SOMEONE ASKED ME what I think of the new rosary mysteries. Haven’t read the Pope’s letter yet, so no comment on that, but… what’s not to like, really? I’ve prayed the rosary a couple different ways; I love the way that each time you meditate on a mystery, a new aspect of God’s work in the world is revealed. You see how the Visitation, or the Assumption, etc., relates to the particular situation you’re in or the situation you’re praying about. You gain new insight on your life and God’s will. It’s just awesome and I don’t do it even remotely resembling often enough. Anyway, I generally view the form of the rosary as pretty flexible–there are all kinds of funky ways to pray it, as Disputations (go there!) has been discussing all month. So more mysteries is A-OK by me. I like the focus on the public ministry of Jesus. I like the re-emphasis on the fact that the Marian mysteries are themselves Christ-centered. I agree with people who think “luminous mysteries” is an odd name, and switching from three to four sets of mysteries will throw off some rhythms of prayer. If the new mysteries don’t work with your own prayer life… don’t use ’em! We’ll see whether the new mysteries “catch on” or whether they remain one of the many alternatives to the “standard rosary,” all of which have their devoted followers.

Basically, I think this is cool and I’m excited to start praying and meditating on these mysteries.

Remember, the Dominican rosary + the Fatima prayer is just another lifestyle choice!