Our Lady of the Rosary

The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Saint Pius V established the feast of Our Lady of Victory to thank God for the Christian defeat of the Turks at Lepanto—a victory attributed to praying the rosary. In 1573, Pope Gregory XIII changed the name to Feast of the Holy Rosary – originally celebrated on the first Sunday in October. Pope Clement XI extended the feast to the Universal Church in 1716. And in 1913, Saint Pius X set the date for the feast that we know today, October 7.

The Rosary

The purpose of the Rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. Pius XII called it a compendium of the Gospel. The main focus is on Jesus, our redeemer — his birth, life, death, and resurrection. The “Our Fathers” remind us that Jesus’ Father is the initiator of salvation. The “Hail Marys” remind us to join Mary in contemplating these mysteries. They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all the mysteries of his earthly and heavenly existence. The “Glory Be” reminds us that the purpose of all life is the glory of the Holy Trinity.

The Rosary is one of the most cherished prayers of our Catholic Church. Starting with the Apostle's Creed, followed by the Lord's Prayer ("Our Father"), three Hail Marys and the Doxology ("Glory Be"); next comes the recitation of five sets of ten Hail Marys or five 'decades', each decade dedicated to one Mystery - the prayers of each decade start with the Lord's Prayer, and end with the Doxology. 

How did the Rosary evolve?

Pre-Vatican II, from the Middle Ages till 1962, people were required to attend liturgical services celebrated in Latin, a language that most did not read, speak or even understand, often in places where they were unable to even see or comprehend the wonders of what was happening. The Rosary evolved over this period as a private and intimate form of personal devotion that many found spiritually uplifting due to its rhythmic format, its tactile feel and references to the important events in the life of our Lord and Mother Mary.

One of the first origins of the Rosary can be traced back to St. Cyprian (c. 200-258 AD), Bishop and martyr of Carthage, who in 248 AD clearly stated the need to use the Lord's Prayer in personal as well as communal prayer. 

In fourth-century Egypt, St Paul of Thebes (c 227-341 AD) aka Paul the Hermit imposed on himself the recitation of 300 prayers every day, which he counted by collecting and tossing away 300 pebbles. 

Celtic monks in the seventh century prayed the Psalter or Book of Psalms (150 psalms), keeping count of each psalm by tying knots in the cords used as belts for their habits. At that time, however, most laity could not afford a Psalter, and most could not even read. As a parallel to the monastic reading of the 150 Psalms, the practice developed among the laity of praying the Lord's Prayer 150 times throughout the day. ­This devotion came to be known as “the poor man’s breviary.” ­The laity eventually was given beads to help them count their prayers. This prayer form became known as the rosarium ("rose garden"), a common term to designate a collection of similar material.

Story of the evolution of the "Hail Mary"

Earlier versions of "Hail Mary" sounded very different from what we say today. In repeating the words of Gabriel, they were reliving the joy of the annunciation and celebrating the mystery of God becoming a man in Mother Mary’s womb. 

Around 1050 AD, Christians linked this prayer with Elizabeth’s words to Mary at the Visitation: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). 

According to one tradition St. Dominic (d. 1221) moved by a vision of our Blessed Mother in 1214, preached the use of the Rosary in his missionary work among the Albigensians, a heretic group that denied the mystery of Christ. St. Dominic had a tremendous devotion to Mary and the Rosary. He encouraged Catholics to gather in small groups to pray together which was an early form of the Rosary together. These were quite possibly the first expressions of the prayer groups and small group communities that are still having a powerful impact today.

By the 13th century, Gabriel’s words, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28), sometimes were read in the monasteries at the end of a psalm, showing how the psalms found fulfilment in the New Testament with the coming of Christ through the Virgin Mary. 

Finally, with the addition of the name “Jesus” by Pope Urban IV in 1261, the first half of the Hail Mary was in place. ­

The response, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners” wasn’t added until after a famous sermon preached by St. Bernardine of Siena (c. 1380-1444) in 1487 captured pious peoples’ imaginations and got transferred to their daily devotions. 

