The first time I remember praying the rosary of my own volition was in fourth grade during the History Bee. It was my first academic competition, but far from my last, and I made it to the final round (it remains one of my proudest moments). In the second and third rounds of questions, I pulled out my pink rosary, blessed by Pope Benedict XVI when he came to Washington, D.C., in 2008. I held it inconspicuously under the table and prayed while the other students were answering the questions posed to them. I am sure my technique left much to be desired, and I doubt I said the Apostles’ Creed correctly, if at all. Can I attribute my success in making it to the final round of competition to my prayers to Jesus through Mary? One could certainly make the argument.
Five years later, I did the same thing at the Maryland Geography Bee and was one wrong answer away from being a finalist. (The capital of Eritrea is Asmara, by the way). Again, I was pleased with the results and thought: Thank you, Mary!
At the time, my focus was more on appealing to the Queen of Victory than on the mysteries that accompany each decade. But as I’ve prayed the rosary in more contemplative (and less competitive) settings through the years, I’ve been struck by how much the luminous mysteries resonate with me.
To continue reading this article, click here.
The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight is the bishop of Jefferson City, Mo.
With thanks to America and Jill Rice, where this article originally appeared.
