The importance of the Holy Rosary for Maronites

Earlier this year, one of our own Maronite Patriarchs, Mar Estephan Douaihy, was beatified. In his writings, he reflects on Mary as a source of God’s hope and grace in our lives.

“He made His mother like a channel of mercy and a spring of life, so that through her, He would pour out His goodness and blessings on all thirsty souls,” the beatified patriarch wrote.

As Maronites, we take pride in our faith and in prayer. The Divine Liturgy is the main source of our spirituality and understanding of the faith. Naturally, the rosary becomes our favorite and most important prayer after the Divine Liturgy.

Although the rosary does not have Maronite origins, it has become one of the most powerful and influential forms of prayer in our tradition. It is believed that as early as 1580, the Blessed Rosary was introduced to Lebanon, where the Maronites were taught this beautiful prayer that reflects on the life of Our Lady, her Son Jesus Christ, and the mystery of faith and salvation.

From that moment on, the rosary became an anchor in the everyday lives of the Maronites, especially in times of hardship and suffering, in war, persecution, illness, or death, when we have turned to Our Blessed Mother to help and intercede on our behalf.

Stories passed down through generations tell of Lebanese soldiers praying the Rosary in churches before going out to defend their faith.

This stands as a powerful testament to how powerful and influential the rosary truly is in the lives of the Maronites that, even when outnumbered in battle, they looked to their spiritual mother for guidance and protection.

We only need to look to our own Maronite saints, Charbel, Rafqa, and Nehmetallah, who all had a strong devotion to Our Lady through the rosary.

Antonious Tarrazi, October 6, 2024

Adapted from: www.catholicweekly.com.au