Prayer is the best weapon we have, it is the key that opens the heart of God’ is a beautiful quote by St Padre Pio. Every year, the Month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. During this month, many people use the Rosary beads to pray, each of the beads of the rosary that signifies various events that occurred in the lives of Mary and Jesus. The Holy Rosary consist of 53 small beads and 6 large beads. The small beads are used to recite the Hail Mary prayer, which makes up to five decades in the Rosary and the large beads used to recite the Our Father prayer, which is said at the beginning of each Decade.
The Holy Rosary is divided into four different Mysteries, the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries and Luminous Mysteries. Each of them reflects on the sufferings of Jesus along with his beloved Mother, Mary. Altogether, these mysteries guide the faithful in meditation and prayer.
Sr Remy Fernandes says, “My family includes the Rosary in our daily routine by dedicating time each evening to pray together. Rosary is the powerful weapon for all the temptation and Mary is my special model who leads me to her son Jesus. The Rosary is a significant part of my spiritual life. It serves as a tool for meditation and connection with God, helping to centre my thoughts and intentions. I have deep faith in its power to guide and support us through life's challenges. We usually pray the Rosary every evening as a family tradition, but we also try to gather on special occasions or during difficult times. Each member takes turns leading the rosary, by which fosters participation and deepens our connection. We often light candles at the altar, to signify the start of our prayer time, creating a tranquil atmosphere.’’
“The significance of Rosary for a Catholic family is of utmost importance. Ringing of the church bell in the evening is a signal for all to gather in their respective homes to recite the Holy Rosary and that was indirectly also bringing the entire family together. I believe in the power of the Holy Rosary because it gives you inner strength and a kind of different peace,” says Glenda Mascarenhas, a teacher of Don Bosco College, Panjim.
Leandra Fernandes, from Candolim, says, “Every day we recite the Rosary to Our Blessed Virgin Mary. We pray the Rosary at 8 pm every evening and even while we are travelling far or near, we begin with the Holy Rosary.”
“October has always been special to me as I have a great love for the rosary and it adds to my birthday month. Mother Mary has been a vital part of my life and my family. I grew up saying the Rosary every day while my grandmother lived and even after her passing. I used to travel long distance for a job and I made sure I said the Rosary every day while I travelled by bus. I received whatever I prayed for in faith. I have witnessed miracles through the rosary especially during the days when I was diagnosed with cancer. The Rosary recitation goes on by contemplating on the five mysteries followed by the prayer to Our Lady of Velankanni, Psalm 91 and prayer for cancer patients. We pray one Our Father three Hail Marys for the intentions of Our Holy Father, for the souls in purgatory, our family souls and for good health,” says, Ninoshka Fernandes from Saligao.
Sarah Cabral from Taleigao, says, “The rosary is a constant in our everyday life. Once the clock strikes 8 pm, we gather as a family and pray. The rosary is very important in our everyday life. It's a way to intercede to Mother Mary to connect to Jesus through his mother. Rosary is one of the strongest prayers. Each member of the family says one decade and one member of the family recites the mysteries.”