17. Why ten Hail Marys and only one Our Father in each decade of
the Rosary?
This question has the implication that if we say ten Hail Marys to
one our Father, then we must be honoring Mary ten times as much as God!
First, the heart of the Rosary is not the vocal prayers, but the meditation
on the mysteries of the Rosary. And these mysteries focus upon Jesus
Christ. Second, the Hail Mary itself focuses on Mary's relationship to
Christ. The first part comes directly from the Bible (the words addressed
to Mary by Gabriel and Elizabeth) and the second part asks Mary to pray for
us to God. We honor Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus Christ and
because she will bring us closer to Jesus.
We invite your questions on Mary.
Send them to Father at the Association.
The questions and responses 1-20 come from Catholic Home Study Service,
Rev. Oscar Lukefahr, C.M., Director. If you would like to enroll in a
free course of instruction in the Catholic faith, check out the
Catholic Home Study Service.
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