¶ The Holy Rosary
The Rosary was given by the Virgin Mary to St. Dominic. It was based on prayers prayed by the faithful from the Apostolic era, where unlettered believers would pray the Lord's Prayer (Our Father) and the Angelic Greeting (Hail Mary), since they could not learn the Paslter. Since there are 150 Psalms, these faithful would pray 150 Hail Mary prayers, with 15 Our Father prayers.
The Blessed Virgin asked St. Dominic to teach the faithful of France the more structured version of this devotion, with the addition of mental prayer, meditating on the 15 Mysteries of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This meditation joined with the verbal prayers to create a powerful tool that can be memorized in a day, and will serve for protection and provision for the rest of your life.
At her apparition at Fatima, the Virgin later added an additional prayer, the "O my Jesus" prayer, which is prayed between decades.
¶ The Structure of the Rosary
The Rosary consists of 15 decades (sets of ten) Hail Mary prayers with introductory and closing prayers. A "Chaplet" of 5 decades is prayed daily by many faithful today. There is a fair amount of variation and style in the introductory and closing prayers. Below is presented a fairly standard one, from which each individual can adapt. Care should be taken to avoid overcomplicating or signficantly altering the underlying structure of the prayer, which was given by the Virgin herself, and is simple, elegant, and powerful.
Below is presented the full text of a bsic example Rosary:
Make the Sign of the Cross, and say:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.The Apostle's Creed: 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; the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall 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.
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. Amen.
For an increase in the virtue of faith:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among 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.For an increase in the virtue of hope:
Hail Mary...For an increase in the virtue of charity:
Hail Mary...Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Intentions: O Lord, we offer this Rosary in praise and thanksgiving, for the greater glory of God, for the needs and intentions the Vicar of Christ, and of Holy Mother Church, for the conversion of sinners, for peace in the world, for the relief of the souls in Purgatory, for the sick, the suffering, and the dying, for our families and loved ones, for all those who have asked for our prayers, and for all the prayers and petitions that we now place before Thee. Amen.
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Meditation: Mary receives the message of the angel with humble faith. May we answer God’s will with the same trusting “yes.”
Our Father...
(10x) Hail Mary...
Glory be...
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation...
The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity...
The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation...
The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple...The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden...
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar...
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns...
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross...
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion...The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection...
The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension...
The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit...
The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary...
The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary...Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy 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.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
For the Intentions of the Pope:
Our Father...
(3x) Hail Mary...
Glory be...Collect: O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, 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.
Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
¶ The Symmetry of the Rosary
The three sets of mysteries relate to the birth, death, and ressurection of our Lord. They evoke a beautiful symmetry, pivoting on the Crowing with Thorns, which represents our Lord's conquering of the Curse (which was symbolized by the introduction of thorns in the ground).
Because the Rosary is Mary's Psalter, it begins and ends with her mission, which both points to Christ, and in a very literal sense resulted in Christ's advent and sacrifice. The meditations (Mary treasured these things, and pondered them in her heart) begin at her perspective and point upward toward, being literally crowned with Christ's Passion.
¶ The Rosary in Sacred Art
Meditation is enhanced by focusing our senses. From the begining, the faithful have used sacred art to lift our eyes to heaven, focus our minds, stimulate our imaginations, and raise us to heaven. Since the "eyes are the windows into the soul," meditating on sacred art raises our bodies and souls to the divine.
These examples of sacred art representing the mysteries of the rosary can improve our mental prayer and meditiation.
¶ The Annunciation:
¶ The Visitation:
¶ The Nativity:
¶ The Presentation:
¶ The Finding in the Temple:
¶ The Agony in the Garden:
¶ The Scourging at the Pillar:
##The Crowning with Thorns:
¶ The Carrying of the Cross:
¶ The Crucifixion:
¶ The Resurrection:
¶ The Ascension:
¶ The Descent of the Holy Spirit:
¶ The Assumption:
¶ The Coronation:
¶ Scriptural Rosary
Perhaps the most important mediation aids for the Mysteries of the life, death, and ressurection of our Lord come from the Holy Scriptures. Because the entirety of the Bible points toward the work of Christ, his love of his Bride the Church, and his beatific vision, it is good to pray the Rosary whilst meditating on those things the Holy Spirit revealed to us about these sacred mysteries.
