What is a Ladder Rosary?

A ladder rosary is a type of rosary whose origin comes from Mexico.  It is named "ladder" because the beads are turned sideways and linked into a chain rather than to one another, making the beads look like rungs on a ladder.  THe ladder has a very long history in the scriptures and tradition.  Jacob sees a ladder in the Old Testament, representing the ascent to God.  Jesus appropriates this imagery to himself, the Ladder between heaven and earth.  St. Benedict speaks of the Ladder of Humility, by which we climb to God.  St. John Climacus speaks of the Ladder of Divine Ascent, the rungs being the different virtues leading to union with God.  The Marian significance was also drawn out over time.  St. Dominic experienced a vision of souls climbing into Heaven on the rosary.  St. Francis de Sales had a vision of two ladders to Heaven:  a rather steep one directly to Jesus, and another, far less steep, towards the Blessed Virgin Mary.  In the vision, St. Francis de Sales heard Jesus say, "Tell your people to come to me by this ladder, by way of My Mother."  The Russian word for rosary means "ladder," and Michaelangelo's "Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel shows two souls being pulled out of purgatory by a rosary!

Please see the bulletin for meeting dates and times. 

For more information, contact:
Lorene Bryan at (815) 671-1970 or LorenePalgenBryan@gmail.com. 
Please notify if it will be your first visit so we can bring enough starting supplies.