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Brian Pessaro wrote a heart-felt article on Godspy about why he prays the rosary, even though it isn’t easy.

Brian writes that he used to struggle with pornography, but after only praying the rosary one time, his addiction “vanished that first night.” I too had a similar experience with the beaded sword:

My freshman year of college I liked this guy…I mean I REALLY liked this guy…to the point of dropping things when he walked into the room.

I had known him in high school while I was still in my “bad girl” phase pre-conversion, and during that time he was a great guy. One night while on retreat I decided to “investigate” so to speak to see if he was still the nice guy I had known years beforehand. We were talking about college and relationships with a group of people from one of our classes when he so casually told me he wasn’t looking for a relationship, but rather “hook ups.”

I was totally heartbroken…and yet I was still attracted to him too. I asked God to take away my desires, but weeks later I was still getting the clammy hands and nervous giggles.

One day I decided to go to one of my campus’ chapels to pray. I was about to leave when I passed the statue of the Blessed Mother. I had never prayed there before. I don’t know why, but I dropped to my knees and prayed a rosary…which I hadn’t done for at least 5 years. I didn’t even have a rosary with me, but somehow I remembered exactly how to pray one.

I asked the Blessed Mother for her intercession. I knew my attraction was unhealthy and I wanted to be rid of it. Could she help me? 

The next day I saw “him” as I was walking to class. He stopped to say hello, which would usually let out dozens of butterflies in my stomach. I said “hey” and kept walking. I didn’t realize it until later that night, but my attraction had vanished into thin air, much like Brian’s addiction to pornography.

I have been dedicated to praying the rosary ever since.

On the topic of staying chaste, my secret is daily mass, rosaries, and working out 4-5 times a week in the gym…it’s the prescription I recommend to all, male and female. LOL. 

Now go to talk to your Mother!

~Rebecca