- 27 October, 2026
October 27, 2026 : What happens when a prayer tradition that someone once misunderstood becomes a meaningful part of their spiritual life? For Sarah Giles, a Protestant Christian who shared her experience on social media, discovering the Holy Rosary challenged her assumptions and opened a new way of praying and meditating on the life of Jesus Christ.
Giles admitted that she had initially viewed the Rosary with suspicion, even describing it as something she once considered “demonic, satanic, or a tool used for idolatry”. As she explained in her testimony, these opinions came from her own lack of understanding of what Catholics believe about the devotion.
Her perspective began to change when she decided to investigate the Rosary for herself. Rather than relying on assumptions, she encouraged others to research Catholic teaching and approach unfamiliar practices with an open mind.
At first, Giles even removed the Marian prayers from her Rosary because she was uncertain about them. Over time, however, she began including them again as her understanding developed. Her experience illustrates a personal journey of discovery, rather than a judgement about the beliefs or prayer practices of Protestant Christians generally.
One of Giles’ most significant discoveries was the Rosary’s emphasis on the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. In her testimony, she explained how its mysteries invite the person praying to reflect on Gospel events, imagining the scene and considering the perspectives of those who witnessed them.
This understanding is central to Catholic teaching. The Rosary is not intended to replace Scripture or distract from Christ. Rather, it provides a structured way of contemplating the mysteries of salvation with Mary, whose life was uniquely directed towards her Son.
The Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries guide Catholics through the Incarnation, Jesus’ public ministry, His Passion and death, and His Resurrection and glory. As Pope St. John Paul II explained in Rosarium Virginis Mariae, the Rosary is a form of Christ-centred contemplation in which Mary helps the faithful draw closer to Jesus.
Catholic doctrine also distinguishes veneration of Mary from the worship owed to God alone. The Hail Mary asks for her intercession; it does not treat her as a goddess or place her above Christ.
Describing the effect of the devotion, Giles said: “This has ignited my prayer life. This has deepened my relationship with the Lord drastically.”
She also described feeling that the Rosary was like a spiritual weapon. Importantly, she clarified that its power did not come from the beads themselves, but from what God was doing through the prayer. This distinction reflects Catholic teaching: sacramentals and devotional objects are not magical instruments, but can direct the faithful towards God and strengthen a life of prayer.
For Giles, the beads offered a tangible rhythm for sustained meditation, helping her remain focused on Christ’s saving work.
Giles concluded by encouraging people to investigate the Rosary before forming opinions about it, and to approach the practice with an open heart.
Her testimony does not suggest that every Christian will have the same experience. Instead, it offers a personal account of how curiosity, study and prayer reshaped one woman’s understanding.
Ultimately, her journey points towards the Rosary’s central purpose: to contemplate Jesus Christ more deeply and grow in faith through prayer, with Mary leading the believer towards her Son.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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