Don’t kick up a fuss over rosary

by Letters Editor · February 6, 2014

From Bishop Hubert Bucher, Retired of Bethlehem

In his Second Letter to the Corinthians, the apostle St Paul writes: We are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2:13). One can understand Bernie Viljoen’s annoyance at discovering a beautifully crafted rosary offered as a fashion article in a jewellery store (January 8).

Rather let us see the wide-spread popularity of the rosary also among non-Catholics as an opportunity to evangelise. (CNS photo/Al Drago, courtesy Boy Scouts of America)

It can also not be denied that very likely quite a number of people regard wearing a rosary around their neck as a good luck charm. How often does one also see a rosary dangling from the rear mirrors of taxis?

We should overcome our annoyance and our desire to kick up a stink. Rather let us see the wide-spread popularity of the rosary also among non-Catholics as an opportunity to evangelise.

In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis writes that he wants to see every member of the Church become a spirit-filled evangeliser (259) who boldly takes the initiative, goes out to others, seeks those who have fallen away, stands at the crossroads and welcomes the outcast (24).

Applied to the issue raised by Mr Viljoen, this calls for having no fear of asking a person wearing the rosary around the neck, or using it possibly as a good luck charm in their car, whether they know to pray the rosary and to offer one’s help to explain the rosary and to teach how to pray it.

At times the evangeliser may suffer a rough or even uncouth rebuff in return to this offer, but more likely we will often be happily surprised by the response we receive.

In the same vein, why not offer the jewellery shop a good booklet or pamphlet on the significance of the rosary and how to pray it well?

In virtue of their baptism, all members of the People of God have become missionary disciples, Pope Francis reminds us, and further says: Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelisation; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love (120).

Surely, the Blessed Virgin will also bestow her motherly blessing on the suggested apostolic boldness!