A wall rosary is just like a regular rosary with the following difference: it’s too large to fit in your pocket. To non-Catholics it makes look like a gigantic necklace but it’s so much more than a mere decoration. The rosary is a Catholic devotion that includes the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be prayers.
Between the 12th and 15th centuries the structure of the rosary developed into what it is today. The Rosary is prayed with the aid of beads strung together into a series of decades. A set of small beads represent the Hail Mary and larger beads represent the Our Father and Glory Be. There are five decades by which individuals meditate on the events of Jesus and Mary’s life.
Most Rosaries are fashioned to be carried in one’s pocket or purse. During the Middle Ages, larger rosaries were found hung on walls in homes, shrines, and churches.
Rosaries, even wall rosaries, are sacramentals. The Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph number 1667 states,”Holy Mother Church has, moreover, instituted sacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy.”
“The Rosary is a school for learning true Christian perfection.” – Pope Saint John XXIII
Why have a wall rosary?
According to Saint Louis de Montfort, “[Mary] is the safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect way of approaching Jesus and will surrender themselves to her, body and soul, without reserve in order to belong entirely to Jesus” (True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary). Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is a proven path to a deeper relationship with God. The rosary is an invitation into the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. What better way to be reminded of God’s work of redemption and act of love than by having wall rosary in your living space? It is a tangible reminder to unite your will to His Will. His Mother was (and is) a model of how to listen to God in humility, trust, and obedience.
A wall rosary in your home provides an opportunity to spark conversation whether you welcome Catholic or non-Catholic friends and family members into your home. Yes, it can act as a piece of decor to help enhance the overall aesthetic of your living room or family space. But more importantly, it is a signpost to Jesus. Mary is a guide to Her Son.
How to Display a Wall Rosary
This sacramental is a visible reminder to your family of the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in your faith life. She is the best guide to Jesus. Let’s look at a few of the practical aspects of the wall rosary. Where do you place them in your home? There is no right or wrong answer, but it’s best to display your wall rosary in a prominent place in your home.
A few suggestions include:
Living room over a fireplace or above a home altar
Foyer or entryway as a reminder of Mary’s guidance when you enter and leave your home
Bedroom- this is a great place especially if you received a wall rosary as a wedding gift
There are a wide range of sizes of wall rosaries ranging from the size of pocket-sized to larger ones being between 52 inches and 68 inches in length. Consider the space you currently have and the room/area you want to display it.
If you are going to place it by a home altar, be sure that it fits along with sacred images. Make an icon of Jesus as the centerpiece of your home altar. Hang the wall rosary to the side of it. It’s a prominent sacramental but the focus should still be Jesus. Typically, wall rosaries are hung vertically. You can arrange it in a heart shape with the crucifix hanging at the bottom. You may also fasten it in a circle with the crucifix in the center and the beads around it.
Wall rosaries can be used both in a decorative and a devotional sense. These large sacramentals serve as a great way to add to your home aesthetic while being a reminder to prayer the rosary. The giant beads spark a conversation about Mary between those you invite in your home. Wall rosaries are also an excellent way to help teach your children about this powerful devotion. Consider getting a wall rosary for your domestic church today.
