Wearing Rosaries, Taize Prayer, and Spiritual Direction

Father Josh answers questions about wearing rosaries, taize prayer, and spiritual direction.

Is it sacrilegious to wear a rosary? Is a rosary without a crucifix still a rosary? Should Catholics engage in Taize prayer, or is Taize prayer a new age practice? Lastly, what’s the difference between spiritual direction and pastoral counseling?

Snippet from the Show
Spiritual direction is the art of leading souls progressively from the beginning of the spiritual life to the heights of Christian perfection.

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (2:40)

Listener Feedback (6:08)

*Wearing Rosaries (9:03)
*
Hi, Father Josh!
I've been listening to your podcast for some time now and first wanted to thank you so much for the good work you do. There really is no-one out there doing this type of podcast and I'm so thankful that I'm able to tune in weekly and get your insight on so many topics!!
I had a twofold question regarding rosaries. One of my hobbies is making rosaries. I restore and use antique crucifixes and centerpieces and do all the wire work by hand. As you can imagine, much time and love goes into each one! I am part of a rosary making group on Facebook and some of the things I see in there make me question what I had been taught about the rosary itself. Firstly, I was always taught that you should NEVER wear a rosary like jewelry, as the rosary is a tool for prayer and not something to be worn and made a spectacle of. Similarly a rosary is not a car ornament and should not be hung from a rear view mirror like a pair of fuzzy dice. Was I taught properly or am I being too uptight? Secondly, I was taught that rosaries MUST have a crucifix, not just a cross. Is this true?
Thank you so much in advance for your time!!!

• VeiledInLove

Taize Prayer (13:21)

Hi Fr. Josh - I’m really glad I found your podcast a couple of months ago. I really appreciate how you handle questions from both the head and the heart. My question is about Taize prayer. In college I attended some ecumenical Taize prayer services and found this type of meditative prayer through beautiful songs to be very moving. I’ve thought about asking to coordinate a service through music ministry at my parish, but I’ve never really been sure about the theology behind Taize - it does seem a bit “new age-y” and I know it has some Protestant origins, but I also don’t know that there’s anything wrong with it. Does the Catholic Church have an official perspective on Taize prayer? Is Taize a theologically sound way for us to pray?

• Sam

Spiritual Direction (18:45)

Hi Fr. Josh,
I, as many others, listen to your podcast and appreciate all the time and effort you put into your podcasts. Your desire to become a saint and help others along their journey is truly inspiring. In listening to a recent episode, I heard you were taking questions for a possible discernment themed episode. This is one that I feel is not talked about enough when in regards to discernment. I have recently been discerning the call to the sisterhood. I have been able to get involved in one of the Little Sisters of the Poor's homes where I live. It has been such a blessing and helped me open my heart more to the Father's will. I recently have felt called to enter into spiritual direction, however, I have never gone before. How does someone begin spiritual direction? Would it be better to do it with a sister or a priest? Are only certain religious able to offer spiritual direction? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! May Peace be with you.

• Sarah

Resources
Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh
Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to receive weekly emails for Fr. Josh’s podcast
1 Corinthians 10:31
Cardinal Sarah’s The Power of Silence
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Sirah 32:18-19
The Three Ages of the Interior Life - Volume 1 by Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange (pg. 256-264)
The Theology of Christian Perfection (pg. 593-614)

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