Question for Catholics

**popcornbird** · 09-06-2004, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by Cataholic
LOL...I was thinking, "why would questions for me be in the dog house?" Then, I saw the questions being asked, and I was like, "Why would someone ask me (a non-cath) about rosarys?".
Finally, I stopped thinking of ONLY myself, and figured the whole thing out.

Now that I am "with it"...I agree with Soledad...he he he. And, since she is catholic (and would like to be cataholic, too), I figure it is a safe bet.

When I first saw the thread, I thought it said Cataholic too.

Then, I realized, it said Catholic.

We have this Catholic church not far from where we live, and whenever I pass by it, I read Cataholic instead of Catholic. He he he!

I don't even know what a rosary is

, so I have no idea how I feel about wearing it as jewelry. What is a rosary?

**leslie** · 09-06-2004, 05:57 PM

popcorn- GREAT question! We all know what they look like! But what is the significance? The town I grew up in was not Catholic.. then I move to Boston and I see these girls in plaid skirts and white shirts and i am "what is this?" (But also thinking uniforms are a good thing for teens...). Anyway, slowly learned HOW Catholic it is in Boston!!!! OH MY! And yet I know little still...
Anyone want to enlighten us as to the significance? or show a pic for those who don't know what a rosary looks like?

**Karen** · 09-06-2004, 05:59 PM

A rosary is a traditional string of "beads" - often made from rose petals - which helps people recite the prayer by that name. See here for more information and more links about the Rosary.

Here's one example image

**Edwina's Secretary** · 09-06-2004, 06:04 PM

A rosary is prayer beads. A loop of what are called decades (ten) beads -- separated by a single bead. Then there is a crucifix hanging from a medallin and a series of one bead, three beads, one bead. There is a specific prayer for each bead. Most of the prayers are to the Virgin Mary.

We cannot post pictures in the Dog House but there are lots on line.

That's about the best I can do!

**popcornbird** · 09-06-2004, 06:53 PM

Originally posted by Karen
A rosary is a traditional string of "beads" - often made from rose petals - which helps people recite the prayer by that name. See here for more information and more links about the Rosary.

Here's one example image

OMG!!! That is soooo interesting.....mainly because we (Muslims) also use prayer beads, that look very, very similar to those.

Our prayer beads usually have 99 beads strung together, with 1 big bead at the end (with strings attached to it). Its mainly used to keep count of the phrases you use when praying/supplicating to God, etc. I *think* it has 99 beads and 1 main one, because Muslims have 99 names for God. They're actually 100 including *Allah*, but that is the main name. The other 99 are names that basically describe God. For example, The Merciful, The Compassionate, The Forgiver.....etc... Here's a list of them all... http://www.dawateislami.net/general/devotions/99names/

The beads we use have no significance though.....and they're not considered holy, or anything. People mainly use them to keep count when saying prayers. I have several, but honestly never use them. I can't imagine wearing one. Though they are not holy to us and just used to keep count when supplicating, I just don't think there's a point in wearing it....even though it *looks* like a necklace. Its not something that's made to wear.

Do Catholics consider rosaries holy? If so, I think it might offend them to see someone wear it....especially if its not something that's meant to be worn.

Very interesting to know this. I had no idea.

**leslie** · 09-06-2004, 07:20 PM

oh you are muslim! That is so interesting! Do you find the Catholic religion strange at all? (I am not affiliated so don't be afraid of insulting me- I find it interesting, I love learning about everyone's beliefs and cultures!)

**Soledad** · 09-06-2004, 07:41 PM

What do you mean by holy, Pops?

I don't know that they're thought of as pieces of God or anything, but since they are affiliated with God, the Catholic church and prayer they are deemed to be valuable and worthy of a certain degree of respect and protocol.

Just like with the flag. We don't worship a flag, but it is a symbol of our country so we have certain rules about how it should be treated.

But it's not like the Orthodox Church who consider icons (paintings of Christ and the Madonna) to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I don't think that they're meant to be seen as an actual piece of God, but a tool that brings you closer to Him.

Does that make any sense?

