Holy Rosary
Go to the Rosary
The Rosary is composed is divided into the five Joyful Mysteries, the five Luminous Mysteries, the five Sorrowful Mysteries, and the five Glorious Mysteries. Each mystery contemplates events in the life of Christ or the Blessed Virgin Mary through the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, 10 recitations of the Hail Mary, and a Doxology.
If one says only five decades a day, it is customary to say the Joyful Mysteries on Monday and Saturday, the Luminous Mysteries on Thursday, the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday, the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesday and Sunday.
The following sequence consists of several different aids to reciting the rosary including Scriptural passages, and optional prayers or statements to direct one’s intention. They are the following:
1. Immediately after each mystery is provided a short Scriptural reference, for meditation.
2. Biblical references to longer Scriptural passages are provided (from Franciscans at Prayer)
3. For those who may not have immediate access to a Bible, a longer passage from one of those suggested is provided.
4. A thought and reflection on the mystery
5. A theme of offering is provided with an acclamation/aspiration for the grace of the mystery contemplated
6. An expansion on the Holy Name of Jesus is suggested for that mystery i.e. the person praying says “and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus, who (insert expansion). Holy Mary…..”
All these prayers are provided as an aid and none are mandatory. One, or more may be utilized by the user for greater meditation according to one’s personal spirituality. The required parts of the rosary consist solely of the prayers in BOLD (Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary and the Glory be) with some meditation on the mysteries.
The following is the template used in this section of the application for each mystery:
MYSTERY
Short Scripture sentence
Other recommended scriptural passages for meditation
Long Scriptural Passage
Thought and Resolution
Offering
Acclamation
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary
Mandatory part of the rosary
Other optional prayers (e.g. the Fatima prayer)
OPENING VERSES
THE FIVE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
When five decades are prayed, these may be used on Monday and Saturday
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of the Lord
4. The Presentation of the Lord
5. The Finding of the Lord in the Temple
THE FIVE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
When five decades are prayed, these may be used on Thursday
1. The Baptism in the Jordan
2. The Wedding at Cana
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
When five decades are prayed, these may be used on Tuesday and Friday
1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. The Crowning with Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion and Death of our Lord
THE FIVE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
When five decades are prayed, these may be used on Wednesday and Sunday
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption of Mary into heaven
5. The Coronation of Mary
CLOSING PRAYERS
THE HOLY ROSARY
OPENING I
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
– Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus
God, + come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now,
will be for ever. Amen. (Alleluia.)
or
OPENING II
In the name + of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
[I unite with all the saints in heaven and with all the just on earth; I unite with you, my Jesus, to praise your holy Mother worthily and to praise you in her and by her. I renounce all the distractions that may come to me while I am saying this Rosary.
O Lord, I offer you this creed to honor the faith you had upon earth and to ask you to permit us to share in that same faith. O Lord, I offer you this Our Father to adore you in your oneness and to acknowledge you as the first cause and the last end of all things. Most Holy Trinity, I offer you these three Hail Marys to thank you for all the graces which you have given to Mary and which you have given to us through her intercession.]
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
Then is said:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
After which the Angelic Salutation is said thrice:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee
blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen
Or:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen
Then finally is said:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Spirit (or: Holy Ghost)
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Or:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
When the rosary is said for the dead, the following verse may be substituted for the doxology
Eternal rest grant to them (him/her), O Lord,
and let perpetual perpetual light shine on them (him/her)
which also replaces the doxology throughout the whole rosary.
The mysteries of the rosary are provided with a short thematic Scriptural verse for meditation. If desired, one of the longer Scriptural passages given as references may be read, or the Scriptural passage printed. Other meditations, biblical and devotional, may be used in place of the ones given, or they may be replaced with mental prayer before or during the Hail Mary
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY
The first five decades, the “joyful mysteries”, are marked by the joy radiating from the event of the Incarnation. This is clear from the very first mystery, the Annunciation, where Gabriel's greeting to the Virgin of Nazareth is linked to an invitation to messianic joy: “Rejoice, Mary”. The whole of salvation history, in some sense the entire history of the world, has led up to this greeting. If it is the Father's plan to unite all things in Christ (cf. Eph 1:10), then the whole of the universe is in some way touched by the divine favor with which the Father looks upon Mary and makes her the Mother of his Son. The whole of humanity, in turn, is embraced by the fiat with which she readily agrees to the will of God.
