When was the prayer of the rosary born? 

The Rosary has very ancient origins. In fact it seems to date back to the XII century, when it had already been recited for quite a while by Carthusian monks.
The Rosary was developed as an instrument for the counting of prayers on the model of similar instruments; already in use by other religions, especially by the Buddhists and Muslims. The Rosary of 150 Ave Maria used to recall the 150 psalms which form part of the Liturgy of the Hours and which, in the past, used to be substituted by the illiterate with the daily recitation of 150 Our Fathers (Pater). As Marian piety began to grow, the recitation of 150 Ave was proposed to the people, at a time when biblical prayer did not have its second part, which was added later towards the end of the XV century, yet.
The liturgical anniversary in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on 7 October. It was Pope Gregory XII who moved it to this date.

What is the relationship between the rosary and daily life?

“Our heart – John Paul II affirmed in his first year of pontificate – can contain, in these decades of the Rosary, all facts that make up the life of the individual, of the family, of the nation and of the church of humanity”
It is the “secret to open oneself up more easily to a deep and interactive knowledge of Christ through Mary” but also a way to ask for help from Christ for “the many problems, worries, difficulties and projects which make our lives”.
The Rosary is also an answer to that “renewed need for mediation”, so typical of our times.

I myself - wrote Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) - have often

encouraged the frequent ricitation of the Rosary. From my youthful

years this prayer has held an important place in my spiritual life.

The Rosary has accompanied me in moments of joy and difficulty.

To it I have entrusted any number of concerns; in it I have always

found comfort. To recite the Rosary is nothing other than

'to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ'

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