October is the month of the Rosary! The Rosary is a centuries-old method of intercessory prayer to the Virgin Mary. In 1214, the Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Dominic and gave him the Rosary to help him spread the faith and combat heresy. It was not until 1520, however, that Pope Leo X allowed laypeople to pray it. At a time when many were illiterate, the repetition of the Rosary made it easy for everyone to memorize it!
We pray the Rosary with a set of beads: 1 crucifix for the Apostles’ Creed, 53 Hail Mary beads, 6 Our Father beads, and 6 Glory Be beads. Each decade, a consecutive 10 Hail Marys is concluded with the Fatima prayer. In between each decade, we meditate on one of the mysteries of the life of Christ, which allows us to pray the Rosary each day.
The Glorious Mysteries are prayed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
The Joyful Mysteries are prayed on Mondays and Saturdays.
The Sorrowful Mysteries are prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Luminous Mysteries, introduced in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, are prayed on Thursdays.
As Catholics, we pray the Rosary to ask Mary for her intercession and to surrender ourselves to follow God’s plan, rather than our own. Through this prayer, we grow closer to Jesus and his Blessed Mother by meditating on the events in their lives. The rhythmic nature of the Rosary helps us slow down, focus, and quiet our minds and hearts to listen to God speak. Below are some resources to help you get started praying this beautiful devotion.
Rosary in Two Minutes (Video)
If you’re curious about how to begin this devotion, Busted Halo’s Rosary in 2 Minutes video is a great place to start! The video breaks down the history and meaning behind the prayer practice.
The Rosary in a Year: Living 2025 With the Blessed Mother (Podcast)
Father Dave sits down with Father Mark-Mary Ames to discuss Ascension Press’ new “Rosary in a Year” podcast, designed to make this powerful prayer more approachable for those who may find it overwhelming.
Saying the Rosary and SAYING the Rosary (Article)
Sometimes efficiency isn’t everything. The Rosary isn’t meant to be rushed, but rather contemplated. Kat Franchino notes, “When it comes to praying the Rosary, efficiency isn’t about how fast I can pray, but rather how I pray and what I take away from praying.” Learn how to say the Rosary with less distractions.
Mysteries of the Rosary, Explained (Podcast)
Did you know that each day is designated for a different set of “mysteries” of the Rosary? But what does that mean? Father Dave explains the mystery behind the mysteries.
Buoyed Up By the Rosary (Article)
The author describes how personal suffering led her to discover comfort, strength, and peace through Mary and the nightly prayer of the Rosary.
I Never Connected With the Rosary… Until I Became a Mother (Article)
“Every Rosary, we pray we have that opportunity to view our ordinary pieces of the day through the extraordinary life of Christ.” Elizabeth Bunday writes about how becoming a mother changed her perspective on praying the Rosary.
Holy Mary Mother of God! (Article)
The author reflects on how a childhood annoyance with family Rosary during road trips transformed into a personal source of peace and comfort during adulthood.
Singing the Rosary With Grammy-Nominated Musician Laura Huval (Podcast)
Singer-songwriter Laura Huval joins Father Dave to discuss what inspired her to write an album dedicated to singing the Rosary
Traveling with My Faith in Tow (Article)
The author shares how carrying a rosary on even the toughest journeys serves as a symbol of faith and helps her feel comfort, protection, and a sense of God’s presence amid the uncertainties of travel.
Understanding the Rosary: A Wake Up Call (Article)
Sometimes we receive questions about our faith and don’t know the answer. Read how one woman realized that despite inviting her boyfriend to pray with her, she never actually knew the true history and meaning behind the Rosary.
Can I Pray the Rosary During Mass? (podcast)
“Should I finish my Rosary during Communion?” a listener asks Father Dave. Hear what he has to say about fully participating in the Eucharist…and maybe saving your Rosary for another time.
A Morning Rosary and a Mother’s Influence (Article)
In the Glorious Mysteries, we reflect on the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and earth. Confused? Thomas Griffin explains Mary’s unique mission to intercede for us.
How the Rosary Can Accompany Those in Recovery From Addiction (Article)
Father Dave talks with Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery, to discuss his book “The Recovery Rosary: Meditations for Those Impacted by Addiction, Compulsions, and Unhealthy Attachments.”
The Catholic Rosary: A Study in the Power of Prayer (Article)
The author explores the powerful and miraculous intercession of the Virgin Mary through the ancient practice of praying the Rosary.