Exultation is the keynote of the encounter with Elizabeth, where the sound of Mary’s voice and the presence of Christ in her womb cause John to “leap for joy” (cf. Lk 1:44). Gladness also fills the scene in Bethlehem, when the birth of the divine Child, the Savior of the world, is announced by the song of the angels and proclaimed to the shepherds as “news of great joy” (Lk 2:10).
The final two mysteries, while preserving this climate of joy, already point to the drama yet to come. The Presentation in the Temple not only expresses the joy of the Child’s consecration and the ecstasy of the aged Simeon; it also records the prophecy that Christ will be a “sign of contradiction” for Israel and that a sword will pierce his mother’s heart (cf Lk 2:34-35). Joy mixed with drama marks the fifth mystery, the finding of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple. Here he appears in his divine wisdom as he listens and raises questions, already in effect one who “teaches”. The revelation of his mystery as the Son wholly dedicated to his Father’s affairs proclaims the radical nature of the Gospel, in which even the closest of human relationships are challenged by the absolute demands of the Kingdom. Mary and Joseph, fearful and anxious, “did not understand” his words (Lk 2:50).
To meditate upon the “joyful” mysteries, then, is to enter into the ultimate causes and the deepest meaning of Christian joy. It is to focus on the reality of the mystery of the Incarnation and on the obscure foreshadowing of the mystery of the saving Passion. Mary leads us to discover the secret of Christian joy, reminding us that Christianity is, first and foremost, euangelion, “good news”, which has as its heart and its whole content the person of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, the one Savior of the world.
THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE ANNUNCIATION.
As Christ came into the world, he said: “Behold! I have come to do your will, O God.” (Heb 10:5-7)
Is 7:10-14 / Lk 1:26-38
Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Thought and Resolution: Do I open my heart and mind to hear the voice of God calling me to do His will? Do I say yes to His will regardless of the possible consequences to myself?
I pray that I can open my heart and mind to hear the will of God in my life. I pray that I see the example given to me by my Holy Mother, the Virgin Mary. I pray that I accept the help sent to me through the Holy Spirit.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this first decade in honor of your Incarnation in which you humbled yourself to take flesh of your holy Mother and offered a pleasing sacrifice of obedience to the Father on coming into the world. Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for humility of heart.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the Incarnation come into me and make me truly humble.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who humbled himself and became man for our salvation.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE SECOND JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE VISITATION
Come and hear, all you who fear God, while I recount what has been done for me. (Ps 66:16)
Is 40:1-10 / Lk 1:39-45 / Jn 1:19-13
Luke 1: 39-45
Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Thought and Resolution: Do I look outside of myself for opportunities to perform service for others? Do I humbly serve the will of God, or do I look for personal recognition for what I do?
I pray that I can turn my life and my will over to the care of God and that I can act upon it. I pray that I put my faith into action through service to others in need.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this second decade in honor of the Visitation of your holy Mother to her cousin Saint Elizabeth. Through this mystery and the intercession of Mary I ask for a perfect love of my neighbor.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the Visitation come into me and make me truly charitable.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who sanctifies all things and causes them to rejoice.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE THIRD JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE BIRTH OF THE LORD
I will proclaim the decree of the Lord, he said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. (Ps 2:7)
Mi 5:1-5 / Mt 2:1-12 / Lk 2:1-20 / Gal 4:1-7
Lk 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child,and she gave birth to her firstborn son.She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Thought and Resolution: Am I easily distracted by worldly possessions and other temptations? Do I humbly bring Christ into this world through my prayers, thoughts, words, and actions?
