Why do some people approach Communion holding a rosary?
The short answer
It likely goes back to pre-Vatican II custom, when many lay people prayed the rosary during Mass — never required by the Church. Today liturgical documents ask the laity to focus on the public prayer of the Mass rather than private devotions.
An older custom
Before the liturgical changes of Vatican II, many lay people prayed the rosary as their way of participating at Mass. It was never mandated.
Today
The Church's liturgical documents now call for the laity's attention to be on the public prayer of the Mass rather than private devotions.
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