St. Peter Canisius (c. 1571-1597) published the Hail Mary in his 1555 Catechism. Eleven years later, at the Council of Trent (c. 1545-1563 in Trent, Italy) the Catechism, a work that Canisius was instrumental in creating, included, for the first time in 1568, the entire final petition, concluding with the words “now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

How did the Mysteries of the Rosary come to be?

The term Rosary started describing a string of beads that was then beginning to be used to recite 150 Hail Marys. In its early form, the Hail Mary was recited 150 times on the beads. 

Why beads? Catholics were not the first to pray with beads. While the exact origin of prayer beads is unknown, devotees of many faiths and cultures (Hindus, Greeks, Buddhists etc) have (and do) use beads to pray. In fact, the word bead in English is actually derived from an Old English word 'gebed' that means prayer that came from each bead of the Rosary.

By the fifteenth century, the 150 Hail Marys had been divided into sets of ten, known as “decades,” with the Lord's Prayer ("Our Father") at the beginning of each.

The sets of five Joyful, five Sorrowful, and five Glorious Mysteries as we know them today were introduced by Dominic of Prussia (c. 1381-1461) sometime between 1410 and 1439. Journeying through the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary, the individual brings to mind our Lord's incarnation, His passion and death and His resurrection from the dead.

These meditations have been called short courses in theology because of their wealth of truth and inspiration. Through meditating on these mysteries we are led to prayers of adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and petition. 

It is also an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds as we pray to bring understanding and formation. Since the grace of any sacramental is dependent upon the attitude of the person using it, devout and thoughtful use of the Rosary is a prerequisite to enjoying the grace of the devotion. 

The origin of the Rosary as a prayer of worship and thanksgiving

The Rosary gained greater popularity in the 1500s when Moslem Turks were ravaging Eastern Europe. Recall that in 1453, Constantinople had fallen to the Moslems, leaving the Balkans and Hungary open to conquest. With Moslems raiding even the coast of Italy, the control of the Mediterranean was now at stake. In 1569, Pope St. Pius V officially approved the Rosary in this form: fifteen decades of Hail Marys introduced by the "Our Father" and concluded with the "Glory Be". Also added was the pendant (composed of the cross and the five extra beads), and the second half of the Hail Mary was formalized: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” 

Our Lady of the Rosary: Victory at Battle of Lepanto

In 1571, Pope St. Pius V organized a fleet under the command of Don Juan of Austria, the half-brother of King Philip II of Spain. While preparations were underway, the Holy Father asked all of the faithful to say the Rosary and implore our Blessed Mother's prayers, under the title Our Lady of Victory, that our Lord would grant victory to the Christians. Although the Moslem fleet outnumbered that of the Christians in both vessels and sailors, the forces were ready to meet in battle. The Christian flagship flew a blue banner depicting Christ crucified. On October 7, 1571, the Moslems were defeated at the Battle of Lepanto, at the mouth of the Gulf of Corinth. The following year, Pope St. Pius V established the Feast of the Holy Rosary on October 7, where the faithful would not only remember this victory but also give thanks to the Lord for all of His benefits and remember the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother.

Our Lady of Fatima endorses the Rosary

On May 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She told them to come back to that exact place on the 13th day of each month for the next six months. Mary promised she would appear to them each time and entrust a message to them. Mary told the children to pray for world peace by reciting the Rosary daily. On July 13, 1917, Mary asked the children to add a short prayer to the end of each decade of the Rosary: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Today this is referred to as the Fatima prayer, and many Catholics incorporate it into the Rosary as Mary requested.

St Pope John Paul II adds the Luminous Mystery of the Rosary.

On most recent change was on October 16, 2002, when St. Pope John Paul II commemorated the 25th anniversary of his pontificate by adding the mysteries of light, or Luminous mysteries, to the saying of the Rosary. In his Apostolic Letter on the Most Holy Rosary, 'Rosarium Virginis Mariae', he announced 2002 as the Year of the Rosary and called on Catholics to renew their devotion to this traditional prayer. St. Pope John Paul II suggested that reflection on the mysteries of Christ’s public ministry would help Catholics enter more fully into the life of Jesus through the Rosary:  

(1) Christ’s baptism, 

(2) The wedding feast at Cana, 

(3) The proclamation of the kingdom, 

(4) The Transfiguration, and 

(5) The institution of the Eucharist.

