Expert: Fr. Michael - 6/29/2006

Question
Hello,

I have been saying the Rosary for a time now, but after reading St. Louis de Montfort's "The Secret of the Rosary," it has occurred to me that I might not be saying it properly.

Specifically, I have trouble in understanding how to simultaneously meditate on the mystery and pay attention to the words of the Hail Mary.

In the past, usually, I would try to form a mental picture, for instance, of the stable in which the Lord was born in Bethlehem for the third Joyful Mystery, or, for fifth Sorrowful Mystery, an image of the Lord upon the Cross.

But while trying to think about this, it is difficult to--at the same time--concentrate specifically on the meaning within the Angelic Salutation to the Blessed Mother.

St. Montfort seems to indicate that we are to do both.  

What would you say is the best method here?

Answer
Some have described the Aves as the musical background against which the meditations take place.  Perhaps that is a better way to approach it.

But remember that the Rosary is only one devotion, and at that an abbreviation of the Divine Office.  It will make the Rosary more meaningful if not infrequently you say Hours of the Divine Office, or at least some of the Psalms.  The Seven Penitential Psalms or the Gradual Psalms may be used in this way.

Moreover, if some find that the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a more spiritually fulfilling devotion for them than the Rosary.  The Little Office combines psalms, versicles, short readings, hymns, and prayers for different times of the different days of the week.  Those who are enrolled into the Brown Scapular are to say this Office daily.