The rosary leads us on a journey through Christ’s life

Matthew 18:20 states, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.” What better way to come together in faith than through the prayer of the rosary? Often called the “Bible on a string,” the rosary leads us to a more profound love and understanding of Jesus through his mother, Mary. As we pray and meditate on its mysteries, we journey through the life of Christ, experiencing his joys, sorrows and glory while also drawing closer to Mary, who guides us ever closer to her son.

I’ve always been inspired by groups that come together to pray the rosary. Two in particular stand out: “Many Hail Marys at a Time,” a group that prays live daily at 6:45 a.m. Central Time on YouTube and Instagram, and “Kitty Cleveland’s Morning Glories,” which streams a live rosary every morning at 6 a.m. Both communities offer a beautiful way to start the day in prayer and reflection.

Lately, I’ve become more curious about local groups in New Orleans that have come together to pray the rosary in person. I’m eager to learn about the origins of the idea, how it got started, who was invited, and how this practice has impacted and transformed their lives.

Through word of mouth, I discovered a woman named Ting Lyons from Lakeview who started her rosary group shortly after COVID. She graciously agreed to meet with me and share her story.

Ting Lyons is a cradle Catholic born and raised in Lakeview. She vividly recalls her father attending daily Mass and, every Sunday night, gathering the family, his wife and four children, to kneel around the bed and pray the rosary. It was a tradition initiated by her father, leaving a lasting impression on her faith.

As Ting grew older, her faith remained important, and she continued to attend Mass faithfully every Sunday. However, she no longer prayed the rosary as she had during childhood. It wasn’t until about seven or eight years ago that she felt compelled to pray the rosary again daily.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ting and some of her close co-workers suggested praying the rosary together virtually; however, they encountered some technical difficulties. By chance, they found an opportunity to meet on Ting’s front porch, where they could socially distance and pray the rosary together.

And from there, the group was born. Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., they would gather on Ting’s front porch. From 5:30-6 p.m., they would chat and catch up, but at precisely 6 p.m., an alarm would go off, signaling the start of the rosary. Once they finished praying, they would each enjoy a glass of wine and continue their conversation.

Five years later, the group is still going strong, meeting every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. but now they pray inside Ting’s home. A core group of five members gathers consistently, while others join whenever possible. They begin each rosary by sharing their intentions before praying the mysteries for the day. During Lent, they switch to the Seven Sorrows Rosary.

When I asked Ting about the fruits she has received from praying the rosary every Tuesday for the past five years, she shared that it has deepened her closeness to the Blessed Mother and Jesus, strengthened her bond with the group  and brought her a profound sense of peace.

Another example of a rosary group is one that my husband and I started within our own family two years ago. We started praying the rosary every Sunday night around 8:30 p.m. Our four kids were always invited to join, but it was never something we required of them.

It quickly became a beautiful way to end the week and pray for the days ahead. Now that some of the kids are away at college, they call in to join us, along with my nephew in Texas. A text reminder is sent out every Sunday morning, and if someone cannot attend, they submit their intentions, which I read aloud during our prayer. It’s become a cherished weekly ritual, one we haven’t missed since it began.

 Has the thought of starting a rosary group with friends or even praying regularly with your family crossed your mind, but you don’t know how to go about it, or you just don’t have the courage to ask? My advice – just start. Send a quick text with a simple invitation – it’s that easy! 

Vivian Gonzalez Marino is a wife and mother of four living in the New Orleans Lakefront area. She graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican High School and LSU with a bachelor’s degree in science, and then earned her master’s in exercise physiology at the University of New Orleans. Her favorite online community is “Many Hail Marys at a Time.”