Can I wear a rosary like a necklace or is it a sin?

[red85]

Even if the Blessed Virgin Mary instructed us to do so?

I don’t suppose you might refer me to the book, the particular chapter, and specific passage where the Blessed Virgin Mary instructed us to wear the rosary. Thank you for your time and attention.

 

[PaladinSword]

I don’t suppose you might refer me to the book, the particular chapter, and specific passage where the Blessed Virgin Mary instructed us to wear the rosary. Thank you for your time and attention.

Answer: Fatima apparition. Dig through it and you’ll find it.

 

[70Babe]

Why is it hypocritical for a gangster to wear a rosary?

1. Worries about Hypocritical Misuse

It is not appropriate for those who have no devotion to Mary, who are atheists, etc to wear the Rosary and then to live lives that are not in accord with proper religious belief. In other words, it would be hypocritical for a gangster to wear a Rosary, and would even become a mockery of it. In a less grave case, such as someone wearing a Rosary and behaving rudely (or a driver hanging one from a mirror and driving dangerously or rudely) this would at the very least give scandal.

*2) *Worries about Misplaced Piety

It is certainly possible that someone (Catholic, non-Catholic) may wear the Rosary more from superstitious motives that from piety. This amounts to a belief in the Rosary *as a talisman, *which would be strictly forbidden. In other words, some people may have an idea that the Rosary, in itself, has power.

1. Worries about Lack of Devotion

It may happen that a Catholic, while avoiding the above two mistakes, succumbs to wearing the Rosary without any devotion or much at all. If you note the first quote from St. De Monfort above, the point of that story was that the King began to actually pray the Rosary. I think that for those who pray the rosary devoutly it may be painful to see someone “just wear it” without any devotion to something so near and dear to their hearts.

So I think that there are *legitimate objections and concerns *to the wearing of the Rosary when it not accompanied by the proper disposition.

However, I for one, do not underestimate the good that may be done by this small act, however imperfect it may be. There is such a thing as “holy simplicity” and an almost childlike faith and trust – which was often exhibited by the Saints.

Again, remember the caveat – with proper devotion.

I think a good analogy would be to the use of the Holy Scriptures. There are, perhaps, many people who own a bible but who never open it or do not open it as often as they should (Personal note: Guilty as charged). Or perhaps they treat it as any old book, and it collects dust, becomes tattered through misuse, is used as a coaster for drinks!? – what have you.

Certainly this is to be avoided at all costs. But that does not mean that having a Bible in your home is wrong – provided that one treats it with the proper dignity and devotion.

Same with the Rosary.

This is, of course, just my thoughts on the matter. I humbly submit to the teaching of the Church, and freely admit that I may be in error in my views.

Any thoughts Roxanne?
Or other posters?

God Bless,
VC

 

[MattofTexas]

I don’t know if there is an official teaching on this, and just last night my roommate told me he had always been told not to wear it, but here’s what I think:

-If wearing your rosary will help you remember to pray it (or pray more in general)- wear it!
-If wearing your rosary as an outward symbol of your faith will help you remember that you are a living member of the BODY OF CHRIST- that your body is a TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT, and that people see you as a representative of the LORD, and that you should act accordingly- wear it!
-If wearing it will give you an opportunity to talk about your Catholic faith with others and provide a gentle means of entering into dialog that could lead to greater evangelization efforts in your life- wear it!

Using any sacramental for impious reasons is wrong, but using a sacramental as a means of leading yourself or others to God’s grace is in fact the very intended purpose of sacramentals.

 

[Robe1985]

Is it a sin to wear a rosary as a necklace, the answer is No. Is it a sin to wear it like a necklace and show it outside of your shirt, Yes. The rosary is a sacred artifact that should not be displayed like something you want to show off. If worn under the shirt it will rest close to your heart. Should you feel spiritual turmoil simply hold the rosary to give you comfort. I have explained how it should be used, no one needs to know you wear a rosary. Only God the Father and you will know, and that is what is important.

 

[Gift_from_God]

I keep mine in my pocket. I’ve heard that you can wear it like a necklace if it’s underneath your shirt, but I’m not entirely certain. You should contact your priest and find out.

 

[Janine_Therese]

I think that the question that has been overlooked here is: What sacramentals (i.e. The Rosary) ARE intended to be worn? And with that question in mind I would like to offer to you the idea that, Mary may indeed have a “garment” already in mind for those who wish to honor her. That garment is The Brown Scapular. When Mary appeared to the shepherd children at Fatima in 1917 she would say to them that, in addition to penance and other forms of prayer, they should wear and promote both the Holy Rosary and The Brown Scapular. The Scapular (and there are more kinds than just the brown) is really another topic–but it is related to what we are discussing because it IS a devotion to Mary and it IS intended to be WORN. To say nothing of The Miraculous Medal—or any number of lovely medals and pendants that reflect the role of The Mother of God in our salvation. The scapular is kind of like a little “hug” from Jesus and Mary whenever you remember its presence under your top. It is intimate, holy, and expresses consecration…and you can even be publicly ENROLLED in this devotion by any Priest. I believe that wearing a Rosary may be…sort of OK…but…things really ought to be used for the purposes for which they were intended. Your fingers have the right to “tell” each bead unto the end. May God continue his blessing to us as we seek to obey him, and blessed be the name of The Most Holy Trinity, and of The Mother of God, Mary Most Holy.
Janine Therese

 

[panpan2523]

Rosary necklace with different look here Rosary: also known as the number of beads, chanting beads, beads curse. Buddhists who desire to remove troubles, stable mind, or praise Western Amitabha, while reciting the Buddha’s name with a rosary.

 

[TornyHusky]

I don’t keep my rosary in my neck. I keep it in my wallet. Is it sinful? I place my rosary there because it is a sign that it is something I will never forget. Who would even forget about his/her wallet right? I only place my rosary out when I pray the rosary before I sleep.

 

[ready]

I have this beautiful tiny rosary that I wear like a piece of jewelry. When I say the rosary I just use the one on my neck. It is always there. But then I heard on Catholic radio that I was not suppose to do that. Why?

Rosary lover, RG

St. Louis de Montfort talks about the benefit of wearing a rosary around one’s neck (one gets protection against Satan by wearing it around one’s neck). If you are wearing your rosary merely for looks, then this is to be discouraged. But if you are wearing it for safe keeping and to be used, or as protection against Satan, then this is commendable and there is nothing wrong. God bless you.