Why do we pray the Rosary?

WHY DO WE DO THAT?

Why do we pray the Rosary?

As Catholics we pray the Rosary as a form of devotion to the Virgin Mary and to reflect on key events in the life of Jesus Christ. The Rosary helps deepen faith, strengthens the spiritual life, and encourages meditation on the life of Christ through a repetitive, structured prayer. It is considered a way to grow closer to God through Mary's intercession, and it's often prayed for peace, personal petitions, and guidance. 

The 15 Promises of Mary for those who pray the Rosary are attributed to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche, both members of the Dominican Order. The origins of the promises are linked to a vision Blessed Alan de la Roche had, where the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed these promises to him. 

According to tradition, Blessed Alan de la Roche was given these promises in the 15th century. It is said that Mary appeared to him and shared these promises for those who are devoted to praying the Rosary. These promises emphasize the spiritual benefits, protection, and graces that come from praying the Rosary regularly. 

The promises include spiritual favors like intercession in times of need, strength in times of temptation, and protection from evil. They have since become a key part of Rosary devotion, particularly among the Dominican Order and many Catholics worldwide. 

The 15 Promises for Praying the Rosary:

These promises are attributed to the Virgin Mary, given to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche, offering blessings and graces to those who faithfully pray the Rosary. 

1. Those who faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces. (A gentle nudge of encouragement and guidance.) 

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary. 

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell. It will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies. 

4. The recitation of the Rosary will cause virtue and good works to flourish. It will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God. It will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means. 

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish. 

6. Those who recite my Rosary devoutly, applying themselves to the consideration of its sacred mysteries, shall never be conquered by misfortune. In His justice, God will not chastise them; nor shall they perish by an unprovided death, i.e., be unprepared for heaven. Sinners shall convert. The just shall persevere in grace and become worthy of eternal life. 

7. Those who have a true devotion to the Rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church. i.e. (Anointing of the sick, and communion.) 

8. Those who faithfully recite the Rosary shall have, during their life and at their death, the light of God and the plenitude of His graces. Now of death, they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise. 

9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary. 

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven. 

11. By the recitation of the Rosary you shall obtain all that you ask of me. 

12. Those who propagate the holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities. 

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of their death. 

14. All who recite the Rosary are my beloved children and the brothers and sisters of my only Son, Jesus Christ. 

15. Devotion for my Rosary is a great sign of predestination. (As example: Predestined to freely accept God's graces. Predestined as adopted children of God.) 

Let us pray, Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us. Amen. 

Peace, 

Deacon Bill Turner