,” advocating for the addition of five Mysteries to the traditional rosary, known as the Luminous Mysteries. John Paul II emphasized the rosary’s significance as a means of contemplation, reflection, and meditation, akin to practices such as the Jesus Prayer and hesychasm in the Orthodox Church. He drew parallels between these practices and viewed the rosary as a valuable tool in countering New Age and Eastern teachings.
Mary’s observation of Jesus from a young age embodies the essence of the rosary: seeing Jesus through Mary’s eyes. Mary cherished the memories of Jesus’ life in her heart, making the rosary practice a reflection and continuous contemplation of Jesus’ life events. John Paul II elucidates that individuals who join the Christian Church become part of the mystical body of Jesus—a living entity lacking thought. The rosary serves as a conduit to Jesus’ thoughts. Faith and prayer represent the body, while rosary meditation animates the spirit. Through Mary’s perspective, we behold Jesus’ radiant countenance and grasp his essence. The focus lies not on his teachings but on his being. Engaging in the rosary establishes a bond akin to friendship with Jesus and Mar
According to John Paul II, the Christian life in the third millennium hinges on attaining a profound understanding of the mystery of God—Jesus—an enigma harboring treasures of wisdom and knowledge. “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ” (Colossians 2:2). The rosary facilitates the indwelling of God’s love through Jesus in our hearts: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).
According to John Paul II, Jesus embodies the truth about human existence; in the mystery of the Incarnation lies the mystery of humanity. Therefore, within the Rosary lie the secrets and keys to understanding human life. Through rosary meditation, believers gain insights into authentic human experiences: contemplating the Joyful Mysteries reveals the sanctity of life, the Luminous Mysteries illuminate opportunities for benevolent actions in the world, the Sorrowful Mysteries offer solace amidst life’s tribulations, and the Glorious Mysteries unveil the potential for spiritual attainment and the divine calling of the Holy Spirit. Simultaneously, practicing the rosary involves entrusting our burdens to Jesus and Mary, as stated in Psalms (Psalm 55:22): “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” The rosary serves to synchronize human existence with the divine.
John Paul II recommends announcing each Mystery during the rosary practice, possibly utilizing an icon. The use of visual and physical aids aids concentration, reflecting the essence of the Incarnation. Quoting from the New Testament, the word of God, is also encouraged. Emphasizing the importance of moments of silence to contemplate and internalize the Mysteries, John Paul II suggests integrating the rosary into one’s prayer routine, complementing the praying of the Divine Office. He underscores that the rosary is accessible to all, including ordinary individuals and children, not limited to full-time religious practitioners.
It is interesting to note that according to John Paul II, the rosary is a call for peace, especially in Israel, the land of Jesus. According to his explanations, the practice of the rosary will help bring peace into the world, and it will also contribute to family life, which is essential for the existence of society. Jesus said to his mother before his death ‘Look, this is your son,’ and he meant all of humanity, and since then she is the mother of us all, watching over us, helping us.
It’s worth noting that in addition to his contributions to Marian devotion and the rosary, John Paul II wrote a book titled “Crossing the Threshold of Hope,” where he reveals some hidden aspects of Catholic Christianity. Moreover, he played a significant role in modernizing the Vatican by launching its website and establishing two television and radio channels. Additionally, he canonized numerous saints globally, including Mariam Baouardy and Mary Alphonsine from Israel. John Paul II’s deep devotion to Mary is encapsulated in his motto: “I am all yours, O Mary.”
The Living Rosary in the Land of Israel
The Mysteries of the Rosary are deeply rooted in specific locations in Israel. Churches built in these places, especially in modern times, reflect the essence and significance of the Rosary Mystery associated with each site through their architecture and artwork. They aim to convey a profound understanding of the event commemorated by the Church. For instance, in Ein Karem, where the Mystery of the Visitation occurred, Barluzzi constructed a magnificent church designed to immerse visitors in the Mystery itself. Today, it’s possible to embark on a pilgrimage in Israel following the various Rosary Mysteries, much like the chapel routes found in the holy mountains of Italy. These routes consist of 15 chapels dedicated to the original 15 mysteries, with each chapel housing representations of specific Mysteries through paintings and sculptures. Pilgrims journey through these chapels, bringing the Rosary Mysteries to life along the way.
In Israel, there’s an opportunity to establish an authentic Rosary route by visiting the actual locations where the events of Jesus and Mary’s lives unfolded, thereby breathing life into the different Mysteries. Many of these places feature statues, paintings, and architectural elements that evoke the events, aiding in the visualization of the Mysteries. Where such elements are absent, one can rely on imagination. Being physically present in the locations where these events occurred facilitates a deeper connection to them.
In the upcoming articles, I’ll delve into each of the Rosary Mysteries, exploring their essence and significance (including quotes from the New Testament). Additionally, I’ll highlight the sites associated with each Mystery and provide suggestions on how to visit them, offering opportunities for practice and moments of meditation.
