Mysteries of the Holy Rosary  

- Joyful Mysteries - 
Mondays & Saturdays
1st - The Annunciation
2nd - The Visitation 
3rd - The Nativity: Birth of Jesus
4th - The Presentation
5th - The Finding in the Temple

- Luminous Mysteries - 
Thursdays
1st - The Baptism of Jesus Christ
2nd - The Wedding Feast at Cana
3rd - The Proclamation of Jesus Christ of the  Kingdom of God
4th -The Transfiguration
5th -The Last Supper: Institution of the Eucharist

- Sorrowful Mysteries - 
Tuesdays & Fridays
1st - The Agony in the Garden 
2nd - The Scourging
3rd - The Crowning with Thorns 
4th - The Carrying the Cross
5th - The Crucifixion

- Glorious Mysteries - 
Wednesdays & Sundays
1st - The Resurrection
2nd - The Ascension
3rd - The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles
4th - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
5th - The Crowning of Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven

The Rosary

	The rosary is a prayer of reflection and contemplation that honors the mysteries in the life of Jesus.  These mysteries are seen through the eyes of the one on earth who was closest to Him, His devoted Mother. Countless saints - ancient, modern and future - have found their peace through commitment to this prayer. 

	The rosary consists of several prayers.  Among them, the Apostles' Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and other prayers. The different mysteries in the life of Jesus (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious) are reflected upon  as the prayers are recited. 

	The rosary, in its physical form, originated as a prayer tool for monks to recite all 150 psalms on a regular basis. The tool was later used with repetition of the Lord's Prayer, because not all monks were literate, and therefore, unable to read the psalms.  During the 12th  century, the rosary was then used to count Hail Mary's. 

	It was in the year 1214, that the Church received the Rosary in its present form. It was given to Saint Dominic, who received it from the Blessed Virgin as a powerful means of converting sinners.

How to Pray the Rosary —

	Start with the Apostles' Creed ( I believe in God ...") on the Crucifix, one proceeds to the first bead, saying the Lord's Prayer ( " Our Father ..."); a "Hail Mary" is said on the next three beads. After the three "Hail Marys" as well as after each decade the "Glory be..." and "Oh My Jesus ..." are said. The fifth bead is the Lord's Prayer for the first decade. At which you announce the first mystery. This is followed by an "Our Father", ten "Hail Marys," the "Glory Be" and "O my Jesus," and then the second Mystery is announced. The same sequenced is followed until all the mysteries have been announced, ending the Rosary with the "Hail, Holy Queen." A few pages ahead are the mysteries of the Rosary.

- A Method of Praying the Rosary -

 	The Cross of the Rosary - Creed
 	First "Our Father" - reminds us of
	one God, and one true Church.
 	Three "Hail Marys" - reminds us of 
		three Persons in God, and faith, hope and charity.
	1. Father through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, increase our faith. (Hail Mary...)
	2. Jesus, the Son, through the Immaculate Heart of Your Mother, constantly strengthen our hope. 
	(Hail Mary...)
	3. Holy Spirit, through the   Immaculate Heart of Your spouse, inflame our hearts with the fire of divine love. (Hail Mary...)
The rosary is not only said while mediating on the mysteries but also on the words that are being spoken during the prayers.

  Sign of the Cross  
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

- The Apostles' 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 arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits 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. 

- The Lord's Prayer -
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 in to temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

- Hail Mary -
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.

- Glory Be -
Glory 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.

- The Fatima Prayer -
O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven especially those who are in most need of thy mercy.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we love you, save souls.

- Devotion Prayer -
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love thee. I beg thee pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love thee. 

Said at the end of the rosary

- Hail Holy Queen -
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O 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.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother Of God
R. 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.

- Prayer to the Archangel Michael -
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the hour of conflict. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do thou, O Prince of Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

  The Joyful Mysteries  

 — The Annunciation —
When the angel had come to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace the lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women." the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to be the Mother of the savior. Then Mary said to God, "be it done onto me according to your will," after saying this Jesus came down from heaven and lived in Mary's womb.  
Luke 1:28 Humility

Think of:
The humility of the blessed virgin when the Angel Gabriel greeted her with these words "Hail full of grace." And in the same way how the words of the priest said at mass, Jesus comes down and lives in the Eucharist.

