Why pray the Rosary in Latin?
Latin is the Church’s own language, and the Church still encourages the faithful to know the common prayers in it. Praying in Latin joins you to Catholics across centuries and countries. English is always fine too.
In the Church’s own words
“Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.”
“Nevertheless steps should be taken so that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them.”
“Similarly, the better-known prayers of the Church's tradition should be recited in Latin and, if possible, selections of Gregorian chant should be sung.”
“nor should we forget that the faithful can be taught to recite the more common prayers in Latin, and also to sing parts of the liturgy to Gregorian chant.”
These passages are about the Mass and other liturgy. The Council also allowed wider use of the mother tongue (SC 36 §2). Benedict XVI’s words refer to large international Masses and to teaching the faithful the common prayers in Latin.
The Church does not require any particular language for the Rosary. It is a private devotion, not part of the liturgy, so English or any language is fully fitting.
Where to start
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, the Glory Be and the Hail Mary. Use the pronunciation card, then try the whole Rosary in Latin.
Source: latinrosary.org · Updated
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