Recommended by Ricochet Members Created with Sketch. The Prayer-Warrior’s Path Continues: “My Rosary”

 

Greetings, dear Ricochetti!

I write to include you in my celebration and remembrance on the second anniversary of my “pinning” as an honorary Marine. During my historical, cultural — and physical — “boot camp” I was introduced to “The Rifleman’s Creed”/”My Rifle.” Since chaplains — by role and definition — are unarmed, my Uncle-Colonel was warmly receptive to my writing a suitable alternative. I’d like to share it here:

“This is my Rosary. There may be many like it in the world, but *this* one is MINE. It is a sword of the Spirit, part of the Armor of God. It is meant to fan the flame of hope, to increase faith, to banish fear and call forth peace, protection, courage, and strength. Both in the one who prays and the one who asks for prayer. If I faithfully use it, it will be a means of bringing the love of God to bear in the world. And into the hearts of all with whom I serve.”

Know that I hold you all in thought, heart, and prayer daily … especially our Ricochet Mils/Parents/Spouses/Friends. Your oaths don’t expire — and my commitment won’t, either. Semper Fi, All!

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  1. David Deeble Member

    Well-written, Nanda, and thank you: your words comfort me.

    • #1
    • August 1, 2017, at 11:36 AM PDT
    • 5 likes
  2. RightAngles Member

    Congratulations, Nanda! What a nice paraphrasing. We have something in common – I’ve also been “pinned,” but with a West Point pin!

    Here it is (I don’t think it means I’m an honorary member of the Army though):

    • #2
    • August 1, 2017, at 11:41 AM PDT
    • 7 likes
  3. Trink Coolidge
    TrinkJoined in the first year of Ricochet Ricochet Charter Member

    “The distinction is bestowed solely by the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to individuals in the civilian community (with connection to the Corps) who have made extraordinary contributions to the Corps and exemplify its core values.”

    Nanda. What an honor :)

    • #3
    • August 1, 2017, at 2:00 PM PDT
    • 9 likes
  4. Nanda Panjandrum Inactive
    Nanda Panjandrum

    Trink (View Comment):
    “The distinction is bestowed solely by the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to individuals in the civilian community (with connection to the Corps) who have made extraordinary contributions to the Corps and exemplify its core values.”

    Nanda. What an honor ?

    Indeed, @trink! One that inspires me on a daily basis – for which I’ll always be grateful…

    • #4
    • August 1, 2017, at 2:11 PM PDT
    • 8 likes
  5. Ekosj Member

    Hi Nanda. Congratulations and happy anniversary !!!!

    Speaking of things Rosary …. You may be able to answer a question …

    I found this..

    On the ground in my parking spot a while ago. It’s not a real rosary. Just 14 knots and a cross. But the back of the cross says OLRM which Google tells me is Our Lady’s Rosary Makers – who I gather make rosaries out of found objects etc. Ever heard of them?

    I feel like I’m supposed to have this Rosary-ish thing. And I’m happy to have it – it certainly does sa Rosary’s job. And I’d like to show some gratitude to the makers. Any ideas?

    • #5
    • August 1, 2017, at 2:39 PM PDT
    • 7 likes
  6. Nanda Panjandrum Inactive
    Nanda Panjandrum

    Ekosj (View Comment):
    Hi Nanda. Congratulations and happy anniversary !!!!

    Speaking of things Rosary …. You may be able to answer a question …

    I found this..

    On the ground in my parking spot a while ago. It’s not a real rosary. Just 14 knots and a cross. But the back of the cross says OLRM which Google tells me is Our Lady’s Rosary Makers – who I gather make rosaries out of found objects etc. Ever heard of them?

    I feel like I’m supposed to have this Rosary-ish thing. And I’m happy to have it – it certainly does sa Rosary’s job. And I’d like to show some gratitude to the makers. Any ideas?

    This may be some sort of chaplet, rather than a Dominican Rosary…Glad it’s found a home with you! OLRM may have a website. You may want to donate for materials and/or join their work. :-)

    • #6
    • August 1, 2017, at 3:18 PM PDT
    • 3 likes
  7. Boss Mongo Member

    Awesome. Thanks, Nanda.

    • #7
    • August 1, 2017, at 6:33 PM PDT
    • 3 likes
  8. AQ Member
    AQJoined in the first year of Ricochet Ricochet Charter Member

    Trink (View Comment):
    “The distinction is bestowed solely by the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to individuals in the civilian community (with connection to the Corps) who have made extraordinary contributions to the Corps and exemplify its core values.”

    Nanda. What an honor ?

    Yes, what a great honor! You are right to celebrate such an anniversary! Congratulations again!

    • #8
    • August 1, 2017, at 6:35 PM PDT
    • 5 likes
  9. Boss Mongo Member

    RightAngles (View Comment):
    Congratulations, Nanda! What a nice paraphrasing. We have something in common – I’ve also been “pinned,” but with a West Point pin!

    Here it is (I don’t think it means I’m an honorary member of the Army though):

    Okay, you know me: I hate to get technical.

    That’s not a pin; that’s brass. More specifically, 2nd Class brass.

    2nd Class are called “Cows.” Goes back years ‘n years.

    Back in the day, you didn’t get annual leave. You got one two-month break between your sophomore (3rd class) and junior (2nd class) years. The recently returned furloughs displayed the fact that they debauched themselves by coming back “fat as cows.” Cows.

    Cows are also known as the biggest hazers. They’ve paid their dues and will probably graduate, but do not have the privileges and freedoms that 1st class cadets (Firsties) have. This makes them angry and bitter, and they take this anger and bitterness out on lower class cadets. Also, there is a prevalent feeling that the Firsties have lost focus on the Corps, and only care about their upcoming Army assignments, so it is up to the Cows to ensure that standards are maintained.

