by Sr. Barbara Kane, OP
In October, Pope Leo urged all Catholics to pray a Rosary daily for peace. So, the Sisters at the Motherhouse in Great Bend, Kansas, gathered each day to pray. We prayed a combination of the Dominican Rosary and the traditional rosary. I wasn’t familiar with the Dominican Rosary until I came to Great Bend. The website, The Friar, offers this explanation of the Dominican Rosary: “The introduction to the rosary in the Dominican style is more like the start of the Liturgy of the Hours, and indeed its roots are in the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Click here to learn more about how to pray the Dominican Rosary.
Sisters in our infirmary joined us from the chapel balcony while the Motherhouse sisters sat below. We sounded a bit like the Tower of Babel with voices all over the place, but we all patiently waited until everyone said “Amen” before starting the next prayer.
I was most touched by the dedication of our infirmary sisters to praying the Rosary. They remembered every prayer as if it were a part of their DNA. And even though some of them may have trouble following the worship aid, they still know how to pray the Rosary. It was a blessing and lovely to watch.
This month of prayer gave me a new appreciation for the Rosary. It is amazing how this prayer can put one into a state of relaxation and reflection. Each mystery connected me with people experiencing violence and war, as well as joy and blessings. A baby born in a bomb shelter… a mother looking for a lost child… the joy of a crowd during a ceasefire… the presence of a friend…a meal being distributed by an aid organization, and the list is endless. When we pray the mysteries of the Rosary, we also connect with the sorrow and joy experienced by Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the apostles, and the followers because we all experience these emotions. We prayed for an end to war and violence. While it doesn’t appear to have made much difference in the conflicts around the world, it did help us connect with and remember those suffering because of them. It made us aware that many are not as fortunate as we are, and to be more appreciative of the peace we experience here in our Motherhouse. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pray with our sisters and for Pope Leo, who invited us to pray the Rosary. My month of praying the rosary with the sisters renewed my appreciation for the Rosary and the joy of praying in community.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Do you feel called to pray with others as you discern your call? Join us then for an upcoming discernment event, such as our monthly Emmaus Discernment & Prayer Group, our February Zoom and See Retreat (February 27 & 28, 2026), or start a conversation with one of our vocation ministers – it may just lead to your own “Fiat,” just like the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced.
Barbara, Thanks for this. The Dominican way is new to me, and I am glad to be introducted to it. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Maura
Well said, Barb. Thank you for leading us in it each day. Praying the rosary was calming and inspiring.
Knowing that our prayers gave strength and hope to so many who are suffering in all the violence around the world was important. I had just purchased Alice Camille’s book of meditations on the rosary. Her unusual insights brought new perspectives and made praying the rosary a new experience!
During our recent annual retreat here in Mohun with Sr. Francine and Fr. Bob Schremmer we took the closing afternoon to recite a scriptural rosary on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. It so fitted with our retreat theme of Light and the Advent wreathe of four candles of light. Reflecting on each joyful mystery of the rosary and our own lives during the week of silence, prayer, reflection, community and celebration of Eucharist. How much we are to be grateful for the sisters living and deceased as well as family and friends, and retreatants who brought the light of Christ into our lives. Maybe once a month we could recite together one of the mysteries of the rosary for world peace.
Thank you, Barb. It’s always a joy a hear from Great Bend Sisters as there is always a spirit of Community unity that’s inspiring. Having spent many week ends there I know for a fact that living Community Life in unity is real. This praying the Rosary together another example. Thank you for your example for all of us.
Barb, Thank you for your reflection on the Rosary. Since COVID, I too have found the Rosary a meaningful way to calm my mind and connect my spirit to the needs of the world.
The Sisters in Great Bend preach with their lives!