¶ The First Joyful Mystery — The Annunciation
- The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. (Is 9:2)
- Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. (Is 7:14)
- Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring from the earth, and righteousness look down from heaven. (Ps 85:10-11)
- There is a river whose streams gladden the City of God; the holy habitation of the Most High, God is in the midst of her, and she shall not be moved; God will help her right early. (Ps 46:4-5)
- I will be as the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily, he shall strike root as the poplar; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. (Hos 14:5-6)
- In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. (Lk 1:26-27)
- And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. (Lk 1:28-29)
- And the angel said to her, "Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus." (Lk 1:30-31)
- "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." (Lk 1:35)
- And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." (Lk 1:38)
¶ The Second Joyful Mystery — The Visitation
- In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah; and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (Lk 1:39)
- And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Lk 1:41)
- Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted. (Is 49:13)
- Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for lo, I come and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord. (Zec 2:10)
- A voice cries, "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Is 40:3)
- They shall come and sing aloud on the heights of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord.... I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. (Jer 31:13)
- My deliverance draws near speedily, my salvation has gone forth, and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. (Is 51:5)
- Hark, your watchmen lift up their voice, together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion. (Is 52:8)
- Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. (Is 52:9)
- The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (Is 52:10)
¶ The Third Joyful Mystery — The Nativity
- A Child is born to us, and a Son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. (Is 9:6)
- For while all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, thy almighty Word leapt down from heaven from thy royal throne, into the midst of the land that was doomed. (Wis 18:14-15)
- Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came upon her, she was delivered of a Son. (Is 66:7)
- Comfort, comfort my people says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned. (Is 40:1-2)
- Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps 46:10-11)
- And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God;... and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men." (Rv 21:2-3)
- Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. (Jer 23:5)
- And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born Son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn. (Lk 2:6-7)
- And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (Lk 2:8-9)
- And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Lk 2:10-11)
¶ The Fourth Joyful Mystery — The Presentation
- And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (Lk 2:22)
- "Behold, now I bring the first fruit of the ground, which Thou, O Lord, hast given me." (Dt 26:10)
- The desired of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts. (Hg 2:8)
- Thou wilt bring them in, and plant them on thy own mountain; the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thy abode; the sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. (Ex 15:17)
- "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Is 49:6)
- Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the House of the Lord. (Ezra 1:3)
- Arise, O Lord, and go to thy resting place, thou and the Ark of thy might. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints shout for joy. (Ps 131:8-9)
- Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in! (Ps 24:7)
- And behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a Son of Man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. (Dan 7:13)
- So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him and said, "See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed!" (Gen 27:27)
¶ The Fifth Joyful Mystery — The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
- And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it. (Lk 2:42-43)
- After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Lk 2:46)
- And when they saw him they were astonished; and his Mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." (Lk 2:48)
- And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. (Lk 2:49-50)
- One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his Temple. (Ps 27:4)
- And the Temple, which a little while before was full of fear and disturbance, was filled with joy and gladness, now that the Almighty Lord had appeared. (2 Mc 3:30)
- The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Dt 33:27)
- Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! ...Within her citadels God has shown himself a sure defense. (Ps 48:1, 3)
- On the holy mountain stands the city he founded; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. (Ps 87:1-2)
- And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. (Rv 21:23)
¶ The Five Sorrowful Mysteries
¶ The First Sorrowful Mystery — The Agony in the Garden
- Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." (Mt 26:38)
- My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation. (Sir 2:1)
- My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. (Ps 55:4-5)
- My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the walls of my heart! My heart is beating wildly; I cannot keep silent; for I hear the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. (Jer 4:19)
