People have always wanted to talk to God.
Archaeological evidence shows that early Christians gathered around martyrs' tombs to pray on the anniversaries of their death. They also engraved inscriptions on their homes' door posts or on tombs, praying to Mary or invoking the saints' intercession.
Since the Mass was celebrated in their language during the early centuries, people felt they talked with God through this formalized ritual. With the barbarian invasions in the fifth and sixth centuries, the mass remained in Latin to keep it pure, rather than being translated into northern Europe's many languages. Unable to understand Latin, the new converts created their own prayers for speaking with god, what have come to be known as "devotions."
The Middle Ages inspired many of today's devotions, including the rosary, Sacred Heart devotions, and devotions emphasizing Christ's humanity, his suffering and death.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw