The Rosary

• The history of the rosary dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Traveling ministers supported the use of a string of beads or knots for the purpose of focusing prayers since many could not pay for the Psalter, a book of 150 psalms used by clergymen. In time, and with additions in prayers, Pope Leo X permitted the practice in 1520.
  
  The rosary includes an array of prayers including the Apostle's Creed, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be, and Fatima Prayer. Decades, or five groups of 10 beads, divide the rosary so that particular prayers and reflections can be made within the appropriate section. Reflections on the mysteries, or Christ's life, ministry and suffering, center the prayers and coincide with certain days of the week. For instance, the Joyful Mysteries take place on Monday and Saturday with consideration of related scriptures.
  
  

Sin

• The importance of praying the rosary is partly due to sin. Sin has two primary penalties of guiltiness and punishment. In regards to one's soul, the guilt is cleansed when a person repents, but punishment is still due, creating the need for an action to either remove or ease the chastisement. While punishment comes in an eternal and temporary form based on the type of sin committed, an indulgence can be gained to heal one's soul and attain acceptance with God.
  
  

Indulgences

• By Catholic definition, an indulgence is the removal of the temporary punishment due to sin once a person is forgiven of guilt. There are two types of indulgences, plenary and partial. Plenary indulgences remit the full temporary penalty and no further act of atonement is necessary. These are the most difficult to gain as they call for an absolute detestation of one's sin and a turn completely toward God's will, in addition to meeting certain conditions. These conditions include items such as: being free from a grave, mortal sin; going to confession within 20 days before or after praying the rosary; praying for the Pope; taking communion, if possible, on the day the rosary is prayed; and praying aloud, declaring the mysteries and then reflecting on them. A partial indulgence, meaning the whole punishment is not eradicated, is gained when the rosary is prayed either in whole or in part without completing the conditions for a plenary indulgence. Further atonement is necessary in this case.
  
  

Exceptions

• There are exceptions for those seeking plenary indulgence who cannot meet the conditions due to inability to attend church. For instance, a person can say the Our Father and the Apostle's Creed before an image of Christ while having the aim of going to confession as soon as physically able. Moreover, as in the case of serious illness, a person can connect with others who are seeking indulgence according to the standard practice and pray fervently to Christ, including the state of all afflictions within that prayer.