I pray that when I bring Christ into this world, I do so humbly without pride or self-centeredness. I pray that the things of this world do not distract my focus away from what is truly important—God’s presence in my life and His will for me.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your holy Birth. Through this mystery and the intercession of your blessed Mother I ask for detachment from the things of this world, love of poverty and love of the poor.
Acclamation: May the grace of the Birth of Jesus come into me and make me truly poor in spirit.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, born for us
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE FOURTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples. (Lk 2:30-31)
Lk 2:22-38 / Heb 9:6-14
Lk 2:22-38
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
Thought and Resolution: Do I turn to the traditions and laws of the Church to guide and direct me to God? Do I turn to devotions, like the Rosary, to give me strength and grace to fulfill the will of God?
I pray that I might use the teaching of the Church created by Christ and nurtured by the Virgin Mary to guide and direct me to God. I pray that I might use suffering in my life to bring me closer to God as shown to me by the lives of Jesus and Mary.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your presentation in the temple by the hands of Mary. Through this mystery and the intercession of your blessed Mother I ask for the grace to always be dedicated to your will, and the gift of purity of heart and body.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the presentation come into me and make me pure and wholly dedicated to the will of God.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, dedicated to the will of God
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE FIFTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE FINDING OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. (Jn 12:49)
Lk 2:41-50 / Jn 12:44-50 / 1 Cor 2:6-16
Lk 2:41-50
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.
Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them.
Thought and Resolution: When I lose Jesus in my daily life, do I go frantically searching for Him like I would my lost child? Do I know where to find Him? Do I go straight to the obvious place to look for Him?
I pray that in those times when I feel like I have lost Jesus Christ in my life I realize that He has not lost me. I pray that I remember where to find Him at all times—He is busy with His Father’s affairs.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade to honor Mary's finding you in the temple among the learned men after she had lost you. Through this mystery and the intercession of your blessed Mother I ask you for true wisdom to convert me to your holy teaching and help me guide others to you, who are the only Way, Truth and Life.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the Finding of Jesus in the temple come into me that I may be truly converted.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who teaches us the will of the Father.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Saint John Paul II published the apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariæ, adding five Luminous Mysteries to the traditional 15 meditated on in the rosary.
The Luminous Mysteries refer to Christ's public life, and are his Baptism in the Jordan; his self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana; his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion; his Transfiguration; and his institution of the Eucharist, “as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery,” according to the letter.
In his apostolic letter, the Holy Father explained that “the rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer”. He proposed the Luminous Mysteries to “highlight the Christological character of the rosary.” These mysteries refer to “Christ’s public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion,” the Holy Father explained.
Thus in these mysteries “we contemplate important aspects of the person of Christ as the definitive revelation of God,” the pope said, since it is he who “declared the beloved Son of the Father at the Baptism in the Jordan, Christ is the one who announces the coming of the Kingdom, bears witness to it in his works and proclaims its demands ... it is during the years of his public ministry that the mystery of Christ is most evidently a mystery of light: ‘While I am in the world, I am the light of the world’ (Jn 9:5).”
Thus, for the rosary to “become more fully a ‘compendium of the Gospel,’” the pope considered it appropriate that there be “a meditation on certain particularly significant moments in his public ministry, following reflection on the Incarnation and the hidden life of Christ (the joyful mysteries) and before focusing on the sufferings of his Passion (the sorrowful mysteries) and the triumph of his Resurrection (the glorious mysteries).” [Catholic News Agency]
THE FIRST LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE BAPTISM IN THE JORDAN
The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over the mighty waters. (Ps 29:3)
Mt 3:13-17 / Mk 1:4-11 / Lk 3:21-22 / Jn 1:26-34 / Rom 6:3-11
(Jn 1:26-34) John answered [them,] “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
Thought and Resolution: How do I live out faithfully the promises of my own baptism? Is it lived in a public way?
