Teach Holy Rosary in other Style

As Catholic the Holy Rosary is one of the basic prayers we have to recite. It is so because it is the best weapon at hand against temptation and attacks of the devil on you and your family. Because of the this is included in the basic catechism. It is a challenge of the catechist or parents on how to instill on the younger generation the importance of Rosary. Younger generations are more attracted to something enjoyable - worldly entertainment. It is rare nowadays the children are attracted to spiritual matters.  

Near the Mabolo Church (St. Joseph Church) we have seen group of kids who are still playing at night. We observed that their attitude, respect and care for their fellow children were unruly, so we decided to befriend them and invite them to visit the Blessed Sacrament. After which we would catechize little by little until we agreed to have schedule for our weekly "lesson".

After our "lesson"

The first thing that we shared to them is the power of prayer. Just like in the Holy Bible, Lot and his family were spared from the Wrath of God not because he was favored by God but because of the unceasing prayer of Abraham. This shows not only the power of prayer but also of intercession.

They [Mabolo kids] have learned to say the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Prayer to the Guardian Angel and the Seal of the Living God. The next step is to teach them the Holy Rosary. We want them not only to know how to recite but also to appreciate and love the Holy Rosary. But this seems to be a big challenge since long prayers no longer appeal to them. We had experiments on how to capture their attentions.

Sis Joy telling the kids the power of prayer

First we shared to them what happens when you say the Rosary. That when you recite one Hail Mary a white flower appears from your mouth and when Our Father is recited a red flower appeared. This will then be collected by the angel and put at the head of Mama Mary. And having finished the Rosary, you have put a wreath of roses at the head of Mama Mary. (read Secret of the Holy Rosary by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort)

The next approach we in introducing the Rosary is telling them its power. How it became a perfect weapon based from the testimonies and diaries of the saints.

Then for them to appreciate it more we shared to them the story of each decade of the Rosary. And why are they included in the mystery. Story because it would be easier for them to remember if you tell it to them in narrative manner.

The last effort we did thru the workshop. We let them make flower out of paper. It is for them to have concrete idea of the flowers that appears from our mouth each time we say the Holy Rosary.

Clyde and Ella making flower our of paper

Ella-chan presenting her first flower

Demo using the flowers made

Out of these approach, the last one is the one is new to me. As I don't have talent in crafts, I also learned from these activity though I am one of the catechist.

To still compete with the with the worldly attractions to guide these kids, we need to be patient with them and be more innovative in our styles. Lastly, pray for them.