According to tradition, the rosary was presented through an apparition of Our Lady to Saint Dominic following three days of his prayer and fasting, seeking guidance to confront rampant heresy he encountered while travelling in southern France. The Virgin Mary told Dominic to pray the Marian Psalter comprising 150 Hail Mary prayers divided into groups of ten by Our Father prayers. Prayer beads were used to keep track of the prayers. Mary revealed to Dominic those mysteries he should preach, corresponding to the Psalter prayers, which told stories from Christ’s life that contradicted the heresy. Dominic proved to be more successful in his preaching and conversions than other clergy.
Today, the Dominican friars continue to wear the rosary as part of their habit. Knights traditionally scabbarded their swords on the left hip, and, similar to knights, the friars wear the rosary on the left hip symbolizing the rosary is one’s protection and weapon against evil. Another way to help build Catholic identity in our troops is for Trailmen to wear the rosary, like the Dominicans, on the left hip. Troops or patrols are encouraged to pray the rosary daily at Trail Life events. In addition, commemorating the Hour of Mercy, which according to Saint Faustina Kowalska’s diary is the time of the death of Jesus, the troop or patrol can pause at three o’clock in the afternoon to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
The image below shows a kneeling Trailman wearing the rosary on his left hip. Also shown is a custom rosary designed with a Trail Life medal. To help Catholic troops promote the rosary as a regular part of the formal Trail Life uniform, below is a link to a uniform inspection sheet with bonus points for wearing the rosary while in uniform.
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