Can i wear rosary beads around my neck?

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ginge4

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I see it so often - people who are not Catholic, wearing rosary beads around their neck. I am Catholic, and i am in the Legion of Mary - so i do say the rosary every day, and everywhere i go i either have it in my pocket, or in my purse, though sometimes i don’t have enough room to keep them there. I’m just sick of seeing people wearing it as a fashion statement, so i was wondering if i could maybe wear them around my neck so when people ask i can say i’m wearing them BECAUSE i’m Catholic? Would that be alright? I am into fashion, but I hate it when i see religious items worn as jewelery. But if I wear rosary beads around my neck because i use them and want to show others that it is in fact a religious item, would it be appropriate?
 
I would suggest that you wear the Brown Scapular instead.
 
I think its inappropriate. It would be better to wear a brown scapular or a miraculous medal.
 
I wouldn’t.

Even most religious (the ones I know) wear it looped over a belt or just pocket it.

I chided a non-catholic co-worker because he has wearing one as a fashion statement. It was a beauiful rosary too…made out of some type of black stone.
 
GratefulDeb said:
I wouldn’t.

Even most religious (the ones I know) wear it looped over a belt or just pocket it.

I chided a non-catholic co-worker because he has wearing one as a fashion statement. It was a beauiful rosary too…made out of some type of black stone.
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The black stone is likely hematite, or onyx. 🙂

I’m annoyed. Esp when they are people who are in no way doing anything that would be something I’d want done in front of Jesus OR Mary! :mad:
 
ginge4 said:
I see it so often - people who are not Catholic, wearing rosary beads around their neck. I am Catholic, and i am in the Legion of Mary - so i do say the rosary every day, and everywhere i go i either have it in my pocket, or in my purse, though sometimes i don’t have enough room to keep them there. I’m just sick of seeing people wearing it as a fashion statement, so i was wondering if i could maybe wear them around my neck so when people ask i can say i’m wearing them BECAUSE i’m Catholic? Would that be alright? I am into fashion, but I hate it when i see religious items worn as jewelery. But if I wear rosary beads around my neck because i use them and want to show others that it is in fact a religious item, would it be appropriate?
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It’s generally said to be inappropriate. However, it is debatable, as one saint (I think it was Saint Louis de Montfort) argued that wearing the rosary publicly could help “ward demons away”, or something along those lines.

It’s probably best to wear a Miraculous Medal. Also note, I’m not sure which country you are living in, but in many parts of the Western world - due to rife political correctness - it may even be “illegal” to publicly wear religious items. The sad part about this is that it is often directed to Christians. So you may have to check that out.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
On one hand:
Wearing the rosary around the neck has the potential to start a conversation about the rosary.

On the other hand:
It could be interpreted as consent to the practice of wearing a rosary solely for fashion, especially in the context of others doing so.
Further, I personally find it reduces the quality of holiness (set apart) of the Rosary in its ready comparison to “bling”, and that the Crucifix would be roughly positioned over my belly button, and not my heart.
Finally, you, (your actions, words or lack thereof) and the rosary you wear are presented as one image to those who see you. They will be associated. Apart from God’s grace that association will be negative towards the Rosary.

Praying it in public would perhaps be a better method of getting questions, presenting proper use, and helping to stir the consciousness of those around you.
There is of course again the danger of perverting this in how it is prayed, but it is an opportunity to present a gentle and quiet spirit.

A scapular may be effective, if you are prepared to educate people on it as they ask about it, or challenge it. (I know I am not so knowledgeable). Particularly our ultimate desired end to which these are but aides. I have found it more often the case that those participating in above fashion statements lack the fundamental Evangelistic principles that would allow them to make sense of what or why we do this.

That said, Mary has introduced Christ to the world and to many for a long time now. I would advise just to be careful not to jump the gun.

Great intention, the challenge now as always for all of us is… How do to adorn ourselves with Christ?
1Peter 3:2-4
Romans 13:14
 
A friend once wore his rosary to school and when my history teacher saw him wearing it he had him do a presentation for the class the next day on the rosary and the rules of wearing one (if you’re allowed to or not).

According to this teacher (who is one of the most devout men I’ve met) and a nun at my school, it’s OK to wear the rosary as long as you pray it.

