I can’t figure out if this is a blessing or a curse.  A computerized Rosary, the “Rosary Companion,” which has the mysteries and even Hail Marys and Our Fathers spoken aloud, is now available.  On the one hand, it may be a boon for the lonely, for those for whom age or infirmity makes it difficult to fiddle with the beads of the old-fashioned model, or for those who find it difficult to remember all the “mysteries” that go with each day of the week.  I, for one, find trying to remember the mysteries a distraction to prayer instead of an aid to it: a little booklet or guide is always helpful, and so having them spoken aloud is quite a welcome idea.

On the other hand, as we used to say in Philadelphia, cut me a break.  “Use the Rosary Companion with the head phone jack in church.”  That’s from the company’s website.  Aren’t you supposed to be fully, actively and consciously participating in the, um, Mass? 

Actually, I rather like the old Rosary.  The one that doesn’t talk.  It looks like this.  

Here’s a suggestion from the Rosary Companion website, which calls it the “ultimate” First Communion gift: “Now, if your in the car on the way to work or errands, what better time to pray the rosary? Equipped with a memory chip, this companion actually remembers where you are no matter how many times you start and finish. Each time you push the rose imprinted center button, you will Pick up right where you left off , easily completing your rosary throughout the day, even on the busy days when your ‘on the go.'”

Oh, and it looks like candy, too.  Like a delicious vanilla treat with cherry and lemon and lime jujubes.

Readers are welcome to weigh in about this mystery: Talking Rosary: blessing or curse?

The Rev. James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author, editor at large at America and founder of Outreach.