Letter has link to Albany

In fact, Pope John Paul quoted that famous saying in announcing the addition of five new mysteries to the Rosary, called the "mysteries of light."

"We're thrilled about it," stated Rev. John Phalen, CSC, current president of Family Rosary, which was based in Albany for decades until moving recently to Massachusetts. The organization maintains an Albany office.

Mottos quoted

"That's what we've been putting on billboards lately, especially since Sept. 11," Father Phalen said of the latter expression.

He said that Family Rosary feels "a lot of what we've been doing has been affirmed by the new [papal letter]. We've always looked at the Rosary as a very Christological prayer, centered on Christ. Mary's always leading us to Jesus."

He could see how the Pope's devotion to the Blessed Mother led to this announcement. "His entire ministry has been so Marian, we're not at all surprised he's done this," he remarked.

Papal revival

It's a suggestion that Family Rosary is happy to see the Pope make. In fact, Family Rosary had already been working on a book by Brother Philip Armstrong, CSC, on different new mysteries of the Rosary. That book may be reworked around the mysteries of light and published more quickly in light of the Pope's announcement.

Father Phalen thinks the changes to the Rosary will be well-received. Family Rosary, he said, "wants people to take these mysteries very seriously and start praying them right away."

Resource

Father Phalen welcomed the Pope's suggestion that Scripture related to each mystery be read before it is prayed, followed by a period of silence. Though this will make praying the Rosary longer, he said, it will also be a new and different way to pray: "I don't think most people pray the Rosary that way."

A revived interest in the Rosary might make people who already pray it look at how they do so, as well. Father Phalen remarked that praying it slowly is important, saying, "It's like the repetition at Mass. You don't just say, `Lord, have mercy.' You say it three times because it's important. The first time, you don't get it."

The Albany Diocese can take special pride in being part of an organization mentioned by the Pope, Father Phalen said, noting: "Albany has been a great supporter of ours over the years. Bishop Howard Hubbard is on our board; he's very appreciative of the fact that Father Peyton started in Albany and his ministry was based there for many years. There's a lot of pride Albany can take in the fact that this [papal letter] launches the Rosary once again."

(10-24-02) [[In-content Ad]]