The Rosary and Signal Graces

I've written about the Rosary Prayer many times already but I still can't emphasize enough the amazing things that can sometimes result from praying it daily ... especially when an amazing thing happens.

"One day, through the Rosary and the

Scapular, the world will be saved."

‐ Our Lady to St. Dominic

First off, through the consistent and heartfelt recitation of this special prayer, one is drawn into a profound communion with the mysteries of Christ's life and the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This is the Rosary's greatest power.  Then, each bead offered becomes a spiritual lifeline of grace and, with every decade prayed devoutly, Heaven begins responding with signal graces; sometimes even close encounters with the Divine that illuminate the path of conversion, healing, and spiritual growth ... and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary and sacred.

For example, just yesterday morning, while praying the Rosary at the outdoor Marian Shrine at St. John Vianney Church (a hallowed place in Kailua I've also mentioned more than once before), a very deep peace came over me, which was a much-needed respite in the midst of what had been a busy week.  It was truly a blessing ... and what's more was that, at a certain point, I glanced up and saw what appeared to be Our Lady - like a figure of the Virgin of Fatima - in the sky behind the shrine!

Fortunately, despite my cellphone being at low battery and me blindly snapping pics, I managed to capture the Virgin’s figure although hazy.  Still, I'll take it because I'm convinced it was another blessing ... plus, I've witnessed other signs at the St. John Vianney garden shrine.

If one finds this all hard to believe, I completely get it.  Discernment is always needed, but just read the "15 Rosary Promises" given by Our Lady to St. Dominic de Guzman and Bl. Alan de la Roche.  As a matter of fact, the very first promise listed is this:

Whoever shall faithfully serve me

by the recitation of the Rosary, shall

receive signal graces.

And one other thing I've learned from years of praying the Rosary every day - our Blessed Mother always keeps her promises.