The Story of the Rosary

April 1, 2022
Author: Hannah DeVivo

The Rosary is the most popular private devotion and method of meditation in the Catholic Church.

In the Rosary we ask Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to pray for us now, and at the hour of our death.

The Rosary evolved from an early Christian practice of daily praying the 150 Psalms. By medieval times, the custom of praying the Pater Noster--the Our Father--on a string of 50 beads was common in Europe. The faithful would meditate on the mysteries of the life of Jesus, from His birth to his resurrection.

The Rosary as we pray it today evolved in the late Middle Ages. The Our Father is prayed before each decade of 10 Hail Marys. Meditation on the 20 Mysteries, or scenes, from the life of Jesus and Mary remains at the heart of this time-honored and much beloved prayer to Our Lady.

We have many rosaries and resources for you to develop your love for this devotion. Click here for a list of some great options!