Short Catechism on Mary and Rosary Prayer (10/21/23)
By Romo Redempt Jawa, CSsR
WHERE TO BEGIN?
- It is in our profession of faith (Creed).
- Centered in Christ (Kitab Suci).
- God’s Will to be (with us) in human form.
WHO IS MARY?
- A young Jewish woman of Nazareth, Galilee.
- A virgin betrothed to Joseph.
- She confidently hopes for salvation.
- Prepared by holy women: Eve, Sarah, Hannah …
MARY’S ROLE?
- The Annunciation to Mary: receive the salvation
- The Mother of God and the Church
- The model of discipleship: advocate, helper.
- Church Dogma: Mother of God, Ever-Virgin, the Immaculate Conception, Mary’s Assumption
ROSARY
- Third Century (1568: Hail Mary).
- 1221: St. Dominic had a vision (beads and prayer).
- A devotion: to honor Mother Mary because of Christ.
- Medieval piety: popular in the West (replace the Office).
A MEDITATIVE PRAYER
- It is a meditative prayer (on the mysteries of Christ)
- Rosary beads: not about numbers, but leading to “feel.”
- Pope Paul VI: praying the rosary without meditation is like having a body without a soul.
THE MONTH OF ROSARY
With Mother Mary, we meditate and enter into the mysteries of Christ.
Top Image: “The Virgin in Prayer” by Sassoferrato (1640-1650).
