Why the Rosary is a great prayer to pray with children

By Harry Marston

Even amongst lapsed Catholics, Rosary beads tend to be a feature in family homes. They seem to be a sign that, “We are a Catholic family”. In films and popular culture, Rosary beads tend to be a way to show somebody’s identity as being Catholic. Amongst the explosion of Faith amongst Gen Z, again the Rosary holds a prominent position. Since 2016, it is estimated that the attendance increase at Rosary rallies has been more than 1000%. I was fortunate to attend the Rosary Crusade this year; thousands of people processed from Westminster Cathedral, passing landmarks such as Harrods, to the Brompton Oratory. It was a goosebump-inducing experience where thousands of people made a proud public demonstration of love for Our Blessed Mother and her Rosary. 

This seems to be happening about the exposed and loud world but what about the safe, enclosed sanctuaries that are our Catholic Primary Schools? Four years ago, I started a ‘Rosary Club’ each Monday and Friday break times. Despite being greatly more popular during cold and rainy break times (!), generally the club remains well attended. We pray a decade of the Rosary, sometimes led by myself and sometimes by a child. 

Over the years, I have wondered why it is so popular, why children would give up their break time to pray. The Rosary is a very accessible way of praying, repetition enables those who struggle to read to memorise the prayers and it allows time to reflect whilst churning out Hail Marys. Another reason, often overlooked, is the beads themselves. Ultimately, children have something to fiddle with. And for me, there is no better fidget tool than one which will ensure ‘special protection and the greatest graces’.