Dominic of Prussia: Spreading the Rosary in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the rosary developed under the influence of the Dominicans and other saints.
Dominic of Prussia made his contribution, and we still follow his practice today when we pray the rosary by saying the clauses.
The Life of Dominic of Prussia
Dominic of Prussia was born in 1384 near Danzig. After a life of excessive pleasures, Dominic, at the age of 25, decided to change his life and joined the Carthusians in 1409 at Saint Alban's in Trier. The Carthusians, founded by Saint Bruno, lead a life of silence and prayer, even more intense than that of other orders.
The prior of Dominic of Prussia, influenced by a Dominican, promoted the prayer of the Marian Psalter, which was becoming increasingly popular. Dominic himself struggled with the repetitive nature of praying the Hail Marys. His prior, Adolph of Essen, suggested that he write short phrases to insert into the Hail Mary to better focus on the life of Jesus.
In 1415, Adolph of Essen and Dominic of Prussia went to found a new Carthusian monastery in what is now Moselle. Later, they both returned to Trier in Germany.
From 1434 to 1435, Dominic served as master of novices at the Carthusian monastery in Mainz. After the death of his superior, Adolph of Essen, he became prior until his death in 1461.
Praying with Dominic of Prussia
Dominic left a legacy behind him, as he wrote several theological works in Latin as well as writings that trace his life as a Carthusian monk. The clauses introduced by Dominic are still used today, and we can pray the rosary by adding these 50 short phrases.
Praying the Rosary
Since the Middle Ages, the prayer of the rosary has spread. Dominic of Prussia proposed an alternative to better pray the rosary and meditate on the life of Jesus. Here is an example of a clausula for meditating on the rosary, which helps us directly recall the mystery we are meditating on: “... Jesus, 'who in the garden, after praying for a long time, sweated drops of blood,' is blessed.”
The clauses were later endorsed by Popes Paul VI and John Paul II, who highly valued and recommended this prayer.
Following Dominic of Prussia, we can meditate on the rosary, which has consisted of 4 mysteries since 2002.
We can also discover the Carthusian rosary, as Dominic of Prussia and his prior were its initiators.
Entrusting Ourselves to the Sacred Heart
Praying to Mary, but also entrusting ourselves to the Heart of Jesus: this is another beautiful devotion. Dominic of Prussia wrote this prayer, which we can pray during the month of June, traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“It is in the most gentle Heart of Jesus that we will find strength, mercy, justice, peace, virtue, and eternal salvation. From Him will come life, consolation, and also the Light that enlightens every man coming into this world, especially those in tribulation and need, who turn to Him with complete trust. Therefore, you will frequently kiss with gratitude this most pious Heart of Jesus, inseparably united to the divine Heart, where all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God are hidden, an image, I say, either of this Heart or of the crucifix. You will aspire without ceasing to contemplate Him face to face, entrusting your sorrows to Him; from there, you will draw into your heart His spirit and His love, His graces and His virtues; to Him, you will surrender yourself, in good times and in bad, in Him you will trust, to Him you will cling; in Him you will dwell, so that He in turn may deign to make His dwelling in your heart; there, finally, you will fall asleep gently and rest in peace. For when the hearts of all mortals deceive or abandon you, this most faithful Heart will never deceive or abandon you. You will also not neglect to devoutly honor and invoke the glorious Mother of God and the most gentle Virgin Mary, so that she may deign to obtain for you from the most gentle Heart of her Son all that you need. In return, you will offer everything to the Heart of Jesus through her blessed hands. Amen.”
Pray the Rosary on Hozana with Other Saints and Download Rosario
On Hozana, you can pray the rosary with the saints:
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You can meditate with others to learn
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Download the Rosario app to pray the rosary alone or in community.