I pray that each day my faith grows and is strengthened through the power and mystery of Christ’s baptism.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your humble baptism. Through this mystery and through the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for a lively faith.
Acclamation: May the grace of your baptism come into me and make me truly faithful to the promises of my own baptism.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: …Jesus, who was baptized for our sake.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE SECOND LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE WEDDING AT CANA
Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and splendor, robed in light as with a cloak. You make the grass grow for the cattle and plants for people’s work to bring forth food from the earth, wine to gladden their hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread to sustain the human heart. (Ps 104, 1-2a, 14-15)
Jn 2: 1-11 / Is 25:6 / Rev 21:5-6
(Jn 2:1-11) On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washes, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs* in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
Thought and Resolution: Am I becoming more faithful in doing whatever the Lord asks me to do? Do I allow the simple gifts I have received to be transformed in Christ’s hands into something joyful and life-giving for others?
I pray that each day I become more sensitive to the needs of those around me and respond with kindness and charity.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your preaching and miracles on behalf of those in need. Through this mystery and through the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for a lively faith and constant charity.
Acclamation: May the grace of your power come into me and help me respond to the needs of others.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, mighty worker of miracles.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE THIRD LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk 1:14-15)
Mt 4:12-17 / Mk 1:14-15 / Lk 4:14-15 / Acts 2:37-41 / 2 Cor 5:17—6:2
(Mt 4:12-17) When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Thought and Resolution: When was the lastt time I realized my need for continuous conversion and repentance? Do I make regular use of the grace offered in the Sacrament of Penance?
I pray that each day I may proclaim more authentically the coming of God’s kingdom of justice and peace in word and deed.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your preaching the coming of God’s Kingdom among us. Through this mystery and through the intercession of your holy Mother I ask to be converted to you more deeply each day.
Acclamation: May the grace of your preaching of the Kingdom of God strengthen my witness to that Kingdom.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, mighty preacher of God’s Kingdom.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE FOURTH LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE TRANSFIGURATON
He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb. (Rev 21:10-11a, 23)
Mt 17:1-9 / Mk 9:2-10 / Lk 9:28-36 / Mt 5:14-16 / 2 Pt 1:16-19
(Mk 9:2-10) After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
Thought and Resolution: When have I allowed the grace of God to transfigure me into light for my world? How do I take time apart from my daily responsibilities to sit and rejoice with Jesus?
I pray that I may more and more be a living light, witnessing to Christ by all that I say and do.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your Transfiguration. Through this mystery and through the intercession of your holy Mother I ask to grow in your light and to scatter whatever darkness I may encounter.
Acclamation: May the grace of your Transfiguration strengthen my witness to your light.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, transfigured in light.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who crowned and exalted you, his most faithful disciple.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE FIFTH LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST
Israel I will feed with the finest wheat, I will satisfy them with honey from the rock. (Ps 81:17)
Ex 12:1-8, 11-14 / Ex 16:12-15 / Ex 24:3-8 / Mt 26:26-29 / Mk 14:22-26 / Lk 22:14-20 / Lk 24:13-32 / 1 Cor 11:23-26 / Rev 19:9
(1 Cor 11:23-26) I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
Thought and Resolution: How do I allow my reception of the Eucharist to truly transform me into Christ for others? Am I well prepared for the celebration of Mass by familiarity with the Scriptures and the liturgical texts? What does the reception of the Eucharist mean to ne?
I pray that I may more and more be the Body and Blood of Christ that I receive.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your gift of the Eucharist to us. Through this mystery and through the intercession of your holy Mother I ask to grow in my openness to the Holy Spirit.