    I think this is called a flashback.

    • #9
    • August 1, 2017, at 6:43 PM PDT
    • 6 likes
  10. RightAngles Member

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    RightAngles (View Comment):
    Congratulations, Nanda! What a nice paraphrasing. We have something in common – I’ve also been “pinned,” but with a West Point pin!

    Here it is (I don’t think it means I’m an honorary member of the Army though):

    Okay, you know me: I hate to get technical.

    That’s not a pin; that’s brass. More specifically, 2nd Class brass.

    2nd Class are called “Cows.” Goes back years ‘n years.

    Back in the day, you didn’t get annual leave. You got one two-month break between your sophomore (3rd class) and junior (2nd class) years. The recently returned furloughs displayed the fact that they debauched themselves by coming back “fat as cows.” Cows.

    Cows are also known as the biggest hazers. They’ve paid their dues and will probably graduate, but do not have the privileges and freedoms that 1st class cadets (Firsties) have. This makes them angry and bitter, and they take this anger and bitterness out on lower class cadets. Also, there is a prevalent feeling that the Firsties have lost focus on the Corps, and only care about their upcoming Army assignments, so it is up to the Cows to ensure that standards are maintained.

    I think this is called a flashback.

    Oh for petes sake my cousin gave me this pin the day he graduated from West Point! haha! It was a beautiful day, and Donald Rumsfeld was the speaker. Usually the president speaks, but it was 2003 and Bush was afraid his presence might make it into a terrorist target. Anyway it was a great experience to be there. My cousin was captain of the power lifting team!

    • #10
    • August 1, 2017, at 7:31 PM PDT
    • 4 likes
  11. Boss Mongo Member

    RightAngles (View Comment):

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    RightAngles (View Comment):
    Congratulations, Nanda! What a nice paraphrasing. We have something in common – I’ve also been “pinned,” but with a West Point pin!

    Here it is (I don’t think it means I’m an honorary member of the Army though):

    Okay, you know me: I hate to get technical.

    That’s not a pin; that’s brass. More specifically, 2nd Class brass.

    2nd Class are called “Cows.” Goes back years ‘n years.

    Back in the day, you didn’t get annual leave. You got one two-month break between your sophomore (3rd class) and junior (2nd class) years. The recently returned furloughs displayed the fact that they debauched themselves by coming back “fat as cows.” Cows.

    Cows are also known as the biggest hazers. They’ve paid their dues and will probably graduate, but do not have the privileges and freedoms that 1st class cadets (Firsties) have. This makes them angry and bitter, and they take this anger and bitterness out on lower class cadets. Also, there is a prevalent feeling that the Firsties have lost focus on the Corps, and only care about their upcoming Army assignments, so it is up to the Cows to ensure that standards are maintained.

    I think this is called a flashback.

    Oh for petes sake my cousin gave me this pin the day he graduated from West Point! haha! It was a beautiful day, and Donald Rumsfeld was the speaker. Usually the president speaks, but it was 2003 and Bush was afraid his presence might make it into a terrorist target. Anyway it was a great experience to be there. My cousin was captain of the power lifting team!

    Well, for pete’s sake, send what I wrote to your cousin and ax him if I misstated. Dang. That’s why I hate getting technical (but can’t help it, mostly).

    • #11
    • August 1, 2017, at 8:07 PM PDT
    • 2 likes
  12. Boss Mongo Member

    Prayer Warrior, since I let RA lead me down the path of “not helpful” on the thread: since we talked about USMA, here’s some pics of the USMA catholic chapel, which is awesome.

    • #12
    • August 1, 2017, at 8:17 PM PDT
    • 4 likes
  13. Nanda Panjandrum Inactive
    Nanda Panjandrum

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):
    Awesome. Thanks, Nanda.

    Back atcha, Boss! Here for you for the duration – count on it!

    • #13
    • August 1, 2017, at 8:20 PM PDT
    • 3 likes
  14. Nanda Panjandrum Inactive
    Nanda Panjandrum

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):
    Prayer Warrior, since I let RA lead me down the path of “not helpful” on the thread: since we talked about USMA, here’s some pics of the USMA catholic chapel, which is awesome.

    Totally awesome, Boss…The Presence is strong; so beautiful!

    • #14
    • August 1, 2017, at 8:22 PM PDT
    • 4 likes
  15. Nanda Panjandrum Inactive
    Nanda Panjandrum

    With thanks to all for your kind words, “votes of confidence” and unfailing support: Semper Fi, Ricochet!

    • #15
    • August 1, 2017, at 8:30 PM PDT
    • 5 likes
  16. 9thDistrictNeighbor Member

    Hey Nanda, that’s a Combat Rosary!

    • #16
    • August 2, 2017, at 11:22 AM PDT
    • 2 likes
  17. Nanda Panjandrum Inactive
    Nanda Panjandrum

    9thDistrictNeighbor (View Comment):
    Hey Nanda, that’s a Combat Rosary!

    Yes, indeed…Only mine is customized. It has the ‘Triple-Threat Crucifix’, centerpiece of St. Michael, medal to St. Christopher [patron of Marines], relic medals of Divine Mercy, the Little Flower, and other holy companions…Truly a sword of the Spirit that also carries the blessing of my retired mil-chaplain pastor…Heavy duty! The only weapon for the “Angel Pup”. :-)

    • #17
    • August 2, 2017, at 4:47 PM PDT
    • 2 likes

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