APPENDIX 7
THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY
- This is an association that unites into one great family
the faithful who undertake to recite the fifteen decades of the Rosary
at least once a week. Membership of a family implies a sharing among
the members. Those who join the Rosary Confraternity are invited to
place in Our Lady's hands not only their rosaries, but the value of all
their works, sufferings and prayers, to be distributed as seems best to
her among the other members and for the needs of the Church. The
Confraternity was founded by the Dominican Alan de la Roche in the year
1470. Its promotion is a special responsibility of the Dominican
family. For this reason all those inscribed become sharers in the
spiritual benefits of the Order.
- The fact that St. Louis-Marie de Montfort was not only a
member of the Confraternity, but devoted himself ardently to its
propagation, should be a headline for legionaries. The following
interesting document is still in existence: "We, the Provincial of the
Order of Preachers (Dominicans), do certify and declare that
Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, Brother of our Third Order, preaches
everywhere and with much zeal, edification, and fruit, the
Confraternity of the Rosary in all the Missions which he gives
continually in the towns and country places."
- In order to join, one's full name must be enrolled on the
register in a Church where the Confraternity has been established. To
obtain the many indulgences and privileges of membership it is
necessary to meditate on the mysteries as best one can while reciting
the prayers. It was St. Louis-Marie de Montfort who said that
"meditation is the soul of the Rosary."
The obligation to recite the fifteen decades at least once a week does
not bind under sin. The ordinary daily Rosary more than fulfils. The
entire Rosary need not be said together; the decades may be recited one
or more at a time according to convenience. There is no obligatory
meeting or subscription.
- Some of the advantages of the Confraternity are as
follows:-
(a)The special protection of Our Lady, Queen of the Rosary;
(b)a share in all the good works and spiritual benefits of the members
of the Dominican Order and of the Rosary Confraternity, the world over;
(c)a share, after death, in the prayers and suffrages offered by the
same for the dead;
a plenary indulgence may be gained on the day of enrolment, on the
feasts of Christmas, Easter, Annunciation (the Incarnation of the
Lord), Assumption, Our Lady of the Rosary, Immaculate Conception,
Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple.
- Apart from indulgences to be gained as members of the above
Confraternity, a plenary indulgence is attached to five decades of the
Rosary said while meditating upon the mysteries at the one time in a
church or public oratory, or with a family, or in a religious
community, or at a meeting of a pious association (which would include
the Legion). A partial indulgence is attached to its recital in other
circumstances.
The conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence are:
(a) Sacramental confession - the one confession will satisfy for the
gaining of several indulgences;
(b) Holy Communion - to be received each time one wishes to gain a
plenary indulgence;
(c) Prayer for Pope's intentions - one Pater and Ave or any other
prayer according to liking, will satisfy the condition. The prayers are
to be repeated for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.
(d) It is required also that one be free from any affection for sin,
even for venial sin.