Acclamation: May the grace of your Body and Blood strengthen me in all I do.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, Bread and Cup of Life
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
The Gospels give great prominence to the sorrowful mysteries of Christ. From the beginning Christian piety, especially during the Lenten devotion of the Way of the Cross, has focused on the individual moments of the Passion, realizing that here is found the culmination of the revelation of God’s love and the source of our salvation. The Rosary selects certain moments from the Passion, inviting the faithful to contemplate them in their hearts and to relive them. The sequence of meditations begins with Gethsemane, where Christ experiences a moment of great anguish before the will of the Father, against which the weakness of the flesh would be tempted to rebel. There Jesus encounters all the temptations and confronts all the sins of humanity, in order to say to the Father: “Not my will but yours be done” (Lk 22:42 and parallels). This “Yes” of Christ reverses the “No” of our first parents in the Garden of Eden. And the cost of this faithfulness to the Father’s will is made clear in the following mysteries; by his scourging, his crowning with thorns, his carrying the Cross and his death on the Cross, the Lord is cast into the most abject suffering: Ecce homo!
This abject suffering reveals not only the love of God but also the meaning of humanity itself.
Ecce homo: the meaning, origin and fulfilment of man is to be found in Christ, the God who humbles himself out of love “even unto death, death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). The sorrowful mysteries help the believer to relive the death of Jesus, to stand at the foot of the Cross beside Mary, to enter with her into the depths of God’s love for us and to experience all its life-giving power.
THE FIRST SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me? (Jn 18:11)
Mt 26:36-46 / Mk 14:26-42 / Lk 22:39-53 / Jn 18:1-2
Lk 22:39-44:
Going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not undergo the test.” After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground..
Thought and Resolution: Do I choose God’s will over my own despite my fear and doubt, or do I try to escape? When I am suffering and in pain, do I turn to God and His will for me, or do I fall into despair and self-pity?
I pray that I can better follow His example, despite my fears and doubts. I pray that I learn to hear the voice of God in my suffering and answer His call.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your intense agony in the garden of Olives. Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for perfect sorrow for our sins and perfect conformity to your holy will.
Acclamation: May the grace of the agony of Jesus come into me and make me truly contrite and perfectly obedient to the will of God.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, in agony because of our sins
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE SECOND SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR
Listen to my cry for help, for I am brought very low. (Ps 142:7)
Is 50:5-9 / Mt 27:15-26 / Mk 15:6-16
Mk 15:11-16
The chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate again said to them in reply, “Then what do you want me to do with the man you call the king of the Jews?” They shouted again, “Crucify him.” Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified.
Thought and Resolution: How often do I go along with crowd, even when I know it is wrong? How often do I forgive others’ behavior toward me? Am I willing to endure and accept ridicule, pain, and suffering to do the right things?
I pray that I have the strength to follow Jesus’s example in the scourging—to do what is right—not what is popular.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this seventh decade in honor of your cruel Scourging. Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for the grace to mortify my senses.
Acclamation: May the grace of the Scourging of Jesus come into me and make me truly mortified.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, scourged in our stead
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE THIRD SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
Like a lamb led to slaughter or a sheep silent before shearers, he did not open his mouth. (Is 53:7)
Is 52:13-53:10 / Mt 16:24-28 / Mt 27:27-31 / Mk 15:16-19 / Lk 23:6-11 / Jn 19:1-7
John 19: 1-5
Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly. Once more Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!”
Thought and Resolution: Do I deny God’s path out of fear of embarrassment or ridicule? Do I back down when challenged or when I am made fun of for choosing Christ’s way? How often have I joined in on the humiliation of another person?
I pray that I humbly pursue Christ’s path of love and tolerance toward those who might persecute or ridicule me; that I do not allow ridicule or embarrassment to ever deter me from Christ’s way.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of being your being crowned with Thorns. Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for a deep contempt for the things of the world.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of Our Lord's Crowning with Thorns come into me and make me truly opposed to the world.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, crowned with thorns to crown us with glory.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE FOURTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (Mk 8:34)
Mk :31-38 / Mk 15:20-25 / Jn 19:17-22 / Phil 2:6-11
Jn 19:17-19
They took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.”.