- Give heed to me, O Lord, and hearken to my plea. Is evil a recompense for good? Yet they have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before thee to speak good for them, to turn away thy wrath from them. (Jer 18:19)
- I hear many whispering, "Terror on every side! 'Denounce him! Let us denounce him!' say all my familiar friends, watching for my fall." (Jer 20:10)
- He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes; my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is. (Lam 3:16-17)
- My heart is broken within me, all my bones shake.... The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his mind. (Jer 23:9, 20)
- Then I said, "Lo, I come; in the roll of the book it is written of me; I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy Law is within my heart." (Ps 40:7-8)
- Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Sm 15:22)
¶ The Second Sorrowful Mystery — The Scourging at the Pillar
- They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. (Jn 18:40; 19:1)
- Let us test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. (Wis 2:19)
- He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; and the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. (Wis 2:14-15)
- Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow which was brought upon me, sorrow which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger. (Lam 1:12)
- But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we were healed. (Is 53:5)
- The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows. (Ps 129:3)
- I am a man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; surely against me he turns his hand again and again all the day long. (Lam 3:1-3)
- Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient. (Sir 2:5)
- But I am a worm, and no man; scorned by men, and despised by the people. (Ps 22:6)
- Nevertheless in thy great mercies thou didst not make an end of them or forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. (Neh 9:31)
¶ The Third Sorrowful Mystery — The Crowning with Thorns
- And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. (Mt 27:28-29a)
- And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Mt 27:29b)
- And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. (Mt 27:30)
- For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation. (Sir 2:5)
- The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so that you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. (Sir 3:19)
- Do not boast about wearing fine clothes, nor exalt yourself on the day that you are honored; for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works are concealed from men. (Sir 11:4)
- Many were astonished at him, his appearance was so marred beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men. (Is 52:14)
- He had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. (Is 53:2)
- He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Is 53:3a)
- And, as one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Is 53:3b)
¶ The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery — The Carrying of the Cross
- And Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering, and laid it upon his son. (Gn 22:6)
- With a yoke on our necks we are hard driven; we are weary, we are given no rest. Young men are compelled to grind at the mill, and boys stagger under loads of wood. (Lam 5:5, 13)
- He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. (Is 53:7)
- Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows. (Is 53:4)
- The precious sons of Zion, worth their weight in fine gold, how they are reckoned as earthen pots, the work of a potter's hands. (Lam 4:2)
- Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, the beauty of their form was like sapphire. Now their visage is blacker than soot, they are not recognized in the streets. (Lam 4:7, 8)
- He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has put heavy chains on me; though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer; he has blocked my way with fitted stones. (Lam 3:7-9)
- They wander, blind, through the streets, so defiled with blood that none could touch their garments. "Away! Unclean!" men cried at them; "Away! Away! Touch not!" (Lam 4:14, 15)
- Sorely have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. (Ps 129:2)
- So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross to the place called the Place of the Skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. (Jn 19:17)
¶ The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery — The Crucifixion and Death of the Lord
- And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Lk 23:32-33)
- The enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary. Thy foes have roared in the midst of thy holy place. (Ps 74:3-4)
- When Jesus saw his Mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your Mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (Jn 19:26-27)
- He poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Is 53:12)
- Since the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death. (Heb 2:14)
- Abraham said, "God will provide himself the lamb for a holocaust, my son." (Gn 22:8)
- And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb, standing as though it had been slain. (Rv 5:6)
- Then I looked, and lo, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb. (Rv 14:1)
- But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a lance, and immediately there flowed out blood and water. (Jn 19:34)
- Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Rv 22:1)
¶ The Five Glorious Mysteries
¶ The First Glorious Mystery — The Resurrection of Christ from the Dead
- Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him! (Ps 68:1)
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Mt 5:4)
- Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. (Jn 16:20)
- So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. (Jn 16:22)
- Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (Mt 28:5-6)
- Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. (Lk 12:32)
- I am not alone; for the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. (Jn 16:32-33a)
