Q. Rosaries in the Rear View Mirror

Q. I've seen people hang rosaries over the rear view mirrors in their cars and a few of them wear them around their necks. Is it OK to do that?

A. First of all, let me give a simple answer and say that I think these practices are fine. I’ve seen many rosaries hanging from rearview mirrors of people who are quite devout and love our Lord and His Blessed Mother. For them I believe it is a way of letting their love for Mary show forth for all to see. I think the same would be said for those who have worn them around the neck. So I think that if someone chooses to do either of these practices they are most likely doing it out of a devotion to and love for our Blessed Mother. Personally I do not hang the rosary from my mirror or wear it around my neck but I always have it in my pocket. And at night I sleep with it wrapped around my wrist. I suppose that keeping the rosary close to us is similar to wearing a cross or scapular or like hanging a sacred picture in our room. Rosaries are blessed objects so, for that reason, are good to have around.

With that said I think it must also be said that the Rosary is, first and foremost, an instrument of prayer. And I suggest to you that it is one of the best prayers we can pray. Rather than explain the Rosary in my words, allow me to offer you some of my favorite quotes from the great saints regarding the rosary.

“Never will anyone who says his Rosary every day be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.” Saint Louis de Montfort
"Of all prayers the rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces…love the Rosary and recite it every day with devotion St. Pius X
"How beautiful is the family that recites the Rosary every evening." by Pope John Paul II
"The Rosary is my favorite prayer. A marvelous prayer! Marvelous in its simplicity and its depth." Pope John Paul II
"The Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God." by St. Louis De Monfort
"There is no surer means of calling down God's blessings upon the family... than the daily recitation of the Rosary." by Pius XII
“The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying." by Pope Leo XIII
"Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world" by Pope Blessed Pius IX
If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors." by Pope Pius XI
"Our Lady has never refused me a grace through the recitation of the rosary." by St. (Padre) Pio of Pietrelcina
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.” Saint Francis de Sales
“One day, through the Rosary and the Scapular, Our Lady will save the world.” Saint Dominic