Some questions about The Rosary

[oremus1]

I think that ideally a parishioner who starts discernment is already known to the priests in some way, and that they already have at least some idea of who they are. Then when a chat comes about religious life or the priesthood, that a person prays this chaplet or the other rather than the Rosary is either already known or isn't going to come as some big 'shock'.

w​hat happens if they are very devout in their prayer life, but belong to a mega-parish. or if they are new to a parish then the priest isn't going to know who they are even if they were basically like a monk most of the time

[The Historian]

​1) Saint Louis Marie said no such thing.  If you read his Secret of the Rosary and try following his directions on saying the Paters and Aves you'll probably extend your rosary by an extra 10 minutes.  Saint Louis said something is better than nothing if the intention is right.  If you're working the farm and genuinely won't have time to say your rosary, it's best to say it whilst working than not to say it at all.

2) No the rosary is not obligatory.  Devotion to Mary is necessary and obligatory, but particular expressions of devotion are not (except for the liturgical devotions).  Our Lady asked us to recite the rosary.  You don't have to, but it would certainly make her happy if you did.

3) If it takes half an hour to meditate on a particular mystery because you are struggling then I'd suggest not being too focused on the meditation.  Don't get too wrappped up in it.  The rosary isn't meant to be a strenuous task.  If you spend half an hour in contemplation then Saint Louis says let the Holy Ghost lead you and don't worry about not finish the rosary.

4) I don't know.  How well are those 15 decades being prayed?  I really wouldn't worry about this one.

5) Announce the mystery.  Have a minute or two of meditation.  Then recite the vocal prayers.  Rinse and repeat.

6) In general just stick with what you know and experience in your parish life.  If you don't want to pray the Luminous mysteries then don't.  I don't.  If you do, then go ahead.  A rosary is at the bare minimum 15 Our Fathers, 150 Hail Marys, and the five joyful, give five sorrowful and five glorious mysteries.  Everything else is pious custom or tradition.

7) Different strokes.  She wants devotion to her rosary spread.  It's a weapon given us to assist us in our salvation.  It's one of many.  Simple as that.

8) Because it's the best of them all.

9) As many as you can.