It’s been more than 100 years since Our Lady appeared at Fatima with this critical message: “Pray the Rosary every day in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.”
Certainly the need for peace in the world is as important now as it was then. But why the Rosary? Lucia, one of the three children who saw the Blessed Virgin, thought that it was because the Rosary is such an accessible prayer:
Even though the Rosary is so accessible and Our Lady asked us to pray it daily, it’s not always easy to do. Making time for this devotion is even harder with little kids running around!
If you’d like to make the Rosary part of your daily routine, try one of these suggestions that focus on ways to engage kids. Praying this traditional devotion honors Our Lady, not only on her Fatima feast day today, but every day of the year.
1 Make it part of your bedtime routine
Many Catholics like to pray the Rosary as they are getting ready for bed. Some parents find that praying it aloud is a soothing way to help little ones drift off to sleep. And if you fall asleep praying the Rosary, your Guardian Angel can finish it for you.
2 Pray in the car
Praying the Rosary takes about 15 minutes. So anytime you’ve got a drive longer than that, you can sneak in a Rosary! Keep some Rosary beads in the car so you’re ready at any time, or queue up a Rosary app to stay hands free.
3 A Painted Rosary
Savor the rich beauty of Catholic art with a new book that pairs sacred images with mysteries of the Rosary. A Painted Rosary is especially helpful for praying with little ones, as it gives them a visual illustration of each mystery.
4 On a Mission to Love
Older children can reflect on the Rosary and understand it more deeply with this book inspired by the writings of St. John Paul II. On a Mission to Love can help families pray the Rosary everyday.
5 Mysteries of the Rosary coloring book
For the little one who just can’t keep still, a coloring book can be a useful tool to occupy the hands. This coloring book feeds the mind and soul as well, as children learn about each mystery of the Rosary as they work through the book.
