Rosary + IPOd =?

[5SmoothStones]

Greetings!

I am not sure if anyone has asked this before or if the question technically belongs here. I have a number of recorded Rosary’s on my IPod which I sometimes use as reinforcement while I say the Rosary. I have not yet brought my IPod to Mass yet to help me pray the Rosary before Mass (never during, of course). Do you think it would it be inappropriate to do so?

 

[mommyof4]

I really don’t think it would be a problem. It might help you pray with less distraction.

 

[CatQuilt]

I have done it many times. Unfortunately, our church isn’t that quiet before Mass so listening to a recording as I say the rosary really keeps me focused…

 

[JesuXPIPassio]

It seems perfectly fine to do. It might look like you’re just listening to music though; other people might look at frown upon it because it looks sacriligeous, and we should respect God both in our private minds and in our outward actions. Yet, you’d be sitting there with a Rosary in your hands, so hopefully people would figure out what you’re really doing, or maybe even think you’re listening to some music to enhance your praying experience.

Nevertheless, it might be a good idea to stay at a pew that’s out of the way, just so you don’t cause a distraction. If you do cause such a distraction, of course, it isn’t your fault; people get distracted by anything and everything. I like staying in the back or near an exit when I don’t want to cause a distraction. Maybe that might work for you as well?

If you don’t mind my giving advice though, try not to be too dependent on having an audio Rosary. It’s good to start off with it so it could help you condition yourself, but I find that once it stops being difficult to use the Rosary, using an audio aid becomes something of a distraction. Saint Teresa of Avila said that we should move forward in our spirituality; stagnating is the same as moving backward. Sticking to using an audio Rosary, even when you don’t need it anymore, would seem to be a form of stangation. Just my thoughts though – there are people out there who have good reasons and experiences to disagree.

 

[5SmoothStones]

I was definitely concerned about being a distraction, which is why I was seeking other opinions. I appreciate eack person’s (name removed by moderator)ut.

As far as dependence goes, I will certainly be mindful of that. I don’t usually use it, but sometimes I like to mix it up a little. Great advice.

 

[water]

I think it is ok to use it; however, I would recommend not to be dependent on any device when praying. I understand that it will be great to pray in a quiet room, but sometimes it is impossible. In my experience, I would bring this distraction in my prayer to God and ask Him to help me focus and let the distraction be part of my prayer.

There are times when I prayed inside the church, and the choir was practicing. At first, I had problem with focusing but then I said to myself if I prayed and the choir was singing, I should let it lift up my soul. I began to be able to pray ever since even with noise surrounding me.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta prayed the Rosary all the time - when she was walking out on the street, on the bus, etc…