St. Dominic and the rosary, Mary: Day 292

St. Dominic and the rosary

St. Louis de Montfort was famous for his zeal for the Rosary, called the “angelic psalter” because of the greeting of the angel Gabriel at the Annun- ciation. Here, St. Louis tells us how Our Lady appeared to St. Dominic, giving him the rosary as we have it today.

St. Dominic, seeing that the gravity of people’s sins was hindering the conversion of the Albigensian heretics, withdrew into a forest near Toulouse, where he prayed unceasingly for three days and three nights. During this time he did nothing but weep and do harsh penances in order to appease the anger of almighty God. He used his discipline so much that his body was lacerated.

At this point Our Lady appeared to him, accompanied by three angels, and she said, “Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?”

“My Lady,” answered Dominic, “you know far better than I do, because next to your Son Jesus Christ, you’ve always been the chief instrument of our salvation.”

Then Our Lady replied, “I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the battering ram has always been the angelic psalter, which is the foundation stone of the New Testament. So if you want to reach these hardened souls and win them over to God, preach my psalter.”

So he arose, comforted, and burning with zeal for the conversion of the people in that district, he made straight for the cathedral. At once, unseen angels rang the bells to gather the people together, and St. Dominic began to preach. —St. Louis De Montfort, The Secret of the Rosary

 IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Have I discovered the power that lies in praying the Rosary? If not, what plan could I make to begin praying it on a regular basis?

CLOSING PRAYER

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.

_________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Paul Thigpen and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.