Some years ago, my lovely wife Dee and I discussed starting a once a month Rosary in the Home. We didn’t want it to be just for friends or certain people, so it was announced as an open door get-together. Any and all were welcome. And inspired or inconsequential, we chose the first Thursday of each month. That day and the Luminous Mysteries seemed to click and we soon developed a small group of regulars.
We served decaf coffee (in the evening) and other light refreshments and some small goodies. From time to time, others would bring a dessert or offer to host the rosary in their home. At someone’s suggestion, we added the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. This all took place starting about six or seven years ago, and then we moved to Arizona some two and a half years ago. Once settled, we started the same idea here.
Our format in both places was to offer to let anyone voice needs and petitions they wanted us to pray for. It didn’t take many visits before we would hear about children who may have temporarily lost their way, illness of distant family members, job issues and such. Every so often, someone would give thanks for something in their lives.
Okay — are you waiting for the other shoe to drop? Did we experience any miracles or powerful events? Is this a ‘look at us’ sort of article? Is this a ‘do what we do’ suggestion? Not really.
The thing that I have felt or observed is this. Many, many times we have had someone say how good it was to be together ‘in a home’ doing this. Often it felt holy or intimate. And so I’d ask how many spiritual practices you are doing that you would describe as feeling holy or intimate? Maybe lots? Maybe not so many?
In some way, I give testimony that the Blessed Mother is with us… she’s closer to us when we are together and closer to her. That doesn’t sound all that profound — but her presence, at times feels palpable.
For our Catholic Vitamins show, I recently interviewed a young-ish priest named Fr. Stefan Starzynski. He is involved in healing and prayer ministries. The rosary is a definite and daily part of his prayer practice. And in fact, you may know of him for his recent Our Sunday Visitor book entitled Miracles: Healing For a Broken World. You can’t help but be moved by Fr. Stefan and his work and nearness to Special Power.
In a smaller way – I submit that Rosary in the Home can make you feel like you are closer to a Special Power. Or maybe it’s the soul telling you you are doing something that is especially pleasing to Jesus and His Mother. May it be so.
So — no rosary chains turning to gold. No spinning sun or moon. Just a different, subtle form of Catholic intimacy — even with people you may not be all that intimate with outside, or even at Church.
I recommend you consider Rosary in the Home. It’s only an hour and a half, including refreshments and some chatter. Great example for the kids. Good example for neighbors who will ask what all the cars are about on first Thursdays 🙂
Blessings.
deacon tom
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