June 8, 201214 yr Even this article references the gang related symbolism. What in the rosary is gang related? It's intent, not sure how or why a gang would wear a rosary as one of their symbol. There was also a 6 grade girl this past fall, I think in Nebraska that had the same issue, the school said it was a gang symbol. So, if gangs start wearing scapulars, will schools try to ban them too? It's rediculous that anything a gang wears others can't wear. Edited June 8, 201214 yr by SportsGuy41017
June 8, 201214 yr "Those who openly wear the Holy Rosary out of devotion and to set a good example may gain one hundred days' indulgence." - Secret of the Rosary
June 8, 201214 yr "Those who openly wear the Holy Rosary out of devotion and to set a good example may gain one hundred days' indulgence." - Secret of the Rosary In certain religious orders, you'll see it hanging from the belt; the habits of the Carmelites come to my mind instantly. That one is pretty common. I've never really seen it worn as a necklace but I'm with you; I don't see anything overtly sacrilegious about it. In fact, I've never seen anything definitive about it and the closest thing I can find to instruction is the Canon on treating sacramentals with reverence, which isn't very specific. I think there are various ways in which a rosary could be worn as a necklace and as long as it's done respectfully I don't see a problem with it.
June 8, 201214 yr Nuns and clergy do NOT wear the rosary as a necklace. That is sacrilegious. Not trying to correct you, but that's not particularly accurate. St. Alphonsus Liguori was well documented for wearing a rosary around his neck...as are many of the current members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, which he founded. St. Martin de Porres, a Dominican priest, was also known to wear a rosary around his neck. The Rosary is considered by the Roman Catholic Church to be a sacramental - a sacred symbol that reminds Catholics of the sacraments and things of higher purpose. Rosaries, scapulars, crucifixes, Advent candles, holy statues, the stations of the cross, genuflecting, making the sign of the cross, holy water, fasting...they are all sacramentals. Many of these sacramentals are not associated with official "how to's". There is no official location for putting a holy statue. There is no list of places where you can and cannot genuflect. They are subject to personal use and intent. The rights or wrongs of wearing a rosary around your neck is completely dependent on your purpose for doing so. A good friend of mine is a US Airborne Ranger and a practicing Catholic, and he had my mother make him a knotted cord rosary specifically to wear around his neck while he was deployed. He asked her to size it to fit around his head so he could keep it with him at all times in the field. The knotted-cord construction would prevent the rosary from having metal or beads to make noise against his dog tags while he was out on operations. My uncle, a devout Catholic, also wore a rosary on his neck through his entire deployment in Vietnam. I don't see how these examples could be called any kind of sacrilege. On the other hand, if a rosary is worn simply as a piece of jewelry, or perhaps even worse as a sign of gang membership, then by all means, yes, that is sacrilege.
June 9, 201214 yr "The Boss" while she doesn't wear the rosary, her rosary is always near her, even at bedtime. I kid her that she is always praying for me and she answers me right back with, that indeed she is, as someone need to!
June 12, 201214 yr Wearing a Rosary is not illegal, nor is it disallowed under the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That said, we should remember that there are many acts which, though permitted, are a matter of conscience. A Rosary is a sacramental prayer aid, which has, as it's true purpose, the recitation of prayers. We offer up prayers of petition, adoration and thanksgiving to God, in union with, and in honor of The Blessed Virgin Mary. It isn't forbidden to wear a Rosary, but it isn't usually the best choice. If you wear a Rosary, maybe you could wear it such that it isn't displayed openly. Some people feel a closeness to The Blessed Mother by wearing this sacramental. Others wear it to keep it handy for prayer. That seems fine too. But if you're wearing a Rosary to display your faith, you might think about wearing a crucifix, Miraculous Medal, or a saint's medal instead. When thinking about wearing a Rosary, look for justification not from outward sources, but from within. If you're wearing it for right and just reasons, then by all means keep doing so. Just be aware that Rosaries have, sadly, become a universal symbol for gang membership. Your good intentions of sharing the faith could be misinterpreted -- especially if you could be mistaken for a gang member. You have to think about who you are, how you dress and where you plan to wear the Rosary. It's not just a matter of reverence and respect for God and The Blessed Virgin. These days, it's become a safety issue as well. Wear your Rosary if you like; but ask yourself this: Am I wearing this because of how it makes me look...or how it makes me feel?
June 12, 201214 yr Whatever happened to gangsters wearing those silly NASCAR jackets? Can't they go back to that?
June 12, 201214 yr Straight Outta Confession (Can someone explain this to Cooperstown.) Nuns With Attitudes (this may need explained as well)
June 12, 201214 yr Nuns With Attitudes (this may need explained as well) Well done, my man. Well done.
June 12, 201214 yr I often work the Cathedral's Soup Kitchen and many of the homeless people will wear them, not sure why. Being that many of the people we serve are not mentally stable, it would not surprise me if several of those who wear them do not even know what they mean.
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