- In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (Jn 16:33b)
- Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad. (Jn 20:19-20)
- For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained in it. (Heb 12:11)
¶ The Second Glorious Mystery — The Ascension of Christ into Heaven
- All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. And lo, I am with you always, until the end of time. (Mt 28:18, 20)
- Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. (Jn 14:1-2)
- Here we have no lasting city, but we seek a city that is to come. (Heb 13:14)
- Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. (Heb 4:14)
- For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15)
- Let us then with confidence approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16)
- For Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. (Heb 9:24)
- Therefore I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. (1 Tm 2:1-2)
- But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet." (Heb 1:13)
- Behold King Solomon, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him, on the day of his wedding, the day of the gladness of his heart. (Song 3:11)
¶ The Third Glorious Mystery — The Descent of the Holy Spirit
- And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive. (Jn 14:16-17)
- All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and his brethren. (Acts 1:14)
- By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and all were made to drink of the one Spirit. (1 Cor 12:13)
- Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the holy ones. (Eph 6:18)
- The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
- And the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him; a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of fortitude, a spirit of knowledge and of piety, and he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord. (Is 11:1-3)
- Wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits. (Jas 3:17)
- For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Rom 8:15-16)
- We know that the whole creation groans and is in travail, even until now. And not only creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom 8:22-23)
- The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. (Rom 8:26)
¶ The Fourth Glorious Mystery — The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
- My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. (Lk 1:46-48)
- He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. (Lk 1:49, 51)
- My beloved speaks and says to me, "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone." (Song 2:10-11)
- What is that coming up from the wilderness, like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the fragrant powders of the merchant? Behold, it is the litter of Solomon. (Song 3:6-7)
- Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. (Rv 11:19)
- And when they met her they all blessed her with one accord and said to her, "You are the exaltation of Jerusalem, you are the great glory of Israel, you are the great pride of our nation. May the Almighty Lord bless you forever!" (Jdt 15:9-10)
- In the assembly of the Most High she opened her mouth, and in the presence of his host she will glory. (Sir 24:2)
- O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is comely. (Song 2:14)
- Hear, O daughter, consider, and incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house; and the King will desire your beauty. Since he is your Lord, bow to him. (Ps 45:10)
- The daughter of the King is clothed with splendor, her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold.... With joy and gladness she is led into the palace of the King. (Ps 45:13-15)
¶ The Fifth Glorious Mystery — The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven & Earth
- Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her Beloved? (Song 8:5)
- Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive and bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus,... and of his kingdom there will be no end. (Lk 1:30-33)
- Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:41-42)
- His Mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." (Jn 2:5)
- O daughter, you are blessed by the Most High God above all women on earth. Your hope will never depart from the hearts of men, as they remember the power of God. (Jdt 13:18-19)
- And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Rev 12:1)
- My dove, my perfect one, is only one, the darling of her mother, flawless to her that bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines also, and praised her. (Song 6:9)
- Who is this that comes forth like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners? (Song 6:10)
- An enclosed garden is my sister, my bride: a garden locked, a fountain sealed. (Song 4:12)
- Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruit, henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, and all chief spices: a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon. *(Song 4:13-15)*er presents the Bread to the priest in the Temple.
¶ Example Meditations
Here are presented a few example meditiations to use when praying.
¶ The Rosary and Prosphora
In the Eastern Catholic tradition, faithful members of the Parish prepare the Communion bread (Greek: Prosphora or "gift") and present it to the Priest before the divine litury. The process of preparing and baking is, itself, an almost liturical act of prayer and worship. The process of preparing, offering, and consecrating the Prosphora map well to the meditations of the Rosary, and illuminate the liturgical nature of the offering.
¶ The Baker — The Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation: The Baker adds the leavan and forms the dough.
The Visitation: The Baker carries the dough to rest in a remote place.
The Nativity: The Baker removes the Bread from the oven and wraps it in a cloth.
The Presentation: The Bak### The Five Joyful Mysteries
The Finding in the Temple: The Baker receives the Bread back in Holy Communion.
