The Rosary
The rosary is a devotion that started during the 13th century. Since then the Virgin Mary has made many promises to those who recite the rosary. It is a meditation on the life of our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The rosary is divided in four parts and each part in five mysteries. For each mystery one Our Father and ten Hail Mary's (a decade) are said. There is a pious custom to recite one part of the rosary daily in many Christian families.
(make the sign of the cross)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(recite the Apostles' Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the life everlasting. Amen.
Our Father . . .
Hail Mary . . . (three times)
Glory Be . . .
(Now, begin the Mysteries of the day. You may start each Decade by meditating on the Mystery. On the large bead say the Our Father. On the ten small beads say ten Hail Mary's. Then recite the Glory Be. Each decade is a contemplation of the life of Our Lord, witnessed by Mary - one aspect of the paschal mystery. At the end of every decade, one of the following prayers may be said)
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of your mercy!
Joyful Mysteries
(Mondays & Saturdays)
1. The Annunciation of the Lord - the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will have a son named Jesus.
2. The Visitation - Mary goes to see her cousin Elizabeth, who is having a baby, too.
3. The Nativity of the Lord - Jesus is born.
4. The Presentation of the Lord - Baby Jesus is taken to the temple.
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple - Jesus is lost; Mary and Joseph discover him preaching.
Sorrowful Mysteries
(Tuesdays & Fridays)
1. The Agony in the Garden - Jesus prays about dying on the cross.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar - Jesus is beaten.
3. The Crowning With Thorns - The officials place thorns on Jesus' head and tease him.
4. The Carrying of the Cross - Jesus struggles with the heavy wood.
5. The Crucifixion - Jesus dies on the cross.
Luminous Mysteries
(Thursdays)
1. The Baptism of Jesus - John baptizes his cousin and savior in the river.
2. The Wedding Feast at Cana - Jesus changes water into wine.
3. The Coming of the Kingdom - Jesus preaches about the kingdom of God.
4. The Transfiguration - Jesus' appearance changes to a bright light, and God says, "This is my Son."
5. The Eucharist - Jesus tells us he will give us his body and blood at the Last Supper.
Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays & Sundays)
1. The Resurrection - Jesus rises from the dead.
2. The Ascension of the Lord - Jesus is lifted into heaven.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit - Jesus sends his Spirit to help the apostles spread God's word.
4. The Assumption of our Blessed Mother - Mary is taken, body and soul, into heaven.
5. The Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven - She wears a crown of twelve stars.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy.
Hail, 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 vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
R. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
V. 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 in
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.