Collecting 860 rosaries result of a lifelong passion (Catholic Caucus)

Edmonton Journal ^ | September 3, 2011 | KRISTIN E. HOLMES

[Tax-chick]

Wearing rosaries is currently becoming a fashion statement for people who have probably never entered a Catholic Church. I assume the black Americans are picking it up from the Hispanic gangsters, who at least have a cultural connection with Catholicism if they don’t practice.

I’m thinking it must be a religious practice in Central America, because our Carismaticos wear them, mostly of wood, and they are mainly Salvadoran. The gangsters probably wear them as a badge of Salvadoran identity.

None of our clergy has said it is inappropriate for a devout person to wear a rosary around the neck. That would be going against history, since it has been done in various cultures throughout the world at different times.

[Cronos]

AAM — most of the folks who blessed the Church, coming from the Episcopal community are “experts” — they put cradle Catholics like me to shame, what do you say, Mark?

[Cronos]

As far as I know, the official teaching is

"Sacred objects, set aside for divine worship by dedication or blessing, are to be treated with reverence. They are not to be made over to secular or inappropriate use, even though they may belong to private persons" (CIC 1171).

So, wearing a rosary if you really mean it as a personal symbol of prayer is ok, but as jewellery, no (no one is going to stop you and ask, unless you're a Goth! But even Goth's can be believers, right?)

I agree with AAM though -- a rosary is useful when it is carried in your hands, not around your neck.

[markomalley]

In my experience, most converts (at least those who convert because they want to be Catholic, not those who convert because they wish to marry a Catholic) have a far higher level of zeal than those who don't. That includes those who convert from the Protestant Episcopal Church (TEC, EC-USA, or whatever permutation you choose). The relative level of expertise of former High Church Episcopalians is only natural considering their background. Former Lutherans also have a considerable amount of knowledge due to their background, as well.

BTW, good to see you around these parts AAM...been a while since I've seen your handle around here.

[BenKenobi]

Well I can’t say that my motives were entirely unrelated to wanting to marry a Catholic. I did and do, but decided that it must be my decision and my faith apart from her. :)

But thanks for your words. :) Take care Mark.

[BenKenobi]

As with anything, done for the right reasons is fine, done for the wrong reasons is not. Personally, I don’t wear it but then I’m one of the Irish/German/English Catholics. Not much hispanic there. :p

I have thought about it but I think a good divide is this. Would you wear it around the neck but under the shirt? If the answer is yes, then it’s for the right reasons. If not, then you’ve got your answer right there. I know a very good friend of mine who does so, but no one would ever know, unless they thought to ask.

[Cronos]

good point — if it is not “for show”, it is something close to your heart