In his book about Mary: Hail, Holy Queen, Dr. Scott Hahn tells how, as a young man, Jesus drew him away from delinquency. Because of his newfound faith, when his Grandma Hahn died, they gave Scott a box of her religious articles. In it was a rosary. At that time he knew Jesus, but considered any devotion to Mary would detract from what is owed to God alone. To him the rosary was like a chain, so he took it in his hand and broke it into pieces.
Scott eventually became a Protestant minister. During his seminary years and as a young pastor, he studied the Bible and the teachings of early Christians. Little by little he began to realize the singular role of Mary – not only as mother of Jesus, but her unique holiness. He discovered a long tradition regarding her as intercessor, spotless virgin, and queen, bodily taken into heaven.
Dr. Hahn concludes his book with an appendix on praying the rosary:
”Once I looked down with disgust upon a string of rosary beads. I saw it as a noose that choked off true devotion in countless Roman Catholics. When I held Grandma Hahn’s rosary, I couldn’t break that loop quickly or forcefully enough. Now, while I look down at my own bead, I see the same circle, but it is different. It suggests a queen’s crown, a mother’s encircling arms.”
I want to read this book. Thanks for the little bit you copied!
I can understand the argument about supposed loss of focus, but what we see here is not an arguing man but a hater and a vandal reduced to his basest instinct.
I’ve been real horrible keeping track of my rosaries. One is lost in my car somewhere and others scattered about my house. I feel kind of bad about that, especially given all the help the Blessed Mother has given me recently.
Once, after Confession, I lit a candle in front of a statue of her, asking her for her intercession, and for 3 days after that, I had ZERO temptation for the sins I’ve been struggling with. It was the greatest relief I’ve had from my habitual sins since returning to the Church 6 years ago. I really should devote more time to her.