Not being a Roman Catholic, I am not well acquainted with all of the terms used for various rites. In yesterday's NYTimes the writer was describing events surrounding the death of Cardinal O'Connor and used the phrase "told their rosary". I am used to hearing "said their rosary" or "recited their rosary".

I'm with you. I was brought as a Catholic and its new to me.

ditto

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I have certainly heard this usage. Could it possibly relate to "tell" in the sense of "count" as much as "recite"? Just a guess, I was brought up as a WOP.

it looks like our classical education failed us, Jo...


ST. AGNES' Eve--Ah, bitter chill it was!
The owl, for all his feathers, was a-cold;
The hare limp'd trembling through the frozen grass,
And silent was the flock in woolly fold:
Numb were the Beadsman's fingers, while he told
His rosary, and while his frosted breath,
Like pious incense from a censer old,
Seem'd taking flight for heaven, without a death,
Past the sweet Virgin's picture, while his prayer he saith.
- John Keats

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Oh, Tsuwm, thank you for posting that beautiful piece! To
honor it and you, I refrained from using my affectionately-
meant "sweet" version of your title! Jackie

It really did fail me - part of the poem is on a large picture on my wall - a poster of stained glass from Dublin - the shame!

jmh

You are redeemed!
How many of us have read and heard "St. Agnes Eve" and couldn't come up with the reference for "telling his rosary"....
Henceforth you can stutter over my name whenever and however much!
What a beauty!
St. Agnes Eve, Keats and you!
Mark Tu

Tu