The "Do I have to" as opposed to "Should I" Argument

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

A clear conscious doesnt feel guilt to be sorry. The only thing required here is an explaination.

A question with a question, and no answers to any questions. Doesn’t go un-noticed either:shrug:

And its not sorry it “LOOKS” this way" It “is” this way as your history of posts clearly indicate.

My conscious is not for you to decide. Your “Motives” are whats in question? And with the lack of response to any of the above questions it continues to be.

Anyway,

While I certainly could understand any Catholic who wishs not to involve themselve for disbelief or whatever reason. Some, of which are very noble to say the least.

Whats not impressive is the TRUTH… were shooting for the “consolation prize” here and not first place???.

Just as my conscious is not for you to decide. It seems you have issues with what the Church Teaches regarding private revelations and private devotions as that is all I state in these sort of threads.

I answered your question, that you did not get the answer you wished is not my fault in any way. I am also not sorry for stating what the Church says, I am sorry that you seem to have issues with that.

I can see there is no further use discussing this with you as you will read what you want into whatever I say. So I will end this with I will pray for you and as that you pray for me.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Not praying the Rosary is not a mortal sin. You won’t go to hell if you don’t pray the Rosary. However, it is unlikely that you will ever become a saint if you don’t pray the Rosary. A devotion the the Blessed Mother is a requirement for real holiness.

Praying the Rosary is not the only way to have a devotion to the Blessed Mother.

 

[Cecilianus]

Not praying the Rosary is not a mortal sin. You won’t go to hell if you don’t pray the Rosary. However, it is unlikely that you will ever become a saint if you don’t pray the Rosary. A devotion the the Blessed Mother is a requirement for real holiness.

Eastern Christians have a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother which is expressed through other devotions - the Akathist, the Moleben to the Theotokos, our icons, and the prayer to her in our Liturgy which we also preface our private prayers with: “It is truly fitting to glorify you, who have born God, the ever-blessed, immaculate, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without spot gave birth to God the Word, truly the Theotokos we magnify.”

I agree with you that having a devotion to the Blessed Mother is a requirement for real holiness, but this doesn’t necessarily mean praying the Rosary.

 

[Cecilianus]

This was a really unnecessary personal attack. I don’t know what posts of Brother David’s you found objectionable - I’ve never seen any that should have given any cause for concern. But he is a Byzantine Catholic, and as such he is going to follow the Popes and the teaching of the Church in defending the legitimacy, authenticity and autonomy of Byzantine spirituality. It happens that this spirituality does not include the Rosary, and it also happens that Our Lady of Fatima did not appear in the East. They are WESTERN devotions - and consequently unnecessary for Byzantine Catholics. If you have a problem with that, than that is something you need to work on, because the Catholic Faith embraces both ritual traditions - not just your own.

Nobody has ever attacked you for refusing to pray the Akathist, or talked about your opposition to Our Lady for refusing to have a devotion to the Pokrova (the Protecting Veil of the Theotokos - which was also an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Nobody has questioned your commitment to theism because you do not venerate the Virgin of Vladimir or because you have never said the prayer “More honorable than the Cherubim”. But to do so would be no less silly or heretical than you attacking us for not happening to be Catholics of the Roman Rite.

NO one Should Pray the Rosary? Why do you make it a Point to appear on every single thread supporting the Blessed Mother and Fatima and oppose Gods Will? What is you problem with Our Lady of Fatima? You have a problem with World Peace?

You sure this is what you meant to say.

You should take yourself outside this constant opposition of Our Lady, and Pray on this a few months with a unbias thinking. See what God tells you about this. Let God direct you on this one. Especially in the wake of what Pope Benedict had to say about all this last year. And this short window of time we have left in it.

Do you actually believe Our Lady appeared at Fatima, do you believe the Miracle of the Sun actually happened? Do you believe there really is a Supernatural? Mankind “is” the war of Good and evil. There is not recorded period in “History” when there has been World Peace. Yet the BIble and Isaiah predicted it! And Our Lady of Fatima promised it! If we just follow Gods instuctions at Fatima.

The “only” thing we have managed to do, is stretch this battle to the last minute. Thats exactly what Benedict and John Paul have done. So maybe just maybe our children and theirs will have this time of Peace. So maybe the Hearts as men such as yourself could be softened to usher in this period of Gods promise, before its to late.

Gods Coming make no mistake about this. Just take a good a look around, your surrounded and imprisoned by evil right now and you don’t even see it!

