Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

Today's Mass Readings

I admit that I do not pray the Rosary regularly. I would like to, especially considering all the praise and devotion it receives. As a monk, though, I feel I already have a devotion to something like the Holy Rosary, namely, the recitation of the Divine Office. In fact, it is said that the Rosary developed out of the Divine Office. (see The New Rosary in Scripture, Edward Sri, pp. 35-36)

Moreover, I have trouble focusing on the mystery while reciting the Hail Marys. My mind tends to wander. Being a visual person, I have used images to focus my attention while saying the prayers. But I have yet to find a booklet of images with which I am content.

But then I look up while praying the Divine Office in our Abbey Basilica, and I see some of the mysteries depicted in the Beuronese murals that grace the upper walls. (The Beuronese art form was developed by Benedictine monks in Germany in the late 19th century, and was brought here to Conception by our founding monks from Switzerland.) Eighteen murals illustrate a scene in the life of Mary, but only eleven correspond to a mystery of the Rosary:

• The Five Joyful Mysteries are represented: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation, and The Finding of Jesus in the Temple.
• One Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana, where Mary prompted Jesus to perform the first of his signs.
• Two Sorrowful Mysteries: The Carrying of the Cross, with Mary walking alongside Jesus; and the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus with Mary and John, the beloved disciple, standing below him on either side.
• Three Glorious Mysteries:
  • The Descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove upon the Apostles, who surround Mary seated in the middle.
  • The Assumption of Mary into Heaven is not strictly represented, but there is a mural depicting the Dormition of Mary, who is “asleep” with the resurrected Jesus standing over her, ready to take her up into Heaven, body and soul.
  • The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth with Christ the King extending a crown over her head.

Perhaps today, of all days, I will make time to pray at least the Joyful Mysteries using our Beuronese murals. Will you join me in praying a rosary today?

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB