Wearing/Carrying Rosaries

[Caedmon]

We've all seen celebrities use and abuse rosaries as jewelry and such, but that's not really what I want to discuss here. Instead, I want to talk about the practical issue of having a rosary close at hand, both for the devotional practice itself and as a reminder of God's presence and closeness to us. I've seen Catholic religious, as well as people of other faiths, carry their prayer beads on their persons, whether that's on the belt (large Franciscan rosaries), around the wrist (Buddhist mala beads or rosary bracelets), around the neck (wearable rosaries), etc.

My point of discussion is whether it would be an acceptable practice. To be transparent, I support this practice, although I'm aware of opinions to the contrary. My major reasoning is that I've never heard an official statement prohibiting it. And if practicing Catholics with a healthy understanding of the faith and religious devotion wish to keep these sacramentals close to their persons by carrying or wearing them, and not as vain jewelry mind you, why should they not be allowed to do so? Is this a matter of official proclamation, or a matter of personal practice? Discuss.

 

[hawko]

I've never heard of anything saying that you can't do this, so if you want to express your faith like this, then go ahead. I suppose that it would be the same as wearing a religious medal or a scapular around your neck. I always keep my rosaries close by, but I keep them in a rosary case , so I can keep them in my pocket.

 

[isabella1]

I have been searching all over for a church doc. that I thought I read a couple years ago about the rosary, and cant find it now. What I remember reading is that we can not wear a rosary as a necklace for jewelry purposes. But I am not sure now, because I can't find it.

I always have a rosary in my pocket, and if I don't have a pocket, it is sometimes hanging over the side of my skirt or pants at the waistline, more tucked in than out. I also have one hanging in my car over the rear view mirror. Because it is easy for me to access when I drive, while I say the rosary on my commutes.

I happen to make rosary bracelets as gifts for people. I have not heard of this being wrong.

 

[Pogue]

I wouldn't think there'd be anything wrong with keeping Rosaries close to you, but there is always the danger of wearing them for the wrong reasons. I was always warned as a child (by scary nuns) that Rosary beads should never be treated as jewellary, and it's possible that when you carry Rosary beads around with you, you are doing it to make a point- perhaps to provoke discussion, to show everyone that you're a Catholic, or for any number of other reasons. As long as you're only doing it to keep them as a reminder, and they are a symbol of your personal faith, I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

 

[MrJim]

I was told sometime back that wearing wasn't right so I keep in my pocket, though wearing would prevent the tangling issue~I also have one on the dash of my work van

<<pssst~don't tell my pastor >>

 

[isabella1]

I was told sometime back that wearing wasn't right so I keep in my pocket, though wearing would prevent the tangling issue~I also have one on the dash of my work van

<<pssst~don't tell my pastor >>

Not a peep MrJim He He.

 

[Michie]

It depends on the culture. In Haiti theirs are worn & it is encouraged. Its a sign of hope for them & a reminder to prayer.

If I wear one, it's under my clothing, like when I'm at the nursing Home, etc. But everyday situations, usually it's in pocket or purse.

 

[WarriorAngel]

I wear mine when i am cleaning but praying...
Sort of use my neck as a hand [so to speak] and i dont wear it as jewelry in public.

I am sure if you wore it descreetly it wouldnt be for show but for rememberance to pray. Like under a shirt or something.
But i keep mine in my purse, or somewhere nearby. SO in leiu of a pocket, wallet or purse... it is probably ok to have it around the neck [not seen]

I have like 3 or so...

 

[Rhamiel]

i keep a rosary in my pocket, i know some people who wear them, for me that would be like showing off so I do not do it but to other it is more of a gentle reminder of God, so if you can keep that mind set then wear a rosary, if not then don't.