You know what I tell everyone who works with God Children, "if you can’t help them, then don’t hurt them!

 

[Seamus_L]

If you don’t believe in Our Lady of Fatima, then you don’t believe in it. Far be it for me to pass judgement on you. At the same time though I find it rather strange that some people feel a need to constantly remind others that no one is required to believe in a particular devotion. I’ve heard Fatima mentioned regularly in homilies for years without disclaimers from the priests who spoke of it, and that includes at least two Eastern Catholic priests, for the information of those who believe they speak on behalf of the East. In addition, over a decade ago, I had a priest ask me in the confessional if I said the rosary daily. When I replied that I said it once or twice a week, he said very adamantly “You’ve got to say it everyday”
I don't think anyone including myself practices every devotion of the Catholic Church, but that doesn't mean we go about reminding others that they need not practice them. The whole thing just seems so counter productive.

 

[Robert_Burns]

You are not exactly saying that we MUST pray the Rosary but you are very strongly implying that we should. You also imply that eventually we will all come round to the point of view that it is necessary to pray the Rosary and once we realise this we will take it up.

Robert: As a matter of Faith? No. But likewise being a student of the history of the Church what Saint after Saint after Saint , Pope after Pope after Pope - the Church Councils and Doctors of the Church have taught about Marian Devotion - and Her Rosary
entire Communities like the Dominicans have taught - are we to ignore all of this? Thats where I have a problem with people who seemingly make the claim that all of this evidence is meaningless. When I watch EWTN and watch Mother Angelica Praying the Holy Rosary should I simply dismiss it and turn the channel? Like it or not the rosary has a rich and storied tradition within the Church and One that should not be ignored even by those who for whatever reason - refuse the devotion. It deserves its proper respect.

Pax

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

If you don’t believe in Our Lady of Fatima, then you don’t believe in it. Far be it for me to pass judgement on you. At the same time though I find it rather strange that some people feel a need to constantly remind others that no one is required to believe in a particular devotion. I’ve heard Fatima mentioned regularly in homilies for years without disclaimers from the priests who spoke of it, and that includes at least two Eastern Catholic priests, for the information of those who believe they speak on behalf of the East. In addition, over a decade ago, I had a priest ask me in the confessional if I said the rosary daily. When I replied that I said it once or twice a week, he said very adamantly “You’ve got to say it everyday”

                              I don't think anyone including myself practices every devotion of the Catholic Church, but that doesn't mean we go about reminding others that they need not practice them. The whole thing just seems so counter productive.

This post here is why I post as I do.

Not praying the Rosary is not a mortal sin. You won’t go to hell if you don’t pray the Rosary. However, it is unlikely that you will ever become a saint if you don’t pray the Rosary. A devotion the the Blessed Mother is a requirement for real holiness.

This user is saying that if you do not pray the Rosary you do not have a devotion to Mary. Others say, or imply, that if you do not have a devotion to Fatima then you aren’t Catholic.

I only state what the Church Teaches in cases such as this.

I will not apologize for stating Church Teaching when it is being misrepresented.

 

[Robert_Burns]

This post here is why I post as I do.

This user is saying that if you do not pray the Rosary you do not have a devotion to Mary. Others say, or imply, that if you do not have a devotion to Fatima then you aren’t Catholic.

I only state what the Church Teaches in cases such as this.

I will not apologize for stating Church Teaching when it is being misrepresented.

But the Church likewise teaches Marian Devotion including the Rosary and Fatima and Lourdes. Not as a Matter of Faith as Dogma but to augment one Faith and foster greater devotion for the Mother of GOD. Are these practises all inclusive and all there is ? Obviously not - the Church has rich traditions both East and West. And both deserve their proper respect. Neither should be disrespected.

 

[Josephite]

Robert: As a matter of Faith? No. But likewise being a student of the history of the Church what Saint after Saint after Saint , Pope after Pope after Pope - the Church Councils and Doctors of the Church have taught about Marian Devotion - and Her Rosary
entire Communities like the Dominicans have taught - are we to ignore all of this? Thats where I have a problem with people who seemingly make the claim that all of this evidence is meaningless. When I watch EWTN and watch Mother Angelica Praying the Holy Rosary should I simply dismiss it and turn the channel? Like it or not the rosary has a rich and storied tradition within the Church and One that should not be ignored even by those who for whatever reason - refuse the devotion. It deserves its proper respect.