¶ The Bread — The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Agony in the Garden: The Bread is kneaded and then left to rest three times.
The Scourging at the Pillar: The Bread is shaped into a loaf.
The Crowning with Thorns: The Bread is stamped with a sign upon its surface.
The Carrying of the Cross: The Bread is carried to the oven.
The Crucifixion: The Bread is baked.
¶ The Lamb — The Glorious Mysteries
The Resurrection: The Lamb is taken from the loaf.
The Ascension: The Lamb is lifted up and placed upon the altar.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit descends upon the gifts, and the Lamb is consecrated.
The Assumption: The Lamb is received bodily into the faithful, and they are incorporated, body and soul, into the Lamb.
The Coronation: Having shared in His sacrifice, the faithful reign with the Lamb as coheirs unto eternal life.
¶ Thanksgiving
It is truly right and just, our duty and salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy,
- Eucharistic Prayer
Meditating on the Mysteries, focus on those things we ought to be thankful for in the work of the Lord for our Salvation. Here are some examples to use as a starting point.
¶ Advent — The Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation: Mary's "Fiat" or "Yes" by which we agreed to become the Mother of God.
The Visitation: Elizabeth's confession of Christ as Lord and Messiah, and Mary's Magnificat by which the Holy Spirit reveals the goodness of God.
The Nativity: The Light of Christ that came into the world. The little baby by whom all men can be saved.
The Presentation: The Prophecy of Simeon, whereby we see the Glory of God's people and first are taught that this Light extends to all peoples.
The Finding in the Temple: The separation of Jesus from His parents for three days prefigures His burial. By this prefigurement, the Lord in His mercy prepared the Virgin Mary for His death. By returning with them and submitting to them, the Lord shows His humanity and His adherance to the fourth commandment.
¶ Passion — The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Agony in the Garden: The Lord was shown all the sin of all the world, by the devil, and He still chose to obey. He accepted the Will of the Father, for our good, despite seeing all our failure and sin.
The Scourging at the Pillar: By His stripes we are healed, and the chastisement of our sin is upon Him. The Lord bore the punishment of our sin, and poured our His blood for us.
The Crowning with Thorns: The Lord took the thorns, the sign and reality of the Curse, and turned it into His glory by His suffering. If we "do all things unto Him", we can redeem our toils in this world, and thereby make the Curse null and void.
The Carrying of the Cross: The Lord embraced His Cross for us, willingly taking upon Himself our shame. St. Veronica faced great risk to bring comfort to the Lord, wiping His face with her veil as he traveled along the Via Dolarosa.
The Crucifixion: The Creator God took on flesh and allowed His creation to break it for us. Willingly, he became the Perfect Victim, taking on the burden of our Sin and destroying Death forever. He suffered greatly in body and soul for our Salvation. The Theif on the cross showed us the great Mercy of God by repenting and being saved at the last moment.
¶ Victory — The Glorious Mysteries
The Resurrection: The Lord descended to Sheol and brought back the Righteous with Him to Life. By reversing Death, He paved the path for our resurection and life with im for eternity.
The Ascension: The Lord and Lover of the Church ascended into Heaven to prepare a place for us. The angel promised that as He went, so He will return.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, one of the Holy Trinity, deinded to descend on us and make His home with us. He chose us as His temple, and gave to use the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The Assumption: Showing us that He remains fully human, the Son showed great love to His mother, the Theotokos, by assuming her, body and soul, into heaven. While Christ's ascension was the first fruits of life for us, Mary's assumption shows that human beings will also be able to ascend to Life. The Lord's compassion for His mother mirrors His love for His Bride, the Church.
The Coronation: The Lord replaced the fallen Lucifer with a human being, His mother. The lowly virgin daughter of Israel is now the Queen Mother of Heaven and Earth, and has a direct line of intercession to the King of Glory. The highest created being is the Mother of God, the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, the Child of the Father, and the Mother of all who serve Christ.