Hopefully, this will establish a Rosary of Places, a pilgrimage route that enables those interested to connect with the Rosary message in a tangible way. I believe that by visiting these locations and the churches erected there, pilgrims can deepen their understanding of the various Rosary Mysteries. Upon completing the journey, they will gain a comprehensive and enriched perspective of the Christian narrative and its personal significance in their lives.
In this article, I aim to spotlight a place that encompasses all the Mysteries and is associated with one of Mary’s apparitions in Israel: the mother church of the Rosary Sisters Order, constructed in Jerusalem in the early 20th century.
Rosary Church on Agron Street
The journey through the Glorious Mysteries commenced at the site of the Resurrection in the western part of the Holy Sepulchre Church. From there, it ascended to the Mount of Olives, the location of Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Continuing onward, it led to the Dormition on Mount Zion, the site of the descent of the Holy Spirit, and concluded at the Tomb of Mary in the Jehoshaphat Valley, where Mary was assumed into heaven. Now, to complete this route of the Glorious Mysteries and the entire Rosary Mysteries journey, we head to the Rosary Church on Agron Street in the western part of the city. There, we will connect with the Mystery of the Coronation of the Virgin, and through the unique attributes of the church, gain a comprehensive understanding of the Rosary practice and pilgrimage.
The Rosary Church, inaugurated in 1937, holds a unique significance as it is designed in the shape of a rosary and features artistic representations of all 15 original Rosary Mysteries. According to legend, the design of the church was revealed by Mary, Queen of Heaven, to a woman named Mary Alphonsine during an apparition. It is fitting to conclude our pilgrimage route at this church, not only to commemorate the Mystery of the Coronation of the Virgin but also as a symbolic end to our journey following the mysteries of the Rosary, particularly the Glorious Mysteries. The church is part of a complex belonging to the Rosary Sisters order, founded in response to Mary Alphonsine’s Apparitions. This church serves as the mother church of the first Arab women’s order in the world, established at the direct behest of Mary, Our Lady of Israel (Palestine).
The Rosary Church is structured in a circular manner, consisting of three circular levels from the inside. The first level features an entrance facade on the west side, adorned with a gable and a statue of Mary holding Jesus, with the letter M above symbolizing Mary. Surrounding the rounded Floor level are seven rounded apses, one larger than the others, housing the altar and located opposite the entrance door on the east side. The second level of the circular building is characterized by a smooth wall with long narrow windows connecting the various apses of the first floor, with only the main apse area remaining open. Above this, the third level features a round roof cylinder without windows, culminating in a flat dome. This triangular division of the building by height is mirrored inside the church, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The structure of the second and third levels serves to emphasize that the diverse events and manifestations of Jesus and Mary in the world are ultimately interconnected and unified.
Within the dome of the church, a sky is painted, encircled by three round frames symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Below the dome, within the six small apses on the lower level (barrel-shaped with straight walls), there are 15 colored windows depicting the various Mysteries of the rosary. The main apse, which extends to the second level, features a large painting depicting Mary presenting the rosary to Saint Dominicus and Saint Catherine. This representation on both levels signifies Mary’s role as an intercessor and bridge between heaven and earth. The windows on the ground level illustrate Mary’s activities in Israel, with light from these Mysteries entering the earthly realm, while the tall, narrow windows on the second level depict her celestial activities. In a small apse near the central one, there stands a statue of Saint Mary Alphonsine, beneath which sits an altar bearing the large rosary she used in her lifetime.
The entire church serves as one expansive rosary, making it an ideal conclusion to our tour following the rosary. Additionally, the church’s construction and design are tied to a contemporary apparition of Mary, which holds significance for the local Christian population of Israel. Adjacent to the church lies a beautiful garden, alongside a convent of the Sisters of the Rosary and a guest house operated by them. This garden provides a serene setting for contemplating the Mystery of the Coronation of the Virgin and all others. Here, Mary is revered as the Queen of Heaven and the intercessor for humanity, offering the fruits of perseverance and an increase in virtue through trust in her intercession.
This is indeed a fitting place to contemplate our perseverance on the spiritual journey, aspiring to grow in virtue until we attain the status of kings and queens ourselves. While we may not hold titles like the Queen of England, the prospect of becoming royalty in the Kingdom of Heaven is within reach, at least as per my belief. Achieving this requires nothing more than faith and perseverance. In my youth, I established a set of guiding principles for life, and among them was the value of perseverance. I distinctly remember jotting down in my notebook: “If throughout my life I remain steadfast, confident, and resolute in my pursuits, the sky is the limit.” The Mystery of the Coronation of the Virgin imparts a similar lesson to us all.
In another article, I delve into Mary’s apparitions around the world, her prophecies for the future, and further explore the narrative of her appearances in Israel as Our Lady of Israel before Marie-Alphonsine, Miriam Baouardi, and others. It’s worth emphasizing that none of this would have been possible if Mary hadn’t ascended to heaven and assumed the role of queen of heaven.