Thought and Resolution: Do I act, like Jesus, with complete selflessness in my times of suffering? Simon did not know the “stranger” was Jesus, the Son of God. Do I see the Son of God in the strangers around me?
I pray that my eyes are opened to see Christ in those around me. I pray that I carry my cross lightly and have charity even in my own suffering. Jesus carried His Cross so that my cross might be bearable—even then, He is there to help me carry mine—for on my own, I am incapable.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your carrying the Cross. Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for great patience in carrying my cross after you all the days of my life.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the carrying of the Cross come into me and make me truly patient.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who bore my sins to Calvary.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THE FIFTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF OUR LORD
There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as ransom for all.l. (1 Tim 2:5-6)
Mk 15:33-39 / Jn 19:17-37 / Acts 22:22-24 / Heb 9:11-14
Jn 19:28-30:
After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled,* Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Thought and Resolution: In my trials and tribulations, do I become a selfish, self-pitying, resentful creature? Do I despair?
I pray that I may follow Christ’s example even in my most difficult times to become more Christ-like and continue my mission of faith and hope.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this tenth decade in honor of your Crucifixion on Mount Calvary. Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for a great horror of sin, a love for the Cross and the grace of a holy death for us and for those who are now in their last agony.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the Cross come into me and make me truly humble.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, crucified for our salvation
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
The contemplation of Christ’s face cannot stop at the image of the Crucified One. “He is the Risen One!” The Rosary has always expressed this knowledge born of faith and invited the believer to pass beyond the darkness of the Passion in order to gaze upon Christ’s glory in the Resurrection and Ascension. Contemplating the Risen One, Christians rediscover the reasons for their own faith (cf. 1Cor 15:14) and relive the joy not only of those to whom Christ appeared—the Apostles, Mary Magdalene and the disciples on the road to Emmaus—but also the joy of Mary, who must have had an equally intense experience of the new life of her glorified Son. In the Ascension, Christ was raised in glory to the right hand of the Father, while Mary herself would be raised to that same glory in the Assumption, enjoying beforehand, by a unique privilege, the destiny reserved for all the just at the resurrection of the dead. Crowned in glory—as she appears in the last glorious mystery—Mary shines forth as Queen of the Angels and Saints, the anticipation and the supreme realization of the eschatological state of the Church.
At the center of this unfolding sequence of the glory of the Son and the Mother, the Rosary sets before us the third glorious mystery, Pentecost, which reveals the face of the Church as a family gathered together with Mary, enlivened by the powerful outpouring of the Spirit and ready for the mission of evangelization. The contemplation of this scene, like that of the other glorious mysteries, ought to lead the faithful to an ever greater appreciation of their new life in Christ, lived in the heart of the Church, a life of which the scene of Pentecost itself is the great “icon”. The glorious mysteries thus lead the faithful to greater hope for the eschatological goal towards which they journey as members of the pilgrim People of God in history. This can only impel them to bear courageous witness to that “good news” which gives meaning to their entire existence.
THE FIRST GLORIOUS MYSTERY: THE RESURRECTION
The Lord brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with shouts of triumph, alleluia. (Ps 105:43)
Mt 28:1-10 / Mk 16:1-8 / Lk 24:1-11 / Jn 20:1-10 / Rom 6:1-14 / 1 Cor 15:1-11
(Mt 28:1-7)
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
Thought and Resolution: Do I have faith that God will fulfill His promise to me in my life?
I pray that each day my faith grows and is strengthened through the power and mystery of Christ’s resurrection.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your triumphant Resurrection. Through this mystery and through the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for a lively faith.
Acclamation: May the grace of the Resurrection come into me and make me truly faithful.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who rose and conquered death and hell.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
SECOND GLORIOUS MYSTERY: THE ASCENSION
I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me. (Jn 17:24)
Mt 28:15-20 / Lk 24:44-53 / Acts 1:1-11 / Eph 2:4-7
Acts 1:9-11
When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
Thought and Resolution: Do I use Jesus’s ascension into heaven to strengthen my faith and hope each day? Do I allow the Holy Spirit to come to me to guide and direct my life?
