In the 13th century, a growing number of men joined the apostolic work of Dominic de Guzmán, and with the approval of the Holy Father, Dominic formed the Order of Preachers (better known as the Dominicans). With great zeal they preached and taught, and the fruits of conversion flourished. As the order grew, they spread to different countries as missionaries for the glory of God and the Virgin Mary.
With the Albigensian heresy infesting southern France and causing great harm to souls, it is a pious belief that Saint Dominic, seeing the meager fruits of conversion that his preaching produced, implored the Blessed Virgin Mary for a method or means of obtaining more positive and lasting results.
Inspired by the Mother of God
The same Mother of God inspired the saint with this devotion, which so wonderfully harmonizes the most fundamental truths of the Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the most transcendent mysteries of His Most Holy Mother, with the simple recitation of the Our Father and Hail Mary.
The results were wonderful. And this devotion soon became popular.
It is necessary to revive this devotion
The rosary remained the preferred prayer for almost two centuries. When devotion to it began to wane, the Virgin Mary appeared to Alan de la Roche and told him to revive it. She also told him that immense volumes would be needed to record all the miracles obtained through the rosary and reiterated the promises made to Saint Dominic concerning it.
Later, Blessed Alan de la Roche definitively established the way to pray it, and he entrusted the Blessed Virgin with graces for those who offer this gift every day to the most loving Heart of Our Mother.
A most powerful weapon against evil
The Supreme Pontiffs have enriched this devotion with the most extraordinary graces and privileges (indulgences).
There are many saints who have esteemed and spread this devotion.
The Virgin Mary told Blessed Alan de la Roche that the rosary was a most powerful weapon to eradicate heresies, the most suitable instrument to uproot vices and plant virtues, and a sure means to obtain God's mercy.
