Is it ok to wear rosary beads as a necklace?

[caroljm36]

My husband gave me my first rosary. It's pretty and fits right over my head without need for clasping. I've seen nuns wear them but I'm no nun--is it lame or pharisitical to wear these like a cross? I'm a fairly new Catholic and do not know these things.

[Fidelis]

Originally Posted by caroljm36

My husband gave me my first rosary. It's pretty and fits right over my head without need for clasping. I've seen nuns wear them but I'm no nun--is it lame or pharisitical to wear these like a cross? I'm a fairly new Catholic and do not know these things.

I understand among youngsters it is somewhat of a fashion fad these days, but I get the impression most of them do not actually use it for what it is intended for. I'm presuming the nuns you saw do.

If you're around that age group, I guess it's not totally lame to wear it (no worse than hanging it from your car mirror). But in my opinion someone who wears one and doesn't use it to pray, while not necessarily being sacreligious (since you can't read their heart), is nonetheless entirely missing the point.

If you don't know how to pray the Rosary, here's a helpful link.

http://www.catholicity.com/prayersdevotions/rosary.html

[SaintJVMan]

Its not forbidden, but if you want a crucifix just buy one.

[Scott Waddell]

As long as you respect it as a sacramental, and not a piece of jewelry, you can wear it around the neck. However, beware of showy piety. Perhaps wear it on the inside of clothing, much like Our Lord said to pray in secret.


Scott

[caroljm36]

No I'm not a kid and I don't like people wearing them for show either, that's why I asked.

Actually my cross does not show when I wear it and I would wear the rosary next to my heart also. But the general drift I get is that it is not proper, so I won't.

[SeekerJen]

Originally Posted by caroljm36

No I'm not a kid and I don't like people wearing them for show either, that's why I asked.

Actually my cross does not show when I wear it and I would wear the rosary next to my heart also. But the general drift I get is that it is not proper, so I won't.

See, I think it's fine and proper to wear rosary beads the way you have described. You wouldn't be showing any disrespect. And if you wore them under your shirt, no one else is going to know so who cares what they think?

Like everyone else, my problem is with people like Madonna and Britney Spears (and the millions of young girls who idolize them) wearing the rosaries as a fashion accessory to their otherwise immoral outfits/performances. What a way to turn one of our most beloved sacramentals into something cheap and tawdry.

[Trelow]

I'd ask in the AA forum.
Personally I have no clue.

[Sir Knight]

I've read pamphets on the rosary which quoted the Blessed Mother as saying to pray it often because it is a powerful tool against the devil and to even wear it around one's neck. These pamphets were printed with Bishops' approval.

[NightRider]

My original home parish is Dominican and all the priests wear huge Rosaries attached to their belts around their robes. Whenever I wore my Rosary and it was showing they would always comment on it and how happy they were to see me wearing my Rosary, which made me feel really good. I wasn't wearing it for show, rather it was for prayer, of course. So, in answer to your query, yes! it is ok to wear your Rosary!

[tru_dvotion]

[quote]

Originally Posted by NightRider

My original home parish is Dominican and all the priests wear huge Rosaries attached to their belts around their robes.

In other words, everybody knows they are not making a fashion statement. As a lay person though, and because there are people who are using it as an accessory, I personally would not want to scandalize anyone with "wearing it" out in public. We have pockets and purses and briefcases to carry a rosary around, and even without one... God gave us ten fingers... so we can always pray the rosary even without our beads.

[Deacon Tony560]

At the prison that I minister in, some ladies wear the rosary because it gives them a little hope in the depressed environment that they are in. They unite their fears to Jesus and Our Blessed Lady. Many, especially first time offenders, live in constant fear of the more seasoned inmates. There is no separation of offenders in our facility. They have those in for violent offenses in with those doing time for violation of parole.

God Bless,
Deacon Tony SFO

[Theodora]

Just my 2 cents worth. This week I was at Wal Mart and very prominently displayed in the main island I saw a rack of books titled in large letters Rosary. I was pleasantly surprised to see the books and picked one up. I noticed the very nice colorful depictions of the Mysteries, including the new Mysteries of Light. The book size is about 2-1/2" by 4" and sells for less thab $4.

[Peacemonger]

I think it would be fine as long as it were for the right reasons...keeps your mind on God; reminds you to pray...

But I did read where the Pope was critical of those who wear cricifixes as jewelry, you know...the Hollywood types who never step in a church.

[sparkle]

I've wondered the exact same thing, because Rosaries are so beautiful!!!! and they'd make a gorgeous necklace wouldn't they?

But I feel the answer is NO, it is NOT proper. I however, have several and they're around my house over an icon or something on the wall. I have always loved Rosaries and have had many even before I ever thought of becoming Catholic. God must have known!!!!
I said my first Rosary last week, and hope to go back tomorrow!!!! It was really thrilling and very powerful!!!!! I so love to see all the little ladies taking all different beautiful ones out of their little pouches------such devotion!!!

Look on the EWTN site and click on Religious Catalogue--then Rosaries--they've got tons!!! I just ordered one yesterday.

God Bless Friends~

[puzzleannie]

no, we spend a great deal of time correcting our children who immediately want to put their new rosary around their neck, and making them take it off for first communion. it belongs in your pocket so it is handy for prayer, it is not an ornament, but a tool