The Six-Decade Rosary Of The Lasallian Family
“The sixth and final decade is dedicated to the Lasallian community..”
This is what Lasallians usually recites every time they pray the Holy Rosary. Wait, what? Sixth decade? Is there such a thing? Well, for most people, the answer would be “no”, but for the Lasallian family, their answer would be “yes.”
In this photo from my article “My Rose Gardens“, we can see that it has more beads compared to a normal Rosary. For the Lasallians Brothers, partners and students, St. John Baptist de La Salle prescribed the use of a Rosary of six decades rather than the more common one of five decades. This Rosary is given by the Lasallian Brothers to welcome each students to the Lasallian family. According to them, by tradition, Every Lasallian have kept this Rosary with them in their pockets every single day of their lives. For many of them, this simple gesture has been an important reminder of God’s abiding presence and an invitation to live the ideals of religio, mores and cultura in their lives.
The sixth Decade is recited in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and may include special intentions such as the needs of the Lasallian Mission, the Lasallian Partners, the Filipino youth and other youth-at-risk.
Decades ago, a Lasallite was known for his devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary through his daily devotion to the Blessed Rosary. The De La Salle Brothers and our teachers would always expect all Lasallites to have their blessed rosaries in their pockets at all times. The Lasallian core value of Religio, was based on the daily prayers of the rosary and a Lasallite’s deep desire to have a sincere and steadfast relationship with God through daily prayers. The Lasallian core value of Mores, was based on 3 of our traditional Lasallian prayers of – Let us remember that we are always in the Most Holy Presence of GOD. I will continue O my GOD to do all my actions for Love of You and Live JESUS In our Hearts, Forever!. The Lasallian value of Cultura reminds all Lasallites about the spiritual teachings of Saint La Salle such as “Live by the Spirit of FAITH – Serve with the Spirit of ZEAL” and Saint La Salle’s short prayer of Faith -“Lord, the work is yours “. The 350 years old battle cry of Saint La Salle and his Christian Brothers was ‘Signum Fidei” – Sign of Faith. The Signum Fidei is symbolized by the Christmas Nativity Star that we have on our shield of Green and White. The Lasallian Star reminds all Lasallites to be a person of Hope and Faith to others through activities of charity and service to those in need. Be Signum Fidei – Be a Sign of FAITH – Be Lasallian – Live JESUS In Our Hearts, Forever!
What is it made of, rosewood? The wood is fragrant.
I’m not really sure but I agree. It’s fragrant.