Mysteries of the Rosary with Scriptural Reflections

Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary - Mondays

FIRST  JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE ANNUNCIATION

(Our Father …)

1. The Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a Virgin named Mary betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David. (Hail Mary ...)

2. Coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women" (Hail Mary ...)

3. Mary was greatly troubled and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. (Hail Mary ...)

4. "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."  (Hail Mary ...)

5. "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and of His kingdom there shall be no end."  (Hail Mary ...)

6. "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 holy, the Son of God."  (Hail Mary ...)

7. "And behold, Elizabeth, your cousin, has also conceived a son in her old age... for nothing is impossible for God."   (Hail Mary ...)

8. Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."  (Hail Mary ...)

9. An Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your betrothed, into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this Child has been conceived in her." (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: Mother Mary, just as you accepted God’s plan in full faith and trust, teach us to have that same faith in our Lord. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

SECOND JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE VISITATION

(Our Father …) 

1. Mary’s cousin Elizabeth conceived a son in her old age… for nothing is impossible with God. (Hail Mary ...)

2. Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth. (Hail Mary ...)

3. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting she was filled with the Holy Spirit, and cried out in a loud voice. (Hail Mary ...)

4. "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?" (Hail Mary ...)

5. "For at the moment, the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leapt for joy." (Hail Mary ...)

6. "And blessed art thou who hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord." (Hail Mary ...)

7. Mary exclaimed the Magnificat: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness." (Hail Mary ...)

8. "Behold, from now on, all ages will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name." (Hail Mary ...)

9. Mary remained with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned to her home. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: Mother Mary just as you went in haste to help your cousin Elizabeth in her hour of need, we ask you to help us in our hour of need. Give us the grace to look beyond our own trials and help others in need. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

THIRD JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE BIRTH OF JESUS

(Our Father …) 

1. In those days a decree went out that everyone should be counted in a census ... Joseph went from Nazareth to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed to Bethlehem because he was of the house and family of David. (Hail Mary ...)

2. While they were there, the time came for Mary 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. (Hail Mary ...)

3. In that region were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night. The Angel of the Lord appeared to them... and said, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people". (Hail Mary ...)

4. "For today in the city of David, a Savior has been born for you, who is the Messiah and Lord." (Hail Mary ...)

5. Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly hosts with the Angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace to men of goodwill" (Hail Mary ...)

6. The shepherds went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told to them about this child and Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Hail Mary ...)

7. Behold, Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem, saying "Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." (Hail Mary ...)

8. The Star preceded them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was... on entering they saw the child with Mary, his mother. (Hail Mary ...)

9. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary)

10.  Reflection: Mother Mary, just like the shepherds and Magi we ask you to give us the grace to seek out and adore Jesus in our daily lives. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

FOURTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE

(Our Father …)

1. According to the Law of Moses, the firstborn male child of every family should be consecrated to the Lord. (Hail Mary ...)

2. Accordingly, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. (Hail Mary ...)

3. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon … it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. (Hail Mary ...)

4. Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Lord, now let your servant go in Peace; Your word has been fulfilled." (Hail Mary ...)

5. "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all the people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel." (Hail Mary ...)

6. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "Behold this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted." (Hail Mary ...)

7. "...and you yourself a sword will pierce your soul so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Hail Mary ...)

8. Now there was a prophetess Anna, she was eighty-four. She never left the Temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. (Hail Mary ...)

9. 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. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: Mother Mary we beseech you to present our petitions to the Almighty and intercede on our behalf at the hour of our reckoning. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

FIFTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: FINDING OF OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE

(Our Father …)

1. When he was twelve years old, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for the Passover with Joseph and Mary, as was their custom. (Hail Mary ...)
2. As they were returning, Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it, thinking that he was in the caravan. (Hail Mary ...)
3. They had journeyed for a day and, not finding him among their relatives and acquaintances, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. (Hail Mary ...)
4. After three days, they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Hail Mary ...)
5. And all who heard him were astounded at his wisdom and his understanding of the Scriptures. (Hail Mary ...)
6. 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." (Hail Mary ...)
7. He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" (Hail Mary ...)
8. But they did not understand what he was saying to them. (Hail Mary ...)
9. Jesus returned with them to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And he grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Hail Mary ...)
10. Reflection: Mother Mary we ask you to come looking for us when we go astray. Lead us back to our Lord. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest …)

Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary - Tuesdays and Fridays

FIRST SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN

(Our Father …)

1. Sensing that his hour was at hand, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray, and the disciples followed him. (Hail Mary ...)

