Roman Catholic Rosary

Roman Catholic Rosary- highly Marian (devoted to Mary) in nature- set form of prayers & meditations- prayer through Mary’s intercession- Corpus (crucified Jesus) on the cross

Structure of the Rosary- 50 beads (although some have 100 or 150)- the meditation on each “Mystery” is accompanied by reciting: The Lord’s Prayer, a “decade” of Hail Mary's, & the Gloria Patri

Focus & Themes - prays to Mary, not directly to God - corporate, not “personal;” very little “I” language - focus on seminal events in the life, death, and

resurrection of Christ; and venerates Mary. - focused by sets of “Mysteries,” meditations:

- the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries (the last set added not long ago by Papal edict)

Anglican Prayer Beads

Anglican Rosary- Not necessarily focused on Virgin Mary- no set form of prayers - essentially, disciplined personal prayers - a tactile aid, but no rigid structure - Addresses God directly, not through intercession of Mary or other saints- Usually, a “resurrection” cross (no corpus)

Structure / symbolism of the beads: - 33 beads (number of years Jesus lived)- four groups of seven beads (“weeks”)

- 7 represents fullness, perfection, or completeness in the Bible- days of Creation; Church seasons

- four “cruciform” beads- 4 Gospels, 4 cardinal directions

- ...and one “invitatory” bead- Praying them 3 times plus an additional prayer for the cross equals 100

Focus & Themes- what is attended to varies; no set focus- prayer may address God directly- personal language (“I,” “me”) more common