TESTIMONY OF THE POPES
Pope Benedict XIV (1740-58) was a renowned scholar and a promoter of historical studies and research. When he was an official of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, he was asked about the tradition of St. Dominic and the Rosary. The following is his response, a century after the work of the Bollandists
“You ask whether St. Dominic was the first institutor of the Rosary, and show that you yourselves are bewildered and entangled in doubts on the matter. Now, what value do you attach to the testimony of so many Popes, such as Leo X (1521), Pius V (1572), Gregory XIII (1585), Sixtus V (1590), Clement VIII (1605), Alexander VII (1667), Bl. Innocent XI (1689), Clement XI (1721), Innocent XIII (1724) and others who unanimously attribute the institution of the Rosary to St. Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order, an apostolic man who might be compared to the apostles themselves and who, undoubtedly due to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, became the designer, the author, promoter, and most illustrious preacher of this admirable and truly heavenly instrument, the Rosary
Dominic insists that he was given to him by Our Lady, not his invention. Simplicity is often from spiritual inspiration.
After quoting the above, Fr. Anthony N. Fuerst, in his well documented book, THIS ROSARY, states: “To reject this tradition in its entirety, without strong arguments would be very rash.” (p. 20)
To the above list of Popes accepting the tradition of St. Dominic and the Rosary could be added many more coming after the time of Benedict XIV. But this is not the main argument supporting the tradition. It is the coming together of many pieces of a puzzle pertaining to the essentials of the tradition as handed down.
https://www.rosarycenter.org/homepage-2/rosary/the-rosary-st-dominic/ excellent resource
Pedantic, time of beginning of something. Everything must have a beginning, attack on humanity
Creation out role in time, seasons, ebb and flow through time. Divine Providence foresees things that comes to through time.
Mozart came after much music played. He discloses events in His good pleasure.
III Rosary & Popes Extolling
CCC 197. The Rosary, or Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the most excellent prayers to the Mother of God (234). Thus, “the Roman Pontiffs have repeatedly exhorted the faithful to the frequent recitation of this biblically inspired prayer which is centered on contemplation of the salvific events of Christ’s life, and their close association with his Virgin Mother. The value and efficacy of this prayer have often been attested by saintly Bishops and those advanced in holiness of life”(235).
The Rosary is essentially a contemplative prayer, which requires “tranquility of rhythm or even a mental lingering which encourages the faithful to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord’s life”(236). Its use is expressly recommended in the formation and spiritual life of clerics and religious (237).
- The Blessing for Rosary Beads (238) indicates the Church’s esteem for the Rosary. This rite emphasizes the community nature of the Rosary. In the rite, the blessing of rosary beads is followed by the blessing of those who meditate on the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Our Lord so as to “establish a perfect harmony between prayer and life”(239).
Harmony especially music, rosary chanted sublime, underpinning beautiful in simplicity, man is both body & spirit, capable recognizing weakness if flesh, does not limit how high the human spirit can soar, pivotal moments of Christ’s life, ignorance of Scripture, ignorance of Christ. Scriptures was not able to be read in early years of Church by most people, meditation on the stories enables one who cannot read to enter into the stories of Scripture through prayer.
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