Newman and the Rosary

Michael Pakaluk notes that St. John Henry Newman recognized the goodness of the Rosary from the beginning of his Catholic life, unlike many converts who progress through stages of accepting and eventually finding power in the devotion.

Writing less than three years after his conversion, Newman advised the Marquise de Salvo that while devotion to the Virgin Mary is not required of everyone, the Rosary is an exception for him. He described the contemplation of the mysteries of the Incarnation through the Rosary as delightful.

However, Newman acknowledged that new converts may struggle with the practice. He suggested that people should not force themselves to use specific manuals or exercises that do not feel natural, noting that converts often must rely on reason and deliberate acts of faith when the devotion does not come easily.