We need Mary, especially in times of crisis!
In a recent video from EWTN’s new podcast, “Catholics and Cappuccinos,” Father Donald Haggerty of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City explained why he believes there is a “profound difference between people who pray the rosary every day and those who don’t.”
Father Haggerty joined the podcast to discuss the importance of praying during Lent and his new book, Conversion: Spiritual Insights Into an Essential Encounter with God.
Here’s the full text of EWTN’s video:
"My sense of Catholics, literally, is that there's a profound difference between people who pray the Rosary every day and those who don't,” Father Haggerty says.
“It would be an interesting scientific study: literally follow people for a year—like with rats in an experiment—and see, these people pray the Rosary, these do not. Who's happier at the end of the year?” podcast host Siobhan Fallon Hogan adds.
“I think it's a very important thing today," Father Haggerty continues. "And probably that's part of the message in that book too: that if we are in a time of crisis, some uncertainty—where's the world going? Where's the Church going?—Then we need Mary in a very serious way. And the best way to draw close to her is to pray the Rosary, to carry a Rosary with you.
“Yes, I mean, I tell people in the confessional often enough: pray a Rosary every day, and then Mary will recognize your voice when you're in need. You'll be able to pray a Hail Mary to fight off some temptation."
As of this writing, the reel has generated approximately 10,000 likes and over 50,000 views. Here’s how some people responded:
“110%! The days I pray a rosary, there’s a drastic difference in how I approach things, and a deeper sense of calm,” a user said. “My mom used to advocate hard for me to do this daily, and she was on fire with Faith.”
“I had an MRI and was given explicit instructions not to sleep,” another user shared. “During the hour or so session, I decided to pray the rosary using my fingers. At this point, the technicians kept on telling me over the speaker not to sleep. I said. I was praying, not sleeping. When done, they said that they could tell the difference in the MRI when I started praying.”
“When I'm driving to work, I listen to music for five minutes, then pray my rosary,” someone else said. “I've been doing it for almost two years now, and I'm happier and have noticed that our mother always guides me. 🙏"