As Catholics around the world celebrate October, the month of the holy Rosary, actor and director David Henrie recently shared with Our Sunday Visitor how this powerful prayer has impacted his life. Known for his roles in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” and the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” Henrie has been open about the central role that the Rosary plays in his personal and family life, describing it as “non-negotiable” for him and his loved ones.
Henrie’s commitment to the Rosary began long before he became a husband and father, but it has deepened with time, especially as he seeks to lead his family in prayer. He recalls that the Rosary brought him and his wife together early in their relationship. Henrie told Our Sunday Visitor that he proposed to her on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a significant date for his family.
A centerpiece in Henrie’s home is a beautiful Spanish oil painting of St. Dominic, the saint traditionally identified with promoting the Rosary. This image serves as a daily reminder of the power and significance of this prayer for his family. Henrie believes that the Rosary is a powerful tool for meditation, engaging the senses and focusing the mind on the mysteries of Christ’s life. As he put it, “It’s such a great way to pray, and it’s powerful — a massive weapon that should be used as such.”
Rules for praying the Rosary as a family
For Henrie, the Rosary is not only a means of personal prayer but also a way to foster spiritual growth in his children. He has established a family routine of praying the Rosary together, teaching his kids the “three rules of the Rosary”: sit, pray and be quiet. “They know them, they repeat them verbatim,” Henrie says. He repeats the rules each night before they begin their family Rosary.
This practice, he notes, has helped his children learn to sit still during Mass and appreciate the quiet moments of reflection. “A friend told us this a long time ago and it really helped us,” Henrie said. “We couldn’t get our kids to be quiet in church. It was really difficult; they’re little, you know?” Henrie advises parents to have children sit in the same places each night, and insist that they can’t run around during the prayer. “Make it clear that this is the time when we pray, when we honor God, so let’s all be serious, let’s be quiet and sit and pray,” Henrie says.
While introducing this daily habit took some discipline, Henrie emphasizes that it has become a cherished time for his family. “You gotta get over that first hurdle, ’cause that’s the tough part,” Henrie said. “When they don’t want to do it, when you’re first introducing this thing, that’s when they’re the most rebellious.”
Henrie’s approach to prayer extends beyond the Rosary. In the mornings, he and his family set goals and intentions, starting the day with a spirit of purpose. In the evenings, they reflect on their day and pray an examination of conscience, which helps to foster gratitude and a sense of reflection in their home. These practices, Henrie hopes, will become second nature to his children, shaping their spiritual lives as they grow.
As we honor the holy Rosary this October, Henrie’s example reminds us of the power of this treasured prayer. His story is an invitation to see the Rosary not just as a daily devotion but as a source of strength and spiritual growth for individuals and families alike. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the mysteries of the Rosary or have made it a part of your life for years, Henrie’s witness serves as a testament to the enduring power of this prayer to transform hearts and homes.
Services Marketplace – Listings, Bookings & Reviews
