Can you be a Catholic without praying the Rosary?

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Is this an essential part of the faith, or just one of the devotions that you can you forgo? I know that Our Lady of Fatima insisted on it, but I heard that you don’t *have *to believe in the appearances of Mary either, that they are found worthy of belief by the Church, but not actually incorporated into doctrine.
I want to become a Catholic, which is quite hard since I can’t make myself believe in God (or Mary for that matter). Honestly I can’t even say I like her, she just seems too perfect to relate to. I do like to think of her at the foot of the Cross, where she was supposedly made a mother for all of us, and cried for all of us in all ages. It makes her so much more human and more august that the usual sugary-sweet depictions. I also really like the prayer Salve Regina, where she is addressed as “Mother of Mercy” and this earth is called the vale of tears, which is the way I’ve always experienced it. The whole of it is just so poignant, whether you believe or not. In comparison, repeating dozens of Hail Marys just seems so dry. And I tried… but I guess you have to believe what you’re saying to feel it. Even if I did become a Catholic, though, which seems highly unlikely, I don’t think I’d ever bring myself to do it without getting bored, much less every day - I don’t think my taste would change much. So the question is, is it necessary? Thanks for answers.
 
Don’t worry. The rosary is a difficult payer if done correctly as it needs meditation. All of us get distracted easily. It is not an essential for the Catholic faith nor is belief in the Marian Miracles. I find Mary easy to relate to. I see her most vividly at the Marriage Feast of Cana, where she, as a woman, is so attuned to her hosts needs to recognise that they have run out of wine. This social embarrassment she well understands and brings it to Jesus’ attention. He slightly admonishes her saying it is not his plan to start his public life fixing a catering problem. She completely ignores Him, as a Jewish mother, and directs to servants knowing that He will accede to her unspoken request.
I have no trouble with Lourdes and Fatima, if only for the clear miracles predicted, diarised and delivered.
But do not concern yourself over the devotions you may use to worship Jesus when you find Him. Just converse at first and use the Our Father He gave us in the Scriptures. Everything else will blossom like Spring flowers after rain. She would only wish to point you towards her Son. God bless your journey.
 
Marian devotions are entirely optional. Rest assured that you would never have to do it as a Catholic.

For reference: Is it required that Catholics be devoted to Mary?

Many Protestants who convert to Catholicism wrestle with the idea of Marian devotions (including myself), so this is not an uncommon struggle.

BTW, if you do get closer to the Church and indeed one day join, don’t be surprised if what you enjoy (your “bored” comment) and your tastes both change. Mine did a complete reversal as I got deeper into the mystery. God is powerful like that 👍

Keep on searching and being open to the truth!
 
You can be a 100%, practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church and never say one single Hail Mary or pray the rosary. But, if you ever do decide to become Catholic, the more you get to know her, the more you will likely change your opinion about Mary and her role in the Church and your daily life. 😉
 
Please remember that Fatima, despite all of it’s approvals, is still a PRIVATE revelation and as such is binding only on those who saw it.
 
getysbg said:
Please remember that Fatima, despite all of it’s approvals, is still a PRIVATE revelation and as such is binding only on those who saw it.
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And yet the predictions mary said would happen came true…ww2, spread of communism, etc…

The rosary is a beautiful devotion and most of the mysteries focus on the life of CHRIST…
 
Having been Jewish I had the same problem about Mary and it used to get me down as all my Catholic friends used to ask how are you getting on with the Marian devotions and I used to say “not yet” that went on for about two years and the more my friends asked the more annoyed I got and then I definitely had no time for Marian devotions or even tried.

Then all that changed when one night in bed while not quite asleep but half asleep I saw this figure hovering over me I looked up and I saw this figure in blue - the kind of blue that you see the figure of Our Lady in at the Church - and she had this blue skirt on and it was if she was twirling this skirt around my body like the Spanish dancers do when they swirl there skirts, I tried to look up again and see a face but I could not see anything and as I was half asleep this blue dress or skirt kept twirling around me, and I just knew it was Our Lady who had done this as I never ever dream in colour nor have I ever done since, so after that experience I have great Marian devotion, you name it I do it, Rosary, prayers , etc.

Just thought I would share my experience with you.
 
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