2. Entering the Garden at Gethsemane with Peter, James, and John, Jesus says, "My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here, and stay awake". (Hail Mary ...)

3. Kneeling down he prayed, "Father, if you are willing, let this chalice pass from me; nevertheless Father not my will but Thine be done." (Hail Mary ...)

4. He came back and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Did you not have the strength to stay awake for one hour?" (Hail Mary ...)

5. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat became drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Hail Mary ...

6. Jesus exclaimed, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." To strengthen him an Angel from Heaven appeared. (Hail Mary ...)

7. Sensing the mob nearby he said, "It is all over. The hour has come. Now the Son of Man is to be betrayed into the hands of sinners". (Hail Mary ...)

8. And at once, Judas, one of the twelve apostles, betrayed Jesus with a kiss. (Hail Mary ...Hail Mary ...Hail Mary ...)

9. The mob bound Jesus, like a lamb without blemish or spot, and led him away to the High Priest. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: In this mystery, we see that it is no shame to pray and hope for pain to pass us by. But we should also trust and accept God’s plan for a greater purpose. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

SECOND SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR

(Our Father …)

1. When morning came, the Chief Priests and Elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death on the charge that he declared himself to be a king. (Hail Mary ...)

2. They bound him and led him away to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, for only he could impose the death penalty. (Hail Mary ...)

3. Pilate asked Jesus: "Are you the King of the Jews?" and Jesus said unto him, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but my Kingdom is not from here". (Hail Mary ...)

4. Finding no fault with him, Pilate asked the mob, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" (Hail Mary ...)

5. They shouted back, "Crucify him! We have no King but Caesar". Pilate asked them, "What harm has he done?" But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" (Hail Mary ...)

6. Pilate then said to the Chief Priests and the crowd, "I find no case against this man." (Hail Mary ...)

7. With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. (Hail Mary ...)

8. Pilate addressed the crowd saying, "As you can see, the man has done nothing that deserves death, therefore I shall have him scourged and then release him". (Hail Mary ...)

9. Then Pilate ordered the guards to have Jesus scourged. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: When I give into angry or vengeful remarks and idle gossip, I behave like the mob that wanted Jesus crucified. When I leave cutting remarks unanswered or let judgmental thoughts die in my mind, I behave like Jesus.  (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

THIRD SORROWFUL MYSTERY – THE CROWNING WITH THORNS

(Our Father …) 

1. Pilate brought Jesus before the people, hoping his pitiful sight would soften them: "Behold the man!". Unmoved, they cried in unison: "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" (Hail Mary ...)

2. Pilate tried one last time, "On each Passover, I release one prisoner. Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?". And the mob chose to release Barabbas. (Hail Mary ...)

3. Pilate washed his hands off the matter saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just person. Do what you want by yourselves."  (Hail Mary ...)

4. Then the soldiers took Jesus inside the Praetorium, stripped off his clothes and threw an old purple cloak about him in mockery of his claim to be a King. (Hail Mary ...)

5. Weaving a crown of thorns they forcefully pressed it down upon his head. (Hail Mary ...)

6. In his bound hands, they placed a reed, as a sceptre, in mockery of his kingship. (Hail Mary ...)

7. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King Of The Jews!" (Hail Mary ...)

8. What humiliation and disgrace for the Son of God before whom the angels tremble! (Hail Mary ...)

9. Then they dressed him in his own clothes and led him off to be crucified. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: Every day, we are presented with moments of choice:  Either stand for Christ and risk mockery and scorn, or play safe and ignore him. May we find the courage to do the righteous thing. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

FOURTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS

(Our Father …)

1. One condemned to death by crucifixion is forced to carry the cross to the place of execution. (Hail Mary ...)

2. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. (Hail Mary ...)

3. Jesus speaks to weeping women saying, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children". (Hail Mary ...)

4. "For if these things are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (Hail Mary ...)