Pax

I am not denying that the Church, saints, Doctors of the Church, etc. have taught us about praying the Holy Rosary and the benefits that may accrue from doing so.

However, the Rosary remains a devotion, i.e. a pious private practice that one may follow; it is not a liturgy, i.e. an official public act of worship of the Church. The Church may encourage the Rosary but she doesn’t make it obligatory. Likewise, the Church does not compel us to believe in the apparitions at Fatima.

I for one pray the Rosary but like other posters all I am saying is that it is an optional private devotion. The Church does not compel anyone to recite it and no one else can compel us. You have said that you don’t want to “force” the Rosary on us but the content of your posts contradict that.

Please be honest with us and tell us of your great devotion to the Rosary and to Fatima. But, do not try to compel us to do what the Church does not. We are all free to choose our own devotions. Plus, they must always take second place to the Church’s liturgy.

 

[GaryTaylor]

IMHO its a counterproductive statement at the end of a positive, regardless of the topic, for example.

Excercise will help your heart, but its not required?

Quiting Drinking and Smoking will extend your life, but its not required?

This “is” my train of thought here.

I see no need to add a negative at the end of a positive? With anything that obviously is a help, in this case spiritual.

If in fact anything here would lead you anywhere but to God. Then the simple truth is instead of being incouraged it would be discouraged. Here the negative statement which is a constant is a discouragement. I’m “positive” thats not the Churchs intention.

This is exactly what “I” am saying. Just take a look at it, if it doesn’t apply to you, throw it out the the window. If it does? Then you should ask yourself the question why?

If theres something someone finds harmful about either recitaion of Rosary or Fatima, I’d love to here it? Otherwise what is the point? To discourage positive behavior?

I fail to see the significance of that practice.

 

[Robert_Burns]

I am not denying that the Church, saints, Doctors of the Church, etc. have taught us about praying the Holy Rosary and the benefits that may accrue from doing so.

However, the Rosary remains a devotion, i.e. a pious private practice that one may follow; it is not a liturgy, i.e. an official public act of worship of the Church. The Church may encourage the Rosary but she doesn’t make it obligatory. Likewise, the Church does not compel us to believe in the apparitions at Fatima.

I for one pray the Rosary but like other posters all I am saying is that it is an optional private devotion. The Church does not compel anyone to recite it and no one else can compel us. You have said that you don’t want to “force” the Rosary on us but the content of your posts contradict that.

Please be honest with us and tell us of your great devotion to the Rosary and to Fatima. But, do not try to compel us to do what the Church does not. We are all free to choose our own devotions. Plus, they must always take second place to the Church’s liturgy.

If my posts support Canonized Saints like St Alphonsus Ligouri for example , Am I contradicting either him or the Church herself that Canonized him? The reason the Church canonizes a Saint is so the Laity in the Church Militant can by his example , conform their will to the teachings and life of that Saint - in short to Emulate him so as to aspire to Sainthood for oneself. So if one glories in their own personal devotion what then is left to be said for those Held up by Holy Mother the Church - whoi have already succceeded in acheiving salvation? If I as a Catholic seek to emulate their life , devotion and practises Am I less than honest? In addition - great devotion to things like Fatima lead to a greater appreciation of the Liturgy. In fact the Five First Saturdays that Our Blessed mother requested is for Mass , Confession , Holy Communion on the First Saturday for five successive months. How would that place the Liturgy in second place if the Blessed Virgin Mary is asking for More than Sunday Mass attendance?

By the same token - the Church doesnt make Holy Communion Obligatory other than One time a Year. Same for Confession. Does that mean its a good idea not to go more frequently? If so - why did St Pope Pius the X recommend more frequent reception of the Blessed Sacrament? My point being - no , its not obligatory but then , since when is doing only the minimum required especially in this day and age a good thing?

Pax

 

[Cecilianus]

I am not denying that the Church, saints, Doctors of the Church, etc. have taught us about praying the Holy Rosary and the benefits that may accrue from doing so.

However, the Rosary remains a devotion, i.e. a pious private practice that one may follow; it is not a liturgy, i.e. an official public act of worship of the Church. The Church may encourage the Rosary but she doesn’t make it obligatory. Likewise, the Church does not compel us to believe in the apparitions at Fatima.

I for one pray the Rosary but like other posters all I am saying is that it is an optional private devotion. The Church does not compel anyone to recite it and no one else can compel us. You have said that you don’t want to “force” the Rosary on us but the content of your posts contradict that.