I usually tend not to, I have a necklace of St. John Bosco that I prefer wear to the rosary.
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
It’s generally said to be inappropriate. However, it is debatable, as one saint (I think it was Saint Louis de Montfort) argued that wearing the rosary publicly could help “ward demons away”, or something along those lines.

It’s probably best to wear a Miraculous Medal. Also note, I’m not sure which country you are living in, but in many parts of the Western world - due to rife political correctness - it may even be “illegal” to publicly wear religious items. The sad part about this is that it is often directed to Christians. So you may have to check that out.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
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…
Respectfully:
I’m having a little difficulty seeing how someone as a Catholic seen wearing a Rosary around their neck as inappropriate. Inappropriate in what way? I would at least think on the interior of ones heart being in good Faith that the person choosing to do so means no harm. No real difference to me than a devout Catholic in Faith choosing to wear a blessed Crucifix or Scapular for much the same reason.

Does one actually believe that the Holy Blessed Virgin Mary Herself would frown if she saw one of her children wearing a rosary around their neck? At the very least I’d say she probably give a mild smile of happiness.

If I didn’t own a blessed Crucifix or Scapular I might consider wearing a rosary around my neck instead of leaving it forgotten at home or in my pocket.

As long as the Rosary isn’t disgraced I don’t see any problem. I think its how the person feels inside humbly wearing the Rosary in Faith and what the Rosary symbolizes to them spiritually wearing the sacramental.

Peace
Chris
 
centurionguard said:
…
Respectfully:
I’m having a little difficulty seeing how someone as a Catholic seen wearing a Rosary around their neck as inappropriate. Inappropriate in what way? I would at least think on the interior of ones heart being in good Faith that the person choosing to do so means no harm. No real difference to me than a devout Catholic in Faith choosing to wear a blessed Crucifix or Scapular for much the same reason.

Does one actually believe that the Holy Blessed Virgin Mary Herself would frown if she saw one of her children wearing a rosary around their neck? At the very least I’d say she probably give a mild smile of happiness.

If I didn’t own a blessed Crucifix or Scapular I might consider wearing a rosary around my neck instead of leaving it forgotten at home or in my pocket.

As long as the Rosary isn’t disgraced I don’t see any problem. I think its how the person feels inside humbly wearing the Rosary in Faith and what the Rosary symbolizes to them spiritually wearing the sacramental.

Peace
Chris
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I never said it was inappropriate; I’m merely saying that is what is generally said. I think it boils down to a person’s preference.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
Just my 2 cents, but there are Catholics that wear Rosary bracelets on their wrists :yup:
 
Prairie_Rose said:
Just my 2 cents, but there are Catholics that wear Rosary bracelets on their wrists :yup:
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Yeah…but those are bracelets. There are also Rosary Rings, and Rosary Keychains. They are intended for those purposes. 🙂

The Rosary, the one intended for prayer that LOOKS like a necklace, but is not INTENDED to be a necklace is in question. 😛

Now, I realize that for some Religious Orders, their uniform includes Rosary either on their belt, or around their neck (as a necklace). What has happened though, esp after the advent of Madonna (the singer), it became FASHIONABLE to wear a Rosary, but not for it’s intended purpose (good) but something less so (to be provacative). :mad:
 
Thank you all so much!! 🙂
I now know not to wear it and i shall wear a miraculous medal instead! and a brown scapular 😃
 
Of course you can wear it! feel no shame!!! The only argument against it is American culture not the teachings of the Holy Church. Wearing a rosary is a great reminder to reminder to pray it.
 
the rosary is not intended for that purpose, and most rosaries are not made for it and will eventually break if worn this way. If it is not a cultural religious expression for you it will most likely be interpreted, depending on where you live, as either a fashion statement or a gang symbol. the brown scapular or a miraculous medal is the traditional outward commitment sign worn around the neck for Catholics. No it is not wrong or sinful to wear a rosary around the neck, but you may not be getting the response you intend in so doing. Depending on your job it might also be a safety hazard so wrong for that reason.
 
I’ve seen smaller sized Rosaries made to be worn as necklaces and have wondered the same thing.My family and I were in Puerto Rico last year and saw many such Rosary necklaces in jewelry store windows.
 
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