In the 15th century, a young Franciscan friar, once devoted to adorning a statue of the Virgin Mary with fresh flowers, found himself unable to continue this practice after joining the Order. Distressed, he considered leaving the Franciscans. However, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, encouraging him to stay and offering a new form of devotion: the Franciscan Crown Rosary, consisting of seven decades reflecting on her Seven Joys. Embracing this, the friar found renewed purpose. Later, while traveling on a mission, he was attacked by robbers intent on stealing from him. Instead of resisting, he began praying the Franciscan Crown. Moved by his devotion, the assailants fled, later returning to seek forgiveness and eventually joining the Franciscan Order themselves.

This story highlights the transformative power of the Rosary and its role in inspiring conversion and deepening faith.

Source: https://wayoftherose.org