As I was growing up, I remember when my grandfather would say the Rosary and how important it was (and still is) to him. I was never allowed to talk to him when he was saying it or touch his beads, and I never understood why. Now, I think I do.
In a sense, the Rosary has always been important to me because it means so much to my grandparents, but now it has a new meaning and importance. The new meaning came when I got my first set of beads from the grandparents when I started the Rite of Christian Initiation program.
As I went through a few more weeks of RCIA, I decided to take it upon myself to find out what the Rosary is. It is an important prayer in Catholic tradition that is in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Medieval piety in the Latin Church developed the Rosary as a substitute for the liturgical Prayer of Hours. It is said using beads and the following prayers: the Apostles' Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.
One purpose of the rosary is to call upon Mary to "pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death." Mary will continually bring Christ into our lives to care for us, and be there for us in times of need.
Once I gained this knowledge, I realized why the Rosary was important to me even before I knew its purpose. It is important to me because it brings me closer to Mary when I need her and Jesus.
I now have three different sets of beads, even though I am still learning how to say the Rosary. However, every time I see one of my special sets, I think of my faith and the meaning of it. They let me know that I am in the right place with my faith and that I will continue to grow in it. My sets remind me of the obstacles I have overcome to get where I am today in my faith life, and they let me know that everything will be okay.
I also remember why my faith is so important to me, what it has done for me, and how my interest in the Rosary and the Roman Catholic Church started years ago.
Although there are many items that I hold sacred and spark my faith, none of them will ever hold the meaning, importance and knowledge the Rosary does. The three sets are a constant reminder of my family, immediate and Church; friends; and how much I love God.