What is the Holy Rosary?

"The Rosary, my son, is a prayer that is very pleasing to our Holy Mother Mary," said St Josemaria Escriva to a young man who asked him about the meaning of the Rosary.

"It has been part of Catholic life for many centuries. At the same time, it's a meditation on all the mysteries, or many of them, in the lives of our Lord and his Mother. So I recommend it with all my heart.

"It's a prayer that all families can say. But don't oblige small children to say the Rosary. Mom can take them apart and say three Hail Marys with them, and that's all. Dont oblige older children to say the Rosary either. If they want to say it with everyone, fine, but if not, let them be, and they'll come. OK? It has to be voluntary.

"When I was in Portugal I went to see a friend of mine whom I love very much. It's her fault that Opus Dei has been working in Portugal for so many years! She is the only seer still alive... Don't come to me with visions, OK? Ordinary life! Ordinary life, but lived as contemplatives, is what I want for you.

"It was Sor Lucia. It was great hearing her talk about the Rosary. She didn't say anything new. She tried to fill up our car with cards and leaflets about how to say the Rosary. And I just laughed, because I love her a lot, I've known her for years.

"I told you that to remind you that in many places, our Lady is shining spotlights of love, wherever the Rosary is prayed. Say the Rosary in your homes, which are also spotlights of love, human love that is noble and holy, that I bless, like the love of my parents! Husbands and wives, love each other! And spotlights of divine love, devotion to our Lady, who leads us to her Son."