**popcornbird** · 09-06-2004, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by leslie
oh you are muslim! That is so interesting! Do you find the Catholic religion strange at all? (I am not affiliated so don't be afraid of insulting me- I find it interesting, I love learning about everyone's beliefs and cultures!)

Yep, I'm Muslim.

As to whether or not I find the Catholic religion *strange*, I must say, I honestly don't know how to answer your question.

I mean....I don't understand what you exactly mean by *strange*?

Originally posted by Soledad
What do you mean by holy, Pops?

I don't know that they're thought of as pieces of God or anything, but since they are affiliated with God, the Catholic church and prayer they are deemed to be valuable and worthy of a certain degree of respect and protocol.

Just like with the flag. We don't worship a flag, but it is a symbol of our country so we have certain rules about how it should be treated.

But it's not like the Orthodox Church who consider icons (paintings of Christ and the Madonna) to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I don't think that they're meant to be seen as an actual piece of God, but a tool that brings you closer to Him.

Does that make any sense?

See, the beads *WE* use, have no value or significance at all. Something *Holy* is basically something belonging to, derived from, or associated with God. We don't consider or value the prayer beads we use as such. They really have no more significance than a rock or any other item. We use them basically as a tool to keep count of supplications and prayers.......basically, but you can also use rocks, marbles, your fingers, whatever for that. That is what I meant by us not considering the beads we use as *holy*. They are just mere objects, that are USED for prayer, but not associated with prayer at all. They are just used to keep count.

So when I asked if Catholics think of rosaries as *holy*, I meant do they value it as a religious, holy item, that needs to be respected, etc.? We don't view the prayer beads we use as such. It wouldn't offend me if someone wore the prayer beads we use as a necklace, but I would find it strange and silly, as it is something not meant to be worn. I would think it might offend Catholics if someone wore a rosary, if they consider them sacred. That is what I meant.

And whether sacred or not, I personally don't see *prayer beads* as something anyone would wear, as beautiful as they may be.

**RICHARD** · 09-07-2004, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by leslie
I move to Boston and I see these girls in plaid skirts and white shirts and i am "what is this?"

It's a guy thing.

You wouldn't understand

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I remember the Sister Mary Torquemada used her super giant rosary as a belt for her habit.....

The cross on the end was great motivator. She could whip that thing like a nunchuku, I suppose that's not what it was intended
for- but who is going to argue with a sister?

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I'd much rather see someone like Madonna or that Aguilera chick wear a rosary or cross than to see someone who is a 'casual'
Catholic getting bent out of shape over it. You know who Madonna and CA are and the farce behind them.

As a former altar boy I served mass on 'holy days' and it was standing room only.

On Easter while assisting the priest, I would look down the line of people waiting for communion and wonder where they were on a Sunday in July.

I guess I'm one of those trusting souls that wouldn't immediately jump to any conclusion about a rosary being worn as a necklace, I'd be more worried about the decolletage'.

**Edwina's Secretary** · 09-07-2004, 12:57 PM

I'd much rather see someone like Madonna or that Aguilera chick wear a rosary or cross than to see someone who is a 'casual'
Catholic getting bent out of shape over it.

I see your point Richard, is there anything more offensive than someone who doesn't like to see other people's beliefs or customs mocked and belittled??????

**RICHARD** · 09-07-2004, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by Edwina's Secretary
I see your point Richard, is there anything more offensive than someone who doesn't like to see other people's beliefs or customs mocked and belittled??????

Like who?

**lizbud** · 09-07-2004, 01:18 PM

I was raised as a Catholic & attended Catholic schools all
of my life. (Grade school through College)

When I was a child ,our rosaries were blessed by the priest
or bishop (on certain occasions). As a blessed article of faith,
the rosary was treasured & treated with reverence.

**dukedogsmom** · 09-07-2004, 02:50 PM

Richard: your pm box is full!

**lizzielou742** · 09-07-2004, 03:16 PM

I am not Catholic, but I just wanted to say that this is an interesting thread! Let us know what you decide to do, dukedogsmom, if you feel comfortable sharing it.