We Ask :
O Mother Mary, lend me your Immaculate Heart so as to live my life in humility and so when I receive the body and blood of Christ ,my savior, I may receive him openly and worthily. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

—  The Visitation —
When Mary visited Elizabeth her cousin, she was greeted with: "Why should I be honored with a visit from my Lord?" Then from within Mary's womb Jesus took away original sin from John the Baptist, who was still in Elizabeth's womb: And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!"			
Luke 1:41-42 Charity

Think of:
Mary's Charity in visiting her cousin Elizabeth and remaining with her for three months before the birth of John the Baptist.

We Ask :
That how in welcoming Mary as her cousin did, we may also welcome her son, Jesus.  Mother Mary come to me and bring to me your son, Jesus. As I should be anxious to have Him visit me in the sacrament of the Mass and receive Him in Holy Communion. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

—  The Nativity — 
The Birth of Jesus
Jesus comes into the world from holy Mary like crystal light passing through a clear substance: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. In doing so the angels and the shepherds adored with Mother Mary and St. Joseph.
Luke 2:7 Poverty

Think of:
The poverty, so lovingly accepted by Mary when she placed the infant Jesus, our savior and redeemer, in a manger in a stable of Bethlehem. And how this new born babe was the savior the world. That was sent to us because of God's love for us.

We Ask :
Teach me to live poorly of material things and fruitfully in spirit because of your love for me. My Jesus I want you and I ask you to be born into my soul again and again. So that at every Mass and every Holy Communion You may be born anew within me. As I now prepare myself so that when I receive you, my Jesus, I may have a pure heart, the way Mary prepared to receive You. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

—  The Presentation —
When the days of her purification were fulfilled according to the Law of Moses, they took Jesus up to the temple at Jerusalem. The  prophet Simeon took the Christ Child into his arms. He said to Mary: "Your own soul a sword shall pierce."		
Luke 2:22-23 Obedience

Think of:
The Obedience of Mary to the law of God in presenting the Child Jesus in the temple. How Simeon could only hold Jesus into his arms and yet we are able to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. How the words that Simeon spoke showed how Mary would have to suffer for her faith in Jesus.

We Ask :
My Lord, make me humble to obedience, give me strength for what I must suffer for faith in You, as did your mother Mary. So that when I'm presented to you on Judgement day I may be worthy to praise you for all eternity in Your Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

—  The Finding in the Temple —
And it came to pass after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. Jesus said they had found him in the temple because he had to be " about my Father's business." 
Luke 2:46 Piety 

Think of:
The deep sorrow with which Mary sought the Child Jesus for three days, and how full of Joy were St. Joseph and Holy Mary when they found the twelve-year-old whom they had lost. How Jesus continues to be in church at the sacrifice of the Mass doing his Father's work.

We Ask :
May the sorrow that I go through in life searching for you, Lord Jesus, be reconciled the day that I find and join you in heaven. During the Mass and through the Sacraments may I grow in faith, love and grace. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer, Hail Holy Queen, Let Us Pray, Prayer to the Archangel St. Michael, Sign of the Cross.

  The Luminous Mysteries  

— Baptism in the River Jordan —
 Jesus is baptized
Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became "sin" for our sake, the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares by saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," while the Spirit of God descends upon him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out.
Matthew 3:13-17 
Openness to the Holy Spirit

Think of:
How the innocent one, the one who never sinned, goes into the river Jordan to be baptized by John. How the mission of Jesus begins in a special way. How  special is the gift of baptism that was given to us for the forgiveness of our sins.

We Ask :
Father, may we become your righte-ousness through Jesus Christ. Lord, we pray to you that we may listen to the voice from out of heaven so that we may learn of your Lordship. Mother Mary pray for us to be open to our baptismal call with God in our lives and have an ever present longing for him to speak to us. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Wedding Feast at Cana —
Christ changes the water into wine because of the intervention of Mary.  "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."
John 2:1-12 To Jesus through Mary

Think of:
The incredible miracle of turning the water into wine. How Jesus opens the hearts of the disciples to the gift of faith. How Jesus' mother encouraged Him to do something even after he had said "it is not my time." How Jesus dignified Christian marriage in a special way.

We Ask :
Father, bring before us the miracle of faith that you brought before the disciples. For we constantly long for your guidance. Lord, as you changed the   water to wine may you also send us your grace to change our lives from sin to immense devotion to your sacred heart. Mother Mary, as you encouraged your loving son encourage us everyday to live a life full of the companionship of Christ. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

 —  Proclamation of Jesus Christ —
of the Kingdom of God
Jesus comes to Galilee proclaiming the word of God. Jesus said: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."
The Son of Man was given  authority to forgive sins on earth as a gift to enter God's Heavenly Kingdom. 
Repentance and Trust in God

Think of:
Jesus and how he professed the coming of God's kingdom and a call to conversion. How through this proclamation Jesus brought to us the power of forgiveness for our sins. This began his ministry of mercy, His  ministry of reconciliation. 

