“The rosary, like the crucifix, seems to have become a fashion accessory for the young. Nonetheless, unlike the crucifix, it can be purchased in shops selling religious articles and not in jewellery stores” and “some retailers of religious merchandise have expressed concern about the fact than many purchasers seem to be ignorant of its religious significance”, says Allen Morris, secretary of the Department for Christian life and divine worship of the Liturgical Office of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. In response to the trend of English teenagers to wear the rosary as a bracelet or necklace, the office has prepared an explanatory flyer that will be given by retailers to purchasers together with the rosary. “The rosary may be a useful means for the evangelization of people who have never set foot in church”, maintains Kristina Cooper, editor of the review of charismatic renewal “Good News”. “I live in a district of council houses in South London continues Cooper and I realised that many adolescents are really interested in the rosary. To anyone who asks me, I explain what it is and ask them to demonstrate to me that at least they know the ‘Our Father’. To some I teach the ‘Ave Maria’”. “I am very happy about this flyer – she concludes -. Curiosity about the rosary is a great opportunity for the evangelization of the young”.
