Nicene Creed QUESTION from Mary on February 10, 2003 Dear Bro. Ignatius,
During Mass in my parish, we recite the Nicene Creed for the Profession of Faith.
However, when I meditate on the Rosary, I begin with the Apostles' Creed, which, as you know, is much shorter and less detailed.
I have researched Rosary instructions on various Websites and all have said to begin with the Apostle's Creed.
Why is one form of the Profession of Faith used at Mass and another form used for the Rosary?
Thank You and God Bless
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, OLSM on February 16, 2003 Dear Mary:
The Apostles Creed is used in Rosary devotions precisely because it is shorter and less detailed. This make is easier to memorize and easier to understand.
The Nicene Creed is not only longer, but it is theologically more sophisicated. This is one reason why the Apostles Creed may be used in Masses for young children.
We need to remember something, however, about the Rosary. The Rosary is NOT an official prayer. It is a personal devotion -- a personal devotion that has the approbation of the Church, but a personal devotion nevertheless. As a purely personal devotion it is not regulated by the Church like the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours -- which are official prayers.
Thus as a private devotion, you are free to say the Rosary anyway you like that is not blasphemous or a sacrilege.
This is why you can find Rosary meditations on about any subject or charism you can think of. For example, there is a ProLife Rosary, a Franciscan Rosary, a Carmelite Rosary, etc., etc.
If you wish to use the Nicene Creed instead of the Apostle's Creed when reciting the Rosary you are free to do so.
God Bless.
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