We Ask :
Jesus give us strength so that your call for us to change our hearts and our lives may be made within your scared heart, leading us to you.  Father, forgive the sins of all those that draw near to you in humble trust so that we may all come out of this worldly darkness of sin and into your Grace and your loving arms, proclaiming your word as Jesus did. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Transfiguration —
‘He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light…..behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." When the  disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." '
Matthew 17:1-8  Desire for Holiness

Think of:
The Father and how he commanded the three astonished Apostles, Peter, James and John his brother, to "listen to him," his Son, and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.

We Ask :
Dear Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray that we may see that everything in life is transfigured by your glory. Father, show your Son transfigured before us in our lives so as to "listen to him" and do your will through your Son. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us that we might see the whole meaning of God's word in the old testament and in all the prophets. And that it all points to Jesus. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

—  The Last Supper — 
Institution of the Eucharist 
Jesus said, "I am the bread of life; whoever believes in me will never hunger and whoever believes in me will never thirst.' ‘Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that His hour had come to pass from this world to his Father. He loved his own in the world and He loved them to the end."
 John 13:1 Adoration

Think of:
How Christ offered His body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and how "to the end" he testifies his love for humanity, for whose salvation he offered his own life in sacrifice.

We Ask :
Father, ensure that our faith that dwells within you is made to realize the true sacrifice that your Son gave as a testimony of his love for us.  Lord Christ, the next time we attend Mass cleanse us of all unworthiness and worldliness to receive you in Holy Communion. Mother Mary give to me the bread of life every day in spiritual communion together with your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer, Hail Holy Queen, Let Us Pray, Prayer to the Archangel St. Michael, Sign of the Cross.

  The Sorrowful Mysteries  

— The Agony in the Garden —
Right after the first holy mass of the Last Supper, Jesus went into the garden. He became very sorrowful. He was suffering already. He began to sweat blood from the sins of the world. An angel appeared holding a chalice to strengthen him. And rising from prayer he came to his disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow.
Luke 22:44-45 Contrition

Think of:
Our Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemani, suffering a bitter agony for our sins. How our sins caused His sweat to become drops of blood. That the chalice that the angel held to strengthen him was a symbol of the Sacrifice of the Mass which would make it possible for all of us to be present at Jesus' Sacrifice of the Cross.

We Ask :
Immaculate Mother of God help me to come to deeper understanding of Jesus' bitter agony that he suffered because of my sin so that I may be truly remorseful for all my sins. May my penance served for them bring me closer to you.  Dear  Lord, Jesus, help me to continually fall in love with the mystery of the Mass. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Scourging At The Pillar —
Pilate, then, took Jesus and had him scourged. Jesus shed his precious blood when soldiers beat him cruelly with whips. Jesus was making reparation for sins of the flesh.
John 19:1 Purity 

Think of:
The cruel scourging at the pillar that our Lord suffered; the heavy blows that tore his flesh.  And how in every holy Mass Jesus makes present his precious blood in the chalice.

We Ask :
May by knowing the cruel scourging Jesus was put through I be strengthened through Him in times of suffering and that I may come in time to be pure through His light because of it. May through the merits of the precious blood of Jesus I be made able to receive His love and in doing so offer it for the conversion of sinners. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— Crowning With Thorns —
"They stripped off Jesus' clothes and threw a scarlet cloak around him. Weaving a crown out of thorns they placed it on his head, and a reed in His right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!' They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head."
Matthew 27:28-29 Courage

Think of:
How the crown of sharp thorns that was forced upon our Lord's sacred Head and the patience with which He endured the pain for our sins. And how Jesus was making reparation for the sins of coldness and sacrilege that men would heap on him. 

We Ask :
Dear Lord, I beg you to give me strength so as to have the capacity to meet danger without giving way to fear or sin, as you did by having ultimate faith in the Father. Mother Mary, help me to keep my life in  God so as to have patience for all things and gain the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Carrying of the Cross —
Jesus carries the heavy Cross up the hill of Calvary. Jesus receives some comfort when along the way He meets with His mother. Then Veronica wipes his bloody face. And bearing the cross for Himself, he went forth to the place called the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
Luke 23:26-33 Patience

Think of:
How the heavy Cross was so willingly carried by our Lord. The agony that He went through carrying that cross of the world that we put on his shoulders. The anguish that Mary went through seeing her Son in such pain.

