Pope updates ancient Rosary prayer

The changes are the first in eight centuries

Pope John Paul II has added five new prayers to the Roman Catholic Church's centuries-old Rosary prayer cycle.

The new prayers are believed to be the only modification to the Rosary since it was introduced to Roman Catholic practice in the 13th Century by St Dominic.

The Pope said there was a "crisis" with fewer people saying the Rosary

The Pope hopes the new verses will generate refreshed interest in the Rosary, which is one of the most recognisable facets of Catholicism with prayers mostly counted out on a distinctive set of beads.

He announced the changes as part of a public audience which marked the 24th anniversary of his election as pope during which he also offered a prayer to the Virgin Mary to help him continue "to the end".

In the traditional Rosary, Catholics are supposed to contemplate three periods, or mysteries, of Christ's life as they recite the prayers: the joyous mysteries surrounding his birth, the sorrowful mysteries surrounding his crucifixion, and the glorious mysteries of his resurrection.

Mysteries of light

The Pope has now added another set - the mysteries of light - which highlight five more events in the life of Christ:

• His baptism
  
• The wedding feast at Cana where, according to the Bible, he transformed water into wine
  
• His proclamation of the coming of the kingdom of God
  
• The Transfiguration, when God commanded the apostles to listen to Christ
  
• The institution of the Eucharist.

"This addition of these new mysteries, without prejudice to any essential aspect of the prayer's traditional format, is to give it fresh life and to enkindle renewed interest in the Rosary's place within Christian spirituality," the Pope wrote in a letter announcing the change.

The Rosary is Pope John Paul's favourite prayer

The Pope, now 82 and suffering from a number of health problems, admitted there was a "crisis" with the Rosary, which is his favourite prayer.

He told crowds gathered in St Peter's Square for his weekly audience: "We must rediscover the profound mysticism contained in the simplicity of this prayer, dear to popular tradition."

He also offered a prayer to the Virgin Mary "so that I can carry out to the end the mission that has been given to me".

Troubled history

The original, lengthy prayer cycle is devoted to the Virgin Mary and was composed by St Dominic as an antidote to heresy at a time when the Catholic Church was seeking to crush the Cathar sect in what is now south-western France.

The Rosary

From the Latin rosarius: a garland or bouquet of roses

Repeats the Hail Mary prayer in decades, or sets of 10, interspersed by Our Fathers and other prayers

There is an enormous variety in style and make of Rosary beads

Prayer beads are common to other religions such as Buddhism and Islam

The crusade against the Cathars stands as one of the bloodiest episodes in Church history.

The Rosary was roundly cursed by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century as "mere babbling, as stupid as it is wicked, nourishing a false confidence".

Said on bended knee, the "decades" of the Rosary are often seen by some Catholics as more of a chore than an opportunity for meditation.

But for millions across the world it remains a daily occasion for people to come together in prayer outside formal church services.

What do you think of the new Rosary?

Your reaction

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For most Roman Catholics the additional mysterys will have no effect. The exsisting mysterys are not often utilized except in group settings as most people dont know the 15 we already have. However, those who scorn its usefullness have not seen the effects that praying the Roseary has had on the salvation of many souls, myself included. I keep extra sets of beads available to give to sick and troubled people. So often it brings them a renewed measure of peace and becomes the starting point for ones way back to Christ.
Rick MacDonald, Canada

Anyone who already prays the rosary in their daily lives will understand this change to be a glorious and exciting one for the prayers of the rosary. It is, without question, a profound and meaningful thing. Those who oppose it do so out of fear or ignorance and I will add their names to my daily prayers for peace.
Emma, United States

I especially find the Rosary comforting during dificult times.