I liked your post up to here; but I’m going to nitpick on each of the next three sentences.

Please be honest with us and tell us of your great devotion to the Rosary and to Fatima.

Since we obviously all know that one shouldn’t boast of one’s devotion or preferably even talk about it in public, I think what you meant was that it is good for them to praise the Rosary and Fatima and talk about what beautiful and holy devotions they are - much like St. Louis de Montfort did and the Popes have done.

But, do not try to compel us to do what the Church does not. We are all free to choose our own devotions.

Our devotional and spiritual life should be chosen by our spiritual father or spiritual director. For the West, this will almost always mean the Rosary. For the East, it will usually not.

Plus, they must always take second place to the Church’s liturgy.

I don’t think there was ever a conflict between private devotions and the Church’s liturgy, either in the East or in the West. Nor do I think that given the option between daily Rosary and daily Mass it’s necessarily better to choose daily Mass.

 

[Cecilianus]

If my posts support Canonized Saints like St Alphonsus Ligouri for example , Am I contradicting either him or the Church herself that Canonized him? The reason the Church canonizes a Saint is so the Laity in the Church Militant can by his example , conform their will to the teachings and life of that Saint - in short to Emulate him so as to aspire to Sainthood for oneself. So if one glories in their own personal devotion what then is left to be said for those Held up by Holy Mother the Church - whoi have already succceeded in acheiving salvation? If I as a Catholic seek to emulate their life , devotion and practises Am I less than honest? In addition - great devotion to things like Fatima lead to a greater appreciation of the Liturgy. In fact the Five First Saturdays that Our Blessed mother requested is for Mass , Confession , Holy Communion on the First Saturday for five successive months. How would that place the Liturgy in second place if the Blessed Virgin Mary is asking for More than Sunday Mass attendance?

By the same token - the Church doesnt make Holy Communion Obligatory other than One time a Year. Same for Confession. Does that mean its a good idea not to go more frequently? If so - why did St Pope Pius the X recommend more frequent reception of the Blessed Sacrament? My point being - no , its not obligatory but then , since when is doing only the minimum required especially in this day and age a good thing?

Pax

For Eastern Christians it’s not a question of doing less versus more, or doing the minimum versus adding the Rosary, but rather between living out a Western spirituality versus our own Eastern one.

For Western Christians who don’t pray the Rosary, that’s between them and their spiritual director and it’s none of my business to judge.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

If my posts support Canonized Saints like St Alphonsus Ligouri for example , Am I contradicting either him or the Church herself that Canonized him? The reason the Church canonizes a Saint is so the Laity in the Church Militant can by his example , conform their will to the teachings and life of that Saint - in short to Emulate him so as to aspire to Sainthood for oneself. So if one glories in their own personal devotion what then is left to be said for those Held up by Holy Mother the Church - whoi have already succceeded in acheiving salvation? If I as a Catholic seek to emulate their life , devotion and practises Am I less than honest? In addition - great devotion to things like Fatima lead to a greater appreciation of the Liturgy. In fact the Five First Saturdays that Our Blessed mother requested is for Mass , Confession , Holy Communion on the First Saturday for five successive months. How would that place the Liturgy in second place if the Blessed Virgin Mary is asking for More than Sunday Mass attendance?

By the same token - the Church doesnt make Holy Communion Obligatory other than One time a Year. Same for Confession. Does that mean its a good idea not to go more frequently? If so - why did St Pope Pius the X recommend more frequent reception of the Blessed Sacrament? *** My point being - no , its not obligatory but then , since when is doing only the minimum required especially in this day and age a good thing?***Pax

The highlighted portion is the crux of my problem with this whole “debate”, if one can call it that.

I, for one, have no problem whatsoever with anyone who prays the rosary or has a devotion to Fatima. I do not believe that I have ever stated otherwise.

My problem lies with the presumption of some in this forum (and with others whom I know),
that if one does not say the rosary daily or does not have a devotion to Fatima, Parde Pio, etc, that one is only "doing the minimum required".

Quite honestly, I find these types of comments to be rude and counter-productive.

I have no particualr devotion to the rosary or Fatima. I do, however, pray the divine office (OOR, evening & night prayer) daily, attend daily Mass at least 3-4 times per week as my schedule allows and spend 1-1.5 hours a day in prayer in the Ignation tradition.

Is this doing only the "minimum"?