We Ask :
Dear Jesus help and teach me to carry my cross without complaint and in doing so to follow the foot steps that you took on your way to your Crucifixion. So that by doing so I share in the pain and agony that you so willingly endured for me.  Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Crucifixion —
For three hours Jesus hung on the Cross after the soldiers had nailed him there. Jesus offers his death on the Cross for the salvation of the whole world. And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, "Father into thy hands I commend my spirt." And having said this, he expired.
Luke 23:46 Final Perseverance

Think of:
The love which filled Christ's Scared Heart during His three hours' agony on the Cross. The suffering that Jesus' mother went through those moments when she saw her only son in that unbearable agony as he died on the cross for the sins of the world.

We Ask :
May how you continued in a state of grace that lead to your state of glory during your Crucifixion be a never ending reminder to the love and forgiveness that you gave to us all through this most ultimate symbol of your love for us. 

We Ask :
Dear Lord I ask you to be with me at the hour of my death. So that my soul may find its way to heaven, as did the spirit of your Son find its way to You. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer, Hail Holy Queen, Let Us Pray, Prayer to the Archangel St. Michael, Sign of the Cross.

  The Glorious Mysteries  

— The Resurrection —
Jesus is risen. Having died on the Cross, Jesus lives again. Jesus appeared to many after his resurrection. "He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him."				
Mark 16:6 Faith 

Think of:
Christ's glorious triumph when, on the third day after His death, He arose from the tomb and for forty days appeared to His Blessed Mother and His disciples.

We Ask :
Dear Lord may I have complete acceptance of my faith that which cannot be demonstrated but of which I know is true to Your Most Sacred Heart. Lead me to true acceptance of my faith as you did to your disciples. Father, may I not fall out of your righteousness but grow in faith with you. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Ascension —
After forty days on earth since Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus disappeared in the clouds. "So then the lord, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God." The apostles stood there and were filled with happiness that Mary was still with them. "But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs." Jesus had promised that together with the Father He would send them the Holy Spirit. 			
Mark 16:19-20 Hope

Think of:
The Ascension of Jesus Christ, forty days after His glorious Resurrection, in the presence of Mary and His disciples. The hope that was given having the Son take his place in heaven next to the Father.

We Ask :
Dear God, may when you come down to me, during Mass and when I pray, I be ever open to your grace and ever hopeful in your coming. May this virtue by which I look in confidence for Your grace in this world  lead me to your glory in the next. Mother Mary pray that I might have peace and happiness with Jesus' presence as the disciples did with you that I may

be ever hopeful in your Son's coming. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Descent of the Holy Spirit —
Both Mary and Disciples are set on fire by the Holy Spirit. "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." 
Acts 2:3-4  Love

Think of:
The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the apostles, under the form of tongues of fire, in fulfillment of Christ's promise. The love that was given to the world as Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim His word to all.

We Ask :
Dear Lord, may I be made worthy for you to send down the Holy Spirit upon me so that You might use me to proclaim Your word, as you did with your disciples. And may I serve you always with my heart open to your word. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

— The Assumption —
Finally Jesus draws the body of his holy Mother to heaven. And a great Sign appeared in Heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon was under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.        
Rev 12:1 Eternal Happiness

Think of:
The Glorious Assumption of Mary into Heaven, when she was united with her Divine Son. How Jesus promised that if we eat His Body and drink His Blood He would raise us up.

We Ask :
Lord help us strive to ascend to heaven full of grace such as our Holy Mother did. Lord I ask that the happiness that You found with your mother in Heaven, may be the same happiness that I find you in during my journey toward the gates of Heaven. May you help me  prepare myself to go to Heaven, in soul, by the holy Mass and Blessed Sacrament. Amen.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer...

The Coronation of Blessed Virgin Mary
All the angels and saints and Jesus Himself receive Mary into heaven. "Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem the honour of our people...the hand of the Lord hath strengthened thee, and therefore thou shalt be blessed forever..."
Judith 15:10-11 Love for Mary

Think of: 
The glorious crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven by her Divine Son, to the great joy of all the saints. How as Queen of Heaven Mary still prays for us upon earth. Through the Body of her Son in the Holy Eucharist, which Mary first gave us, Mary still prays to draw us to her son.

We Ask :
Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us, take all our sacrifices, prayers, and petitions to your Son. Guide us with your son through our journey and bring us to the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Lord's Prayer, 10 Hail Mary's, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Devotion Prayer, Hail Holy Queen, Let Us Pray, Prayer to the Archangel St. Michael, Sign of the Cross.