Erin, Canada

I think the Rosary is a wonderful way in which we can reflect on the life of Christ. I became a Catholic as an adult and was introduced to the Rosary by an elderly friend appx 10 years after my Baptism, and Confirmation. I especially find the Rosary comforting during dificult times. I pray that the recent additions to the Rosary will draw attention and appreciation for this beautiful Catholic Prayer.
Erin, Canada

I don't see any harm in it. Christ did so many good deeds, wonderful things in his life, the more that we can reflect upon the better.
Andrew Marshall, Scotland

The Rosary is the most powerful prayer and its increasing promotion by the Pope emphasises its increasing need in the world today. What possible harm is done to add more mysteries on which to reflect? As for Luther, I pity him for his obvious short attention span and lack of understanding.
Ed, UK

I'm delighted that the Pope has strengthened the Rosary in this way

Damian, UK

The new set of mysteries will be a wonderful addition to the traditional prayer. I'm delighted that the Pope has strengthened the Rosary in this way, rather than "modernising" and replacing it as his predecessor Pope Paul did to the Mass and other prayers.
Damian, UK

This prayer is best prayed alone, I find, when one can really go deeper into the gospel, via the prayer. The recitation keeps the ego busy and allows a deeper reflection by the unconscious and spiritual powers of the human mind, under the grace of the Spirit. It's a pity it's so misunderstood and criticised by people who had it spoiled for them as children when they were forced to say it without understand how it works, and "non-Catholics" eager to bash.
Sean, Taiwan

To say an entire rosary is already very time-consuming! Now John Paul II's going to add more? Jesus wants us to pray without ceasing. We can pray anytime and all the time even while driving and working. I don't see the attraction of sitting around and mumbling the same prayers over and over when we could more effectively and efficiently say more beautiful and personal prayers to our Lord with whom we all can have a personal relationship.
Tom Quitzau, U.S.A.

It would be a good idea for people to read things before they complain. What is suggested will not lengthen the Rosary but provide an opportunity for meditation on the significant events in Christ's ministry. Who can disagree with that?
Christopher Mc Camley, Ireland

This is surely a positive development of such an important prayer. It isn't longer now, but more varied giving Catholics the opportunity to reflect more on Christ's life and message.
Gordon Refalo, Malta

It will be wonderful to have these five additions to the rosary. Hail Mary.
S'lav, Ghana

Being made to say it every night I hated it so much

Jay, Ireland

I can't understand why they are making it longer instead of making it more accessible and less of a trial to do. I remember as a child being made to say it every night and I hated it so much I rathered going to bed early than say the rosary - which is surely saying something coming from a child! I would never subject my children to the same ordeal and the Pope is surely going in the wrong direction with this.
Jay, Ireland

I hope His Holiness will not alter this time-tested practice very dramatically. I think the Rosary is a wonderful institution. It gives time to think and reflect, to meditate about one's life and God. Reciting it alone or with a group lightens the spirit, in my opinion.
Nareg, Armenia

I agree with the additional prayers but only on special occasions in the church calender.
Mmamokoena, South Africa

Will be even more valuable than before. A most wonderful prayer!
John E. Gibes, USA

Leave the Rosary alone, let us keep some of the old traditions. The man needs to retire!!!
Christine Endres, United States

We already insert additional prayers

Adrian G. Vila, Australia

In my family we already insert additional prayers to the Rosary including our own requests for intercessions. The Pope is only responding to a sentiment already prevalent in the Rosary praying community around the world.
Adrian G. Vila, Australia

I wish the Pope would remember he should not add things which are against the teachings of Christ who told us to follow Christ alone and not Mary or other saints. God help and guide them to know the truth and to read the Bible and not add any quotes by the saints.
John, Kuwait

It has never made sense in the past and it will continue be the same in the future.
Bryan D'Penha, India

Luther said it all.
Marc, Wales

If it is coming from the Seat Of The Apostles, then it is right.
Bwali Given Moses, Zambia

I believe the Rosary, when it is well done, is the most powerful weapon Catholics have to fight against temptation. It makes people meditate about the most important misteries the faith. The aditional prayers will help more Catholics around the world to make a more devoted contemplation of the life of Christ.
Cristian Clemente, Brazil