5. The suffering of Jesus is intense as the cross is laid on his bruised and wounded back and shoulders. Weak and exhausted from loss of blood, lack of food and rest, Jesus falls three times under the Cross. (Hail Mary ...)

6. Fearing that Jesus might die on the way, the soldiers force Simon of Cyrene to carry the Cross. (Hail Mary ...)

7. Jesus meets his afflicted Mother. The unconditional love and support would have helped relieve him of his pain and anguish. (Hail Mary ...)

8. The face of Jesus is disfigured with blood, tears, sweat, dust and spittle. Veronica wipes his face. By this act of mercy, Jesus leaves on her veil the image of his countenance. (Hail Mary ...)

9. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, meaning the Place of the Skull,  where he was to be crucified.  (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: Mother Mary we urge you to remain close to us especially in our moments of despair. Help us carry our cross and give us the grace to help others in their journey through life. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

FIFTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY: THE CRUCIFIXION

(Our Father …) 

1. Jesus prayed for his tormentors saying, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing."  (Hail Mary ...)
2. Now there were two other criminals crucified with Jesus. One of them mocked him saying, "Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us!". (Hail Mary ...)
3. The other criminal rebuked him saying "We are being rightly punished for our misdeeds but this man has done nothing wrong", then he said, "Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom." (Hail Mary ...)
4. Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."  (Hail Mary ...)
5. Standing near the cross was John, the favorite disciple. Jesus said to his Mother, "Woman, behold, your son". Then he said to John, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour, the disciple took care of Mother Mary. (Hail Mary ...)
6. Showing his human frailty Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it and put it to his lips.  (Hail Mary ...)
7. Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?."  (Hail Mary ...)
8. Jesus said, "It is finished"; a testament that what Jesus had come to do was now completed. The plan was fulfilled; a salvation made possible; redemption of mankind was at hand. (Hail Mary ...)
9. Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." And bowing his head he gave up his spirit. Greater love than this no man hath, that to lay down his life for others. (Hail Mary ...)
10. Reflection: Even when he was dying on the cross, Jesus asked his Father to forgive his tormentors. In this mystery, may we crucify our pride on the cross, grant forgiveness and surrender ourselves to our Almighty Father. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary - Wednesdays and Sundays

FIRST GLORIOUS MYSTERY: THE RESURRECTION 

(Our Father …) 

1. Jesus said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build Solomon’s temple, how will you raise it in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His body. (Hail Mary ...)

2. As the day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Salome, came to the tomb to embalm the body but found the tomb empty. Behold, an Angel of the Lord came down from Heaven, and drawing near rolled back the stone. (Hail Mary ...)

3. The Angel said, "Do not be afraid! You seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has been raised and is not here." (Hail Mary ...)

4. Mary Magdalene was distraught, "What have they done to my Lord, tell me that I might do him homage?". She turned around and saw Jesus there, he said to her, "Mary!" Ecstatic at seeing Jesus alive she rushed back to tell the Apostles the good news as Jesus had commanded. (Hail Mary ...)

5. Now two disciples were on the road to Emmaus. While they were conversing and debating, Jesus drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. (Hail Mary ...)

6. While they were at table, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. The two disciples rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the good news to the Apostles. (Hail Mary ...)

7. One morning on Lake Tiberias, some disciples of Jesus were returning with empty nets, when a stranger commanded them, "Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch fish."  (Hail Mary ...)

8. They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat. Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, "It's the Lord!" (Hail Mary ...)

9. Jesus took some bread in his hands and said, "Come and eat!". This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after He was raised from the dead. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: By rising from the dead, Jesus conquered death and gave us the promise of Eternal Life. May we strive to earn this by being his true disciples. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

SECOND GLORIOUS MYSTERY: THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD INTO HEAVEN 

(Our Father …) 

1. The disciples were gathered in prayer with Mother Mary behind closed doors, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me so also I send you. Go out into the world and make followers of all men". (Hail Mary ...)

2. "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." (Hail Mary ...)

3. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Hail Mary ...)

4. "Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of time". (Hail Mary ...)

5. Thomas Didymus, one of the twelve apostles, was not with them and he did not believe. A week later when the disciples were together, Jesus came and said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my wounds." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" (Hail Mary ...)

6. Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you believed; Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believe". (Hail Mary ...)

7. Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany raised his hands, and blessed them. (Hail Mary ...)

8. Jesus told his disciples, "If you love me, you would indeed rejoice that I am going to the Father."  Then he was taken up to Heaven in a cloud. (Hail Mary ...)

9. As they were looking on, two men dressed in white garments stood beside them and 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 on the Last Day." (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: Before the Ascension, Christ was to be found on earth, always in one place. Now we can find him anywhere, we just have to take the time and make the effort. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY: DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE APOSTLES 

(Our Father …) 

1. When the time for Pentecost had come the Apostles were gathered together persevering in prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus. (Hail Mary ...)

2. Suddenly there came a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. (Hail Mary ...)

3. Then there appeared to them Tongues of Fire, which came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary ...)

4. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under Heaven. 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?"  (Hail Mary ...)

5. In awe, they asked Peter and the other Apostles, "What are we to do, my brothers?" (Hail Mary ...)

6. Peter stood up, and proclaimed to them, "This is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘It will come to pass in the last days that I will pour out a portion of my Spirit upon all flesh.'"  (Hail Mary ...)

7. "God raised Jesus from the dead; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured it forth, as you both can see and hear." (Hail Mary ...)

8. "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Hail Mary ...)

9. Those present accepted his message and were baptized. About three thousand persons were added to the Church that day. On the Feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Spirit who came to remain with the Church forever, permanently and unfailingly. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: The Holy Spirit was bestowed onto me at confirmation. Have I squandered this great gift? Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful; and kindle in us the fire of Thy love. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

FOURTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY: ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY INTO HEAVEN

(Our Father …)  

1. After the Apostles dispersed, the Blessed Virgin Mary went to live with John, the beloved disciple. (Hail Mary ...)

2. Mary lived many years on earth after the death of Christ.  (Hail Mary ...)

3. Mary was a source of guidance, comfort, consolation and strength to the Apostles and the early Church.  (Hail Mary ...)

4. Just as Mary had nourished the Infant Jesus, so too she nourished spiritually the infant Church.  (Hail Mary ...)

5. When Mary died, her body was wholly overcome in a rapture of divine love. (Hail Mary ...)

6. Mary’s body as well as her soul were taken up into Heaven.  (Hail Mary ...)

7. The Apostles went to the tomb and found only fragrant lilies. (Hail Mary ...)

8. Jesus would not permit the sinless body of his Mother to decay in the grave. (Hail Mary ...)

9. Corruption of the body is an effect of original sin from which Mary is totally exempted by her Immaculate Conception.  (Hail Mary ...)

10.  Reflection: In Mother Mary, we have a powerful advocate to plead our cause. Do I hesitate to call upon our heavenly Mother in my hour of need? Do I remember to thank her for all the graces and blessings bestowed upon me? (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

FIFTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY: CORONATION OF OUR LADY IN HEAVEN  

(Our Father …) 

1. A great sign appeared in Heaven; a woman clothed with the Sun, the Moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve Stars. (Hail Mary ...)

2. As Mary enters Heaven, the entire court of Heaven greets her with joy. (Hail Mary ...)

3. More than we can ever know the hearts of Jesus and Mary overflow with joy at this reunion. (Hail Mary ...)

4. Mary is crowned by her divine Son as Queen of Heaven and Earth.  (Hail Mary ...)

5. Only in Heaven will we know the great majesty of that Coronation and the joy it gave to the Angels and Saints. (Hail Mary ...)

6. Even the Angels hail Mary as their Queen.  (Hail Mary ...)

7. Mary shares so fully in the glory of Christ because she shared so fully in His suffering. (Hail Mary ...)

8. Only in Heaven will we see how central is the role of Mary in the divine plan of redemption of mankind. (Hail Mary ...)

9. Mary pleads our cause as a most powerful Queen and a most merciful and loving Mother.  (Hail Mary ...) 

10. Reflection: Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth cure this hurting humanity and heal our planet of this terrible affliction. With your grace and blessings, may we return to Christ's ways of love, caring and forgiveness. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary - Thursdays

FIRST LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD IN THE RIVER JORDAN

(Our Father …) 

1. John the Baptist said, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (Hail Mary ...)

2. "I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Hail Mary ...)

3. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world"  (Hail Mary ...)

4. Jesus had come to the river Jordan, to be baptized by John. But John prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, how then do you come to me?" (Hail Mary ...)

5. Jesus answered, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." (Hail Mary ...)

6. When Jesus had been baptized … suddenly the Heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove. And a voice from Heaven said, "This is my Son, the beloved with whom I am well pleased." (Hail Mary ...)

7. John bore witness to this saying, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from Heaven and remain on him". (Hail Mary ...)

8. "With righteousness, He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth." (Hail Mary ...)

9. The Lord said, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession". (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: As a baptised Catholic am I ready to evangelise Christ like John the Baptist? (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

SECOND LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE WEDDING AT CANA 

(Our Father …)  

1. There was a wedding at Cana. Jesus, his Mother Mary and his disciples were there. (Hail Mary ...)

2. When the wine ran out, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."  (Hail Mary ...)

3. And Jesus said to her, "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come."  (Hail Mary ...)

4. His Mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." (Hail Mary ...)

5. Nearby were six stone jars that could hold 20 to 30 gallons of water, used for ceremonial washing. (Hail Mary ...)

6. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. (Hail Mary ...)

7. Then he said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast." (Hail Mary ...)

8. When the steward tasted the wine, he said, "Every man serves the good wine first; but you have kept the good wine until now." (Hail Mary ...)

9. This, the first of many signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, to manifest his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: Jesus can also transform our marriage. If we bring our needs to Mary, she will intercede on our behalf with her Son. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

THIRD LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE PREACHING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD   

(Our Father …) 

1. Jesus said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

2. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called Sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

3. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

4. "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For if you only love those who love you, what reward do you have?" (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

5. Jesus told his disciples, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

6. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

7. "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that to lay down his life for his friends."  (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

8. "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he finds a singular pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

9. Jesus said, "Amen I say to you, unless you become like little children you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven."  (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

10. Reflection: To enter the kingdom of heaven, we must become like children; humble ourselves; forgo our pride; overcome our disbelief and trust fully in the Lord (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

FOURTH LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE TRANSFIGURATION 

(Our Father …) 

1. Jesus took with him Peter, James and John, and led them up Mount Tabor to pray.   (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

2. And He was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as light.  (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

3. And behold, two men, Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus. (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

4. Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, my chosen; listen to him." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

5. Frightened, the apostles fell to the ground.  (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

6. Jesus touched the apostles, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus.  (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

7. Jesus said, "Do not be afraid I have not come to destroy the prophets or the law, but rather to fulfil them." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

8. And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man should have risen from the dead.  (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

9. They kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...) 

10. Reflection: Jesus we pray that you transform us to become your true disciples so that we too may enter the kingdom of heaven. (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest …)

FIFTH LUMINOUS MYSTERY: THE INSTITUTION OF THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST 

(Our Father …) 

1. Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his hour had come, gathered his disciples. (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

2. Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist; poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet. (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

3. "Do you know what I have done for you? You who call me your teacher and your Lord. If I have washed your feet, you too must do as I have done for you".  (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

4. Then Jesus said: "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer". (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

5. "For I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

6. Then he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." (Hail Mary ... Holy Mary ...)

7. He did the same with the cup after supper, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins of many. Do this in remembrance of me". (Hail Mary ...)

8. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the Last Day". (Hail Mary ...)

9. "For as often as we shall eat this bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes again". (Hail Mary ...)

10. Reflection: In the Last Supper, Jesus is not only asking us to participate in the Holy Eucharist but to live our lives in the service of our fellowmen. Oh Sacrament most Holy, Oh Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. (Hail Mary ... Glory be … Oh my Jesus ... Eternal Rest ...)

    
    

A beautiful closing prayer of the Rosary

O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

References

1. Our Lady of the Rosary. (2024, August 6). Franciscan Media. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-the-rosary/
2. Our Lady of the Rosary. (2020, August 11). Loyola Press. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://s3staging.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/our-lady-of-the-rosary/
3. Our Lady of the Rosary. (n.d.). EWTN Global Catholic Television Network. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/seasons-and-feast-days/our-lady-of-the-rosary-14633