I also probably say the Hail Mary more that someone who prays the rosary daily, because I say it every time I wash my hands.
You see, I work in medical food service, and handwashing is something that I may do
100+ times a day. In the industry, it is suggested that one sings “Happy Birthday” while one is washing their hands so that at least 15 seconds of scrubbing goes by. So I decided that I would say the “Hail Mary” instead. So everytime I was my hands, I offer up a Hail Mary. So I have a great devotion to Mary. It may not be what some here think it should be, but in the end, it really does not matter what anyone else thinks!

And for anyone who wants to say that I am only doing the ***“minimum”, ***I say take the beam out of your own eye before you look for the speck in mine. We are talking about private relationships with God, and I believe even the saints & popes who love the rosary would not be happy with anyone who calls into question someone else’s spirituality or faith because the do or do not do something that the Church holds to be a private devotion.

 

[Cecilianus]

The highlighted portion is the crux of my problem with this whole “debate”, if one can call it that.

I, for one, have no problem whatsoever with anyone who prays the rosary or has a devotion to Fatima. I do not believe that I have ever stated otherwise.

My problem lies with the presumption of some in this forum (and with others whom I know),
that if one does not say the rosary daily or does not have a devotion to Fatima, Parde Pio, etc, that one is only "doing the minimum required".

Quite honestly, I find these types of comments to be rude and counter-productive.

I have no particualr devotion to the rosary or Fatima. I do, however, pray the divine office (OOR, evening & night prayer) daily, attend daily Mass at least 3-4 times per week as my schedule allows and spend 1-1.5 hours a day in prayer in the Ignation tradition.

Is this doing only the "minimum"?

I also probably say the Hail Mary more that someone who prays the rosary daily, because I say it every time I wash my hands.
You see, I work in medical food service, and handwashing is something that I may do
100+ times a day. In the industry, it is suggested that one sings “Happy Birthday” while one is washing their hands so that at least 15 seconds of scrubbing goes by. So I decided that I would say the “Hail Mary” instead. So everytime I was my hands, I offer up a Hail Mary. So I have a great devotion to Mary. It may not be what some here think it should be, but in the end, it really does not matter what anyone else thinks!

And for anyone who wants to say that I am only doing the ***“minimum”, ***I say take the beam out of your own eye before you look for the speck in mine. We are talking about private relationships with God, and I believe even the saints & popes who love the rosary would not be happy with anyone who calls into question someone else’s spirituality or faith because the do or do not do something that the Church holds to be a private devotion.

Historically the Rosary was introduced as a substitute for the Liturgy of the Hours, the same reason the Jesus Prayer was introduced in some Eastern monasteries.

 

[Robert_Burns]

For Eastern Christians it’s not a question of doing less versus more, or doing the minimum versus adding the Rosary, but rather between living out a Western spirituality versus our own Eastern one.

For Western Christians who don’t pray the Rosary, that’s between them and their spiritual director and it’s none of my business to judge.

Well I didnt post this in the Eastern Catholic forum either…

Pax

 

[Robert_Burns]

The highlighted portion is the crux of my problem with this whole “debate”, if one can call it that.

I, for one, have no problem whatsoever with anyone who prays the rosary or has a devotion to Fatima. I do not believe that I have ever stated otherwise.

My problem lies with the presumption of some in this forum (and with others whom I know),
that if one does not say the rosary daily or does not have a devotion to Fatima, Parde Pio, etc, that one is only "doing the minimum required".

Quite honestly, I find these types of comments to be rude and counter-productive.

I have no particualr devotion to the rosary or Fatima. I do, however, pray the divine office (OOR, evening & night prayer) daily, attend daily Mass at least 3-4 times per week as my schedule allows and spend 1-1.5 hours a day in prayer in the Ignation tradition.

Is this doing only the "minimum"?

I also probably say the Hail Mary more that someone who prays the rosary daily, because I say it every time I wash my hands.
You see, I work in medical food service, and handwashing is something that I may do
100+ times a day. In the industry, it is suggested that one sings “Happy Birthday” while one is washing their hands so that at least 15 seconds of scrubbing goes by. So I decided that I would say the “Hail Mary” instead. So everytime I was my hands, I offer up a Hail Mary. So I have a great devotion to Mary. It may not be what some here think it should be, but in the end, it really does not matter what anyone else thinks!

And for anyone who wants to say that I am only doing the ***“minimum”, ***I say take the beam out of your own eye before you look for the speck in mine. We are talking about private relationships with God, and I believe even the saints & popes who love the rosary would not be happy with anyone who calls into question someone else’s spirituality or faith because the do or do not do something that the Church holds to be a private devotion.

