By: Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
Urging the faithful of the Archdiocese to pray the Rosary during the month of October dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman appealed “particularly in homes, and religious communities, to pray without fail at least five decades every day.”
“It is my firm belief that, if we recite this prayer with faith, particularly amidst the adversities and challenges of the present time, the good Lord will surely save us from peril and guide us on the future course of our life,” said the Prelate in a circular.
Tracing the history, he informed, “The Rosary has been, in fact, much loved and cherished by the Catholic faithful throughout the centuries. Originally, the contemplative recitation of Hail Mary’s constituted, the psalter of the common people, who could not read the psalms. At a later stage, various saintly persons among whom St Dominic and Pius X contributed to the spread of this devotion, following the inspirations each one received from the Blessed Virgin.”
The final form of this prayer, as we recite it today, has been given to us by St John Paul II, Archbishop Filipe explained in the circular.
“The Rosary of Our lady is a prayer of meditation on the mysteries of salvation, found in the New Testament. The whole Gospel is encapsulated in it. It is basically a Christocentric prayer. While praying the rosary, we seek the company of Mary as we mediate on the same mysteries she once pondered in her heart.”
Explaining the importance of this prayer Archbishop said, “In return, our Blessed Mother, keeping us under her mantle, intercedes for us with her Son. We thus tread the path of holiness, gently led by Mary.”
Quoting St Paul II from Rosarium Virginis Marie Archbishop added, “Simple yet profound, the Rosary still remains a prayer of great significance, destined bring forth a harvest of holiness.”