I pray that I find faith and hope in Christ’s ascension so I too might follow Him to the Father.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your glorious Ascension. Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother I ask for a firm hope and a great longing for heaven.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the Ascension of the Lord come into me and prepare me for heaven.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who ascended to heaven to prepare a place for me.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY:THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Acts 2:1-11 / Acts 4:23-31 / Acts 11:44-48 / Jn 14:15-21
Acts 2:1-11
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,* as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”
Thought and Resolution: Do I accept the Holy Spirit into my life to give me strength and wisdom to live and die as Christ did? Do I listen and follow the Holy Spirit’s instructions?
I pray that I accept the Holy Spirit into my heart and into my life. I pray that I follow His direction to become an instrument of God in this world.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of the mystery of Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit descended in power on the apostles. Through this mystery and the intercession of Mary, the Spirit’s most holy Spouse, I ask for your holy wisdom that we may know, taste and practice your truth and share it with everyone.
Acclamation: May the grace of Pentecost come into me and make me truly wise in the eyes of God.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who has sent me a Comforter, Guide and Helper.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
FOURTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY:THE ASSUMPTION
If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. (Romans 6:8)
Jn 11:17-27 / 1 Cor 15:20-28 / 1 Cor 15:42-50 / 1 Cor 15:51-57 / Rv 21:1-6
1 Cor 15:20-26
Now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Thought and Resolution: Do I try to follow Mary’s example by saying yes when I am called upon to do God’s will? Is my faith and hope strengthened by Mary’s assumption, body and soul, into heaven?
I pray that I am given strength and grace each day so that I am prepared to say “yes” when I am called to do the will of God.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of the Assumption of your holy Mother into heaven body and soul. Through this mystery and her intercession I ask for the gift of true devotion to her in order to live a good life and have a happy death.
Acclamation: May the grace of the Assumption of Mary come into me and make me truly devoted to her.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who raised you to be with him forever as a promise for all his faithful followers.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
FIFTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY: THE CORONATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. (Lk 1:45)
Mt 5:1-12 / Rv 7:1-4, 9-12 / Rv 21:1-6
Rev 12:1-5
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth. She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne..
Thought and Resolution: Do I follow Mary’s example each day? Do I open my heart to receive the grace of God through the Holy Spirit?
I pray that I might follow Mary’s example each day, and with the help of her intercession, be brought to Christ in heaven to share fully in God the Father’s presence for eternity.
Offering: I offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of the Crowning in glory of your holy Mother in heaven. Through this mystery and her intercession I ask for perseverance and an increase in virtue up to the moment of our death and thereafter the eternal crown that is prepared for us. I ask for the same grace for all the just and all our benefactors.
Acclamation: May the grace of the mystery of the Coronation come into me and make me truly humble.
Expansion on the Holy Name during the Hail Mary: … Jesus, who crowned and exalted you, his most faithful disciple.
While meditating on the mystery say:
Our Father, Hail Mary (10 times), Glory be to the Father
The “Fatima Prayer” is often added:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
One of the following prayers may be said:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help,
or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I run to you,
O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
to you do I come, before you I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Or:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
Our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs
Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile
show us the blessed Fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us O Holy Mother of God
– That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O God,
whose Only-Begotten Son,
by his life, death and resurrection,
has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life,
grant, we beseech you,
that meditating upon these mysteries
of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
we may imitate what they contain
and obtain what they promise,
through the same Christ our Lord.
– Amen.
Or:
O God,
by the life, death and resurrection of your Son
you give us eternal life.
As we meditate on these mysteries
on the feast of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
may we live what they proclaim
and receive what they promise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.
Here may be annexed other prayer(s) such as Psalm 129 (130) for the dead, an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father for the intentions of the Holy Father, prayers recommended by the local Ordinary or national Conference of Bishops, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the October Prayer to Saint Joseph, Prayers for Peace, etc.