The Role of the Rosary in Spiritual Tradition

The rosary serves as a significant form of devotion within the Christian tradition, particularly emphasized by the Dominicans who actively promoted its practice beginning in the 15th century. Historically, the development of the rosary arose from the merging of the prayer traditions of literate and illiterate Christians, where the 150 psalms were transformed into the 150 Hail Marys through their division into decades. The Dominicans played a pivotal role in this transformation, with figures like Blessed Alan de la Roche credited for further enhancing the devotion. This rich history showcases the rosary as not just a personal prayer but a communal activity that fosters a deeper connection to Marian devotion within the Church.