One Sunday evening during dinner, after exchanging understanding glances with my dad, my mom simply said to my brother, my sister and me, “I’d like to start praying the rosary together as a family.”
Being the impatient 10-year old that I was, I couldn’t help but groan internally. As far as I was concerned, the rosary was a time for my brain to take a nice, long nap. Reluctantly, I said yes to reciting the rosary with them. And yet, unknowingly, I had just said yes to what was to become one of the most powerful influences in my life.
Every Sunday evening, we pray the rosary together. It was awkward and uneasy at first, but as the months went on, we were beginning to understand the significance of the mysteries and the prayers.
Stressing over exams? Pray the rosary. Going on a road trip? Pray the rosary. Fighting with friends? Losing a loved one to cancer? Forgetting to keep God at the centre? Pray the rosary.
Throughout the years, this act opened up many new doors. It forced us to ask new questions, seek new answers. We were forced to question why we were even praying it in the first place.
We found that the answer was to exalt God, to honour Mary, to be sanctified and to obtain salvation for souls. We learned that devoting this special time to prayer pleased God and increased our faith. We grew closer in our trust, understanding and love for each other.
We eventually wanted to become more involved in the Church to do more for God. I think that every major step we’ve taken in our faith lives has stemmed from praying the rosary and, of course, the Sacraments.
My mom and sister joined the Legion of Mary at our parish. My dad joined the Knights of Columbus. My brother, despite being swamped with a heavy university workload, still does his part by openly praying the rosary on the train. I became involved in youth ministries, both as a participant and a leader.
Whenever we’re all together, during meals, in the car or during rosary time, we often discuss the faith.
These are just a few examples of how, ever since we started praying the rosary, we have been blessed abundantly and inspired by the Holy Spirit to do more for the glory of God.
Of course, there are still a few times when I dread those 20 minutes of repetitive prayer. There are times when my mind wanders and there are times when I can’t process the words that I’m speaking. It’s not easy, but prayer is not meant to be easy. It’s meant to build our relationship with God. And as with any relationships, it takes constant effort to keep it strong.
(Gamboa, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Markville Secondary School in Markham, Ont.)