The Rosary Taught Me What I Didn’t Know I Needed
Photo by Pixabay for Pexels
One year ago, I wrote an article titled “The Great Schism”, and in the process, I gained a deeper understanding of what happened during the early Church. Researching and writing that piece opened my eyes to truths I had never encountered before, and I knew I would never be the same again. For several months, I dug deep into Church history, realizing that what I was uncovering was only the beginning. By the time the article was published, one thing was sure: I wasn’t going back to being a Protestant. I knew I would have to choose between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.
After the article was officially published in June 2024, I was convinced that I wanted to become an Eastern Orthodox. For several months, my mind was set on that path. But something still felt incomplete; some pieces didn’t sit right until I discovered the Rosary. If you’re unfamiliar, the Maryknoll Sisters describe it as “a Scripture-based prayer that leads to Jesus through Mary.” When we pray the Rosary, we meditate on the life of Jesus Christ, using prayer beads to guide us through each reflection.
When I first started writing my article, “The Great Schism,” I used the photo above and thought it was a cross necklace on a Bible. I had heard of the Rosary before, but I didn’t know about the prayer beads or how they were used in prayer. As I began conducting deeper research, I started to feel a genuine connection to the Rosary. At the time, I thought my mind was set on becoming Eastern Orthodox, but I could feel a gentle pull toward the Rosary. I started exploring Catholicism more deeply, and in future blogs, I’ll share the other ways I was drawn to the Catholic Church. For me, though, it all began with the Rosary.
“The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.””
I began to have a profound connection with the Mother of God, and it’s through this relationship that I’m able to draw closer to Jesus. For some, this statement may seem controversial, and not everyone may agree, but I stand firmly in this truth. Mary herself proclaimed her faith and obedience to God, and she holds a special place in Christianity, though many churches don’t emphasize her role as much as they should.
“For he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant; Henceforth, all generations will call me blessed.”
Praying the Rosary helped me grow in faith. Compared to a year ago, when I thought the picture above was just a necklace, I now understand the depth and meaning behind it. Through this prayer, I have come closer to Jesus, and as a result, I now have a stronger and more personal relationship with Him.
After I was baptized and became a Catholic, I began to feel a deep sense of peace in my faith. For the first time in my life, many of the questions I had about Christianity and faith in general began to find answers. I have immense respect for all Apostolic churches. Returning to our original roots is essential, but discovering the truth is something entirely different; for me, that brought clarity, peace, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sources