The month of the Rosary is winding down but the Rosary will always be here to stay. With so many people getting “hooked” on praying the Rosary on a more regular basis, I thought it would be good to remind people about a couple of things that should not be done with rosary beads. These may seem like good ideas at the time but… just say no.
Ready for the list? Here are five things to avoid doing with rosary beads.
1. Don’t use it as a weapon
Yes, Padre Pio said that the Rosary was the weapon for these times, and he’s right, but he didn’t mean “attack people with it.” Yes, it can do some physical damage but let’s try not to do that. Also, if TSA asks if you’re carrying any weapons and you’re carrying Rosary beads with you, don’t say “yes”. Trust me.
2. Don’t wear it as your bling bling
Do kids still say “bling” these days? Rosary beads, while absolutely beautiful, is not a fashion statement. Yes, you can wear bracelets and rings that can double as decade rosaries but don’t layer them like Mardi Gras beads around your neck.
3. Don’t use it as an amulet
Repeat after me: “superstitions are bad and sacramentals are not amulets.” Don’t believe me? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 2117 states: “All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service and have a supernatural power over others – even if this were for the sake of restoring their health – are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion… Wearing charms is also reprehensible.” So, don’t even try it, ne’er-do-wells.
4. Don’t use it as a life-saving device
Yes, it’s absolutely a life-saving sacramental but if you’re hanging off the edge of a cliff, don’t use it to keep yourself from falling off that cliff. Not literally. Metaphorically, it’s okay, but find a rope or a sturdy branch in such a situation. I’m sure someone has tried it.
5. Don’t hang it on your rear view mirror and never use it
This is very much a cultural thing with Hispanics, even those who aren’t Catholic or even religious. It’s used as a sort of charm, even when it’s not blessed. It’s okay to have one in your car but use it on occasion. We’ve all been stuck in traffic or waiting for something or someone for long periods in the car. Why not pray a decade of the Rosary with the one always in your car?
There are so many ways to use this beautiful sacramental. You can buy an heirloom rosary which can be passed down through generations. You can give any kinds as gifts to anyone. Whatever you choose to do with them, please try to do something that will show reverence to this lovely devotion. Don’t make me pull mine out of my pocket and hit you with it until you learn to use it wisely…
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