What should I do about this rosary?

[Aurelia]

Many years ago, when I was about eight years old, my father bought a used car. When he brought it home we found a beautiful crystal rosary in the glove compartment. I wanted him to return it to the dealership so they could trace the ownership of the car and give the rosary back. My dad didn’t think this was necessary, and so for the next 40 years or so the rosary was kept in a drawer in my parents’ house. Now they’ve both passed away, and when I was cleaning out the house, I came across the rosary again and took it home. My question is, can I use this rosary?
Should I have it blessed? (I don’t know if it was ever blessed or not.) Should I make a donation to charity as a form of restitution? Any opinions?

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

I would recommend having it blest and using it or giving it away.

You may want to pray a rosary (or more than one) for the prior owners of the rosary in thanksgiving for their gift (even if they did not intend it back then, that it what is became.)

 

[wyldbby]

I think you can do whatever you want with it! You didn’t steal it! Maybe the owners left it in the car for someone else to find!

This made me think of an incident that happened to me. I was very upset over a lost prayercard/medal that I had intended as a gift for my Aunt. I felt it was very special, as we both share a devotion to St. Therese. I told my aunt about the card and that I was upset about losing it and her answer surprised me! She said that St. Therese probably put herself in the hands of someone who needed her more that my aunt did! Maybe the same has happened in your case. Maybe Mary has put this rosary in your hands for some reason.

Pray about it and you will know what to do with it!

 

[Bud_Stewart]

Please use the Rosary, which is its purpose. Think of as a gift from its original owner to you. When I loose something, (I once lost a chain and some medallions), I consoled myself with the thought that the finder was enjoying this newfound thing. If the Rosary is not used then it was truly lost. If you cannot use it yourself then give it to someone who will, perhaps someone new to the church or a child at his or her First Holy Eucharist.

 

[JCPhoenix]

I think you should either keep it and have it blessed, or have it blessed and give it to someone who needs it.

When I was in high school, we had a family friend who went to Medjugourgie (sp?) and purchased rosaries for people she knew. Mine was a beautiful crystal one…made all the more special by its origin and the fact that it had been blessed in Medjugorugie.

I kept it in the pocket of my jacket, even though I didn’t pray the rosary very often. Well, one day I realized it was gone, and all I could think is that it must have fallen out of my pocket at a school football game.

I’ve always prayed that someone found it and gave it a “home”. Maybe the prior owner of your rosary felt the same way!

What you have is a special gift.

 

[DrCat]

Definitely have it blessed and use it.

Most people I know clean out their cars before having them sold. So it it was still in the car either the owners wanted to leave it there (I have deliberately left crucifixes and rosaries in the cars I have sold so the new owners could use them) or Our Mother wanted you to have it. Maybe it is so you can pray for the original owners - they may have great need of prayer at this time. Regardless of the reason, don’t feel guilty about having it. You told your father to return it. There is little else you could have done.

So, have it blessed, pray it daily, and include the original owners in your intentions.

Just my :twocents: :twocents:

John

 

[Joanna]

I think all the responses thus far are right on. I do like your idea of making an offering as restitution (poor box). I remember a talk given by Barbara Schlemon. She witnessed how many of the prayers for their healing ministry seemed without an answer until they prayed for the souls of the people now deceased who were somehow involved. (Their involvement is another story in itself.) Can’t hurt.