Rosary Originated with Monks

Oct. 11, 2026

The rosary developed slowly over a number of centuries. In the early Church, monks used a rosary of 150 beads to pray the 150 psalms every day. Many of the laity, who could not read the psalms, wanted to join in the prayer of the monks and prayed an assortment of Our Fathers and Hail Marys. Eventually, it took official form as we know it now.
   
One legend tells us that in the 13th century, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Dominic and gave him the first rosary and told him how it was to be prayed. The Dominicans have had a great devotion to Mary and to the rosary and have been instrumental in spreading it throughout the Catholic community.

In the 15th century, the prayers were grouped into five decades (groups of 10) of Hail Mary’s. In the 16th century, Pope St. Pius V officially grouped these into three sets of mysteries, reflecting on the lives of Jesus and Mary. In 2002, Pope St. John Paul II added another set of five mysteries, examining the adult life and ministry of Jesus.
   
October is the month of the Holy Rosary, so I will try to include information each week about the rosary.
—Fr. Mike Comer