The benefits of the Rosary, Mary: Day 296

The benefits of the Rosary

Pope Leo XIII, known as “the Pope of the Rosary,” surveys the many ways in which praying the Rosary strengthens our spiritual life.

Now, among the various rites and ways of paying honor to the Blessed Mary, some are to be preferred, inasmuch as we know them to be most power- ful and most pleasing to our mother. For this reason, we specially mention by name and recommend the Rosary. The common language has given the name of corona, or crown, to this manner of prayer, which recalls to our minds the great mysteries of Jesus and Mary united in joys, sorrows, and triumphs.

The contemplation of these august mysteries, contemplated in their order, affords to faithful souls a wonderful confirmation of faith, protection against the disease of error, and increase of the strength of the soul. The soul and memory of those who pray this way, enlightened by faith, are drawn towards these mys- teries by the sweetest devotion, are absorbed in it, and marvel to see the work of the redemption of mankind, achieved at such a price and by events so great. The soul is filled with gratitude and love before these proofs of divine love.

Its hope becomes enlarged. And its desire is increased for those things that Christ has prepared for all who have united themselves to him through imitation of his example and participation in his sufferings.

The prayer is composed of words proceeding from God himself, from the archangel Gabriel, and from the Church, full of praise and of high desires. And it is renewed and continued in an order at once fixed and varying; its fruits are ever new and sweet. —Pope Leo XIII, Octobri Mense

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Pope Leo XIII promises that praying the Rosary will increase our faith, hope, love, gratitude, and understanding. If I pray the Rosary regularly, can I discern

an increase in these virtues in myself because of this devotion? If I don’t pray the Rosary regularly, does the possibility of such spiritual growth convince me that I should do so more often?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a “Prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary”: Grant, O Virgin Mary, that the study of your mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being.

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