1) It is no more “necessary” to pray the Rosary while on this earthly journey of ours, THAN IT IS “NECESSARY” TO HAVE ICING (or frosting) ON YOUR CAKE. The only thing (necessary) is to trust in JESUS as your Savior. Follow whatever means He leads you personally. (through His wisdom, given to Him by The Father, and to you by the inklings of The Holy Spirit) AND continue in that guided spirit until which time He decides you are ready for the transformation from this life of time to your LIFE OF ETERNITY.
2) WHAT DOES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACH? (This seems to be a viable question, as it seems “they” are credited with, or criticized for, this series of prayers coming into popularity)
Having spoken to numerous Priests of the Catholic Church about the “praying of the rosary” NOT ONE HAS BEEN FOUND to say it is “Necessary” to pray the rosary to “Get to Heaven”. Although close to 100% of the Roman Catholic Priests do believe that praying the Rosary is an enlightening means of beckoning the Graces of Heaven, to not only take root within the injured soul, it is an efficient method of maintaining the necessary Virtue of Humility needed for continued spiritual growth.
In my lengthy conversations (and not being one that gives up easily, as am reasonably sure several of the Priests and Ministers spoken with wished would be the case) It has been expressed to me that in my situation (that of an extremely sinful life) it is not uncommon for a human to feel unworthy to approach such a Holy God directly as we should. (because of our pride having finally received a decent dose of the first gift of the Holy Spirit, “Fear of the Lord“)
In that situation, we find it much more palatable to go crying to our (or a) Mother. And that (this particular Mother Mary) has no other goal then to lead (me and) all of Gods human creations to the life of eternal bliss, as God has given her. (Every minister of every denomination ever spoken with on this subject, has reassured me that she (Mary), just as any “good Christian”, would have no other goal ) You may wish to also read ( the misnomer of worshipping Mary )
3) If praying the rosary is not “right for you” don’t do it. (or at least maybe not as your main devotion) While many have come to relish in the hours we spend speaking with Our Lord and, depending on the direction of the meditation, envision Mary at His side in the company of all the other Saints and the Angels, DON’T FEEL Left Out. this can only cause jealousy which all too easily leads to malice. GOD may be leading you to some other wonderful charisma. (for further thought read Do YOU call the Virgin Mary Blessed? )
(Someday the time may be taken to rewrite the following paragraph but for now this is faster)
We are all to be members of the same body (Holy Family if You will) and somewhere in the holy words of the bible there is something about this (Sorry paraphrased and will look for the chapter and verse someday) “should the foot be envious of the hand or the hand envious of the eye”.
(OK the verse has been found, which was stuck in my head and here it is.( 1Corinthians Chapter 12: 14-17 ).. my “paraphrasing” was off but you can judge for yourself as to the interpretation.
My own story (or one of them) about the Rosary
It must be confessed. (somewhere around 25yrs ago) At one point (in my formation if you will) the rosary had been prayed each day for several weeks . A strong feeling came about of misdirecting my prayers, and not properly calculating that distinct line between honor and worship. and that of being too drawn to Mary Mother of Jesus.
This feeling or fear came about because of far too many wonderful changes in my life and in the life’s of others near me, in such a short period of time. (mostly in the form of: desires for those things that are Holy – compromise where inherent pride existed – cleanliness where filth abode – visible caring where tolerance was the norm – and some of what could be and maybe should be called miraculous healings). In my heart it was known, that such good is from GOD and GOD alone.
A feeling had developed, presenting itself as a Just Fear of Jesus being insulted by me constantly talking to His mother and no longer being as intent on my normal charismatic methods of worship. which always produced “feelings of holiness” but never before such tangible results (or graces).
Being quite bothered, with this spiritual dilemma the only safe thing to do was drop the rosary prayer from my diet. And THAT is what was done, (with the exception of the Our Father and the Glory Be and of course running across many of the mysteries while meditating on biblical writings) To which charismatic prayer once again become the norm, although prayer was now directed to the Holy Spirit….. ,
After about 30 days, which by then was the conclusion of a 9 day fast for the coming of the Holy Spirit ( or discernment ) , actions known as a Novena (This is am not suggesting this for anyone, without consulting a physician) . The following homemade prayer came to me and now (in my later years) it is dared, to share it with you.
It is also the second half of the 20 Second Opening Statement (or Track 1 of 25) of the Rosaryoncd prior to getting directly into the Praying of the Rosary ***( audio EXAMPLE of this prayer )***
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..
Amen..
May the Blessed Virgin lead you to her Son,
May Jesus Lead you to His Father,
May you Live in Eternal Bliss with the Saints and Angels, Praising HIM FOREVER..
Amen.