LAY DOMINICANS Central Province USA

Just how powerful can our devotion to the Rosary be?

Wherever the Devotion of the Rosary was introduced by St. Dominic a true amendment of life could be noticed in the people; so much so, that if one was seen to live on in sin the people pointed at him with their fingers, saying: “Behold, one who does not say the Rosary!” Even many of the heretics were converted partly by the explanation of the mysteries of our religion as contained in the Rosary, partly by the recital of prayers of which the Rosary is composed. Almighty God also showed repeatedly by miracles what pleasure he takes in this devotion. The heretics and Catholics put together in writing the strongest arguments in defense of their cause; those of Catholics were the work of St. Dominic. It was proposed that both writing should be committed to the flames, in order that God might declare by his own interposition which cause he favored. Accordingly a great fire was made, and the two writings were case into it; that of the heretics was immediately consumed to ashes, while the other remained unhurt after it had been cast into the fire three times and taken out again.

This public miracle happened at Fanuaux; the fruit of it was the conversion of great numbers of heretics of both sexes. The same kind of miracle happened at Montreal, St. Dominic drew up in writing a short exposition of the Catholic faith, with proof of each article from the New Testament. This writing he gave to the heretics to examine. Their ministers and chiefs, after much altercation about it, agreed to throw it into the fire, saying that if it burned they would regard the doctrine which it contained as false. Being cast three times into the flames, it was not damaged by them.

After reading the above, it should be a great reinforcement of our devotion to the Rosary, daily devotion, and be guided by the following, “The earth” that is, souls - said the Blessed Virgin to St. Dominic, “shall remain barren till watered by the dew of this devotion. Your are to preach this devotion as a practice of piety most dear to my Son and to me - as a most powerful means of dissipating heresy, extinguishing vice, spreading virtue, imploring the divine mercy, and obtaining my protection. I desire that this manner of prayer shall be perpetually promoted and practiced. The faithful shall obtain by it numberless benefits, and shall always find me ready to aid them in their wants.” This wonderful promise of the Blessed Virgin has always come true; for experience shows that no sooner do the people commence to practice this devotion than they open their hearts to the largest channel of grace, so as to be flooded with heavenly gifts.

Something to think about as we ready ourselves to enter into the Advent Season.

Peace,

David A. McDonald, O.P., Ph.D.

Where does that leave the sacraments?  How did the apostles ever manage?

TRUTH - What is truth?  So spoke Pilate, not realizing that "the way, the truth, and the life" was standing before him.  Of course many have asked this question correctly: philosophers, scientists and Dominicans.  Our motto is Veritas - Truth.  We seek the truth in theology, scripture, science and history.

Many advances have been made in history.  Historians seek to separate truth from fiction, history from legend.  We know that "the truth will make us free."  We do not fear the truth.  Did Dominic actually preach the Rosary or is this a pious legend which encouraged the laity to pray?  As Dominicans we research questions such as this and others in an effort to preach the Truth.  To learn about the origins of the Rosary consult the "New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia."  They have an excellent article on the "Rosary" which can be googled.  Learn the Truth.  It will set you free.