Pop-Up Catechesis: The Calming Effect of Praying the Rosary

Many contemplative practices involve the use of a mantra, or the repetitive uttering of a sacred word or group of words (or sometimes a sound) in order to deepen one’s focus, avoid distractions, and create a sense of calm that permits one to enter into an “altered state.” Too often, Catholics are suspicious of such practices, thinking of them as foreign to our tradition. Nothing could be further from the truth! One of the best examples from our tradition is the praying of the Rosary, which involves the mantra-like repetition of prayers, namely the Hail Mary, which we recite 53 times as we reflect on a Mystery of the Rosary. People who regularly pray the Rosary will attest to the fact that the practice brings about a state of calm. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the calming effect of praying the Rosary as we enter into the Month of the Holy Rosary and prepare for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7.

For more information about praying the Rosary, check out the following links:

• Repetition in Prayer
• The Mysteries of the Rosary
• How to Pray the Rosary
• Teaching Children to Pray the Rosary
• Teaching the Rosary
• Rosary Craft Activities
• Creative Ways to Pray the Rosary
• The Rosary: A Path into Prayer
• Praying the Rosary (A Loyola Learning Tool)
• The Complete Rosary: A Guide to Praying the Mysteries

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