Well my problem with this argument lies in the fact that you zero in on one sentence and attempt to twist and change the GIST of the Entire Post by doing so. I spoke about holy Communion and Confession being REQUIRED only ONCE A YEAR. So my question is - IS this a GOOD Practise and before you answer , keep in mind - The CHURCH doesnt think so or it wouldnt Canonize Saints and hold them up as an example for us to follow. That was My point and it was largely ignored by you.

 

[Robert_Burns]

Historically the Rosary was introduced as a substitute for the Liturgy of the Hours, the same reason the Jesus Prayer was introduced in some Eastern monasteries.

The Rosary came from the Marian Psalter which came from the Psalter which came from the divine Office in Praying the 150 Psalms of King David

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Well my problem with this argument lies in the fact that you zero in on one sentence and attempt to twist and change the GIST of the Entire Post by doing so. I spoke about holy Communion and Confession being REQUIRED only ONCE A YEAR. So my question is - IS this a GOOD Practise and before you answer , keep in mind - The CHURCH doesnt think so or it wouldnt Canonize Saints and hold them up as an example for us to follow. That was My point and it was largely ignored by you.

I am talking about the presumption that runs thorough this entire thread.

The Church has minimum requirements that all Catholics must abide by to remain in “good standing”, and many, sadly, do only what is required.

However, that is not what we are talking about here. We are talking about ***PRIVATE DEVOTIONS! ***
You have stated your opinion in this thread more than once regarding the rosary and Fatima. And if this works for you that is fine.
You want to shout from the rooftops that you think the rosary is going to change the world, go ahead.

I do, on rare occaison, offer a rosary for a special intention,
so I do not have any aversion to, nor am I denying that it is not an important tool for helping one to achieve holiness.

Understand though, that no matter what you say, where I am now in my life & spirituality,
I have no desire to foster a devotion to Mary via the Rosary or Fatima.
It does not make me a “bad Catholic” or one who does not want to listen to what saints, popes & doctors of the Church have written.
It makes me someone who has found other ways, by listening and discerning what God wants for me, to foster a devotional and prayer life that is pleasing to God.

Why cannot we just agree to disagree and respect that it is the ***“both/and” ***of our faith that is what makes it awesome!!

 

[LilyM]

I am talking about the presumption that runs thorough this entire thread.

The Church has minimum requirements that all Catholics must abide by to remain in “good standing”, and many, sadly, do only what is required.

However, that is not what we are talking about here. We are talking about ***PRIVATE DEVOTIONS! ***
You have stated your opinion in this thread more than once regarding the rosary and Fatima. And if this works for you that is fine.
You want to shout from the rooftops that you think the rosary is going to change the world, go ahead.

I do, on rare occaison, offer a rosary for a special intention,
so I do not have any aversion to, nor am I denying that it is not an important tool for helping one to achieve holiness.

Understand though, that no matter what you say, where I am now in my life & spirituality,
I have no desire to foster a devotion to Mary via the Rosary or Fatima.
It does not make me a “bad Catholic” or one who does not want to listen to what saints, popes & doctors of the Church have written.
It makes me someone who has found other ways, by listening and discerning what God wants for me, to foster a devotional and prayer life that is pleasing to God.

Why cannot we just agree to disagree and respect that it is the ***“both/and” ***of our faith that is what makes it awesome!!

What makes you think that someone who doesn’t pray the Rosary is in any way more likely to do the ‘minimum’ in regards any aspect of their faith?

I don’t pray the Rosary daily, it’s true.

On the other hand, I DO go to frequent confession, usually fortnightly. I attend Mass several times a week on average rather than once on Sundays as most Catholics do. I pray Liturgy of the Hours and other things. For that matter I spend a lot of time on CAF, which is in itself a spiritual work of mercy and a good faith practice. It teaches me about my faith and sometimes I hope I teach others too.

When you add it all up I probably do as much as most people who pray the Rosary daily, since plenty of them do little else besides. I just focus on other faith practices and devotions than the Rosary.

When you look at Brother David - he doesn’t pray the Rosary but he has chosen to consecrate His life to God in a very special way that 99% of daily Rosary-prayers could never even contemplate, let alone actually go through with.

Who’s daring to say that he is less spiritual than the daily rosary prayers, or less saintly, or in any way doing the ‘minimum’? Again, he is simply focusing on other practices and devotions than the Rosary.