The Rosary: A Young Treasure to Rediscover

A Simple and Powerful Prayer 

The Rosary is not just for grandmothers or convents. Saint John Paul II called it a treasure that deserves to be rediscovered. It is easy to pray and, at the same time, has a depth that can change our lives. With each Hail Mary, we journey through the story of Jesus hand in hand with Mary. 

Looking at Christ through Mary’s Eyes 

When we pray the Rosary, we learn to look at Jesus as His Mother did: with love, with faith, with hope. Mary is the best teacher of contemplation because she kept everything in her heart. Praying with her is like entering the school of faith. 

Mysteries that Illuminate Life 

The mysteries of the Rosary are like open windows into the life of Christ:
• Joyful: the joy of the Incarnation and the childhood of Jesus.
• Luminous: the moments of His public life (added by Pope John Paul II).
• Sorrowful: love carried to the cross.
• Glorious: the victory of the resurrection and the glory of heaven.
Each mystery touches our own lives—our joys, sufferings, doubts, and hopes. 

A Simple Method 

Pope Saint John Paul II, in his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, explains how to pray the Rosary so that it is contemplative and not mechanical: 

1. Announce the mystery (and, if possible, look at an image). 
2. Listen to the Word of God (read a brief verse from the Gospel). 
3. Keep a moment of silence. 
4. Pray the Our Father. 
5. Pray ten Hail Marys, placing your heart in the name of Jesus. 
6. Say the Glory Be, praising the Trinity. 
7. Add a short prayer (aspiration) or ask for a specific fruit of the mystery. 

The Rosary: A Chain of Love 

The beads of the Rosary are not just for counting; they are a sweet chain that unites us to God, said Bartolo Longo. Beginning with the cross reminds us that everything begins and ends in Christ. It also unites us with one another in communion and fraternity. 

A Prayer for Today 

The Rosary is still relevant because:
• It builds peace: Contemplating Jesus, the Prince of Peace, makes us peacemakers.
• It strengthens families: The family that prays together stays together.
• It helps young people: It’s not boring when prayed well—with symbols, songs, images, and above all, with the heart. It can become a powerful moment of encounter with Jesus. 

A Personal Invitation 

Pope Saint John Paul II ends his letter by asking everyone—bishops, priests, theologians, consecrated persons, families, the elderly, the sick, and the young—to rediscover this prayer. He himself placed it in the hands of the Virgin of Pompeii with these words: 

“O Blessed Rosary of Mary, sweet chain that unites us with God… we will never abandon you.” 

For You, Young Member of VMY: 

The Rosary is not about repetition for its own sake. It is a journey—a spiritual adventure where each bead is a step with Jesus and Mary. If you take time to pray it calmly, you’ll discover it can be your best playlist for the soul: one that never tires, always accompanies, and fills you with peace.
 

Why not try it today? 

Source: Based on the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae by Saint John Paul II (2002).
Compilation and adaptation: Sr. Isabel Higueras, D.C.