Our Lady of Lourdes               The Rosary                 Our Lady appears to Bernardette

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In recent times the Mother of God has appeared in various parts of the world and asked for the recitation of the Rosary, the prayer she gave to the world centuries ago. It is her favourite prayer for it is essentially a meditation on the life of her Divine Son. The Rosary is a combination of vocal prayer (the Our Fathers & Hail Marys) and of mental prayer, namely, reflection on important events in the life of Christ and His Mother.

 

The Joyful Mysteries

(Said on Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays of Advent, and Sundays from Epiphany until Lent)

1. The Annunciation to Mary
The Messenger of God Announces to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. Humility
Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.  Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
2. The Visitation of Mary
Mary visits and helps her cousin Elizabeth. Love of Neighbour
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
3. The Nativity of Our Lord
Mary gives birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Spirit of Poverty
The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today, in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord"

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
4. The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Jesus is presented in the Temple. Obedience to God's Will
"Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
5. The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple
Jesus is found in the Temple. Fidelity to Vocation, Joy in finding Jesus
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
 

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 

 

The Sorrowful Mysteries

(Said on Tuesdays, Fridays, and daily from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday)

1. The Agony in the Garden
Jesus undergoes his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Spirit of Prayer, Sorrow for Sin
Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father 

2. The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is scourged at the pillar. Modesty and Purity
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
3. The Crowning with Thorns
Jesus is crowned with thorns. Courage
The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him.
 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
4. The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus carries the cross to Calvary. Patience in Suffering
And carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord on the Cross
Jesus dies on the cross for our sins. Self-denial, Perseverance
After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I thirst." There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 

 

The Glorious Mysteries

(Said on Wednesdays, and Sundays throughout the year)

1. The Resurrection of Our Lord
Jesus rises from the dead. Faith
He said to them, "Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him. But go and tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.'"

 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
2. The Ascension of Our Lord
Jesus ascends into heaven. Hope
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles
The Holy Spirit comes to the apostles and the Blessed Mother. Wisdom, Love of God, Zeal, Fortitude
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
The Mother of Jesus is taken into heaven. Eternal Happiness, Grace of a Happy Death
As an apple tree among the trees of the woods,
   so is my lover among men.
I delight to rest in his shadow,
   and his fruit is sweet to my mouth.
He brings me into the banquet hall
   and his emblem over me is love.
Strengthen me with raisin cakes,
   refresh me with apples,
   for I am faint with love.
His left hand is under my head
   and his right arm embraces me.

 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
5. The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Mary is crowned queen of heaven and earth. Devotion to Mary and Final Perseverance, Trust in Mary's Intercession
And Mary said, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
   my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness;
   behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed."
 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 

The Luminous Mysteries

(Said on Thursdays throughout the year)

1. The Baptism in the Jordan
Jesus is baptized in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. Openness to the Holy Spirit
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
2. The Self-Manifestation of Our Lord at the wedding of Cana
Jesus changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith. To Jesus through Mary
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." [And] Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father


3. The Proclamation of the kingdom of God, with the call to conversionon
Jesus preaches about the Kingdom of God and calls for conversion. Repentance and Trust in God
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

4. The Transfiguration
 Jesus is transfigured before the disciples. for Holinessles.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.


Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine. Adoration
Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you."
 
 

Our Father          Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary   Hail Mary          Glory be to the Father

 

 

PRAYERS FOR PRAYING THE ROSARY

 

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 Ghost, 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, seated 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 the life everlasting. Amen.

 

OUR FATHER

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.

 

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

 

GLORY BE

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.

 

THE HAIL HOLY QUEEN

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 valley 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!

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, by the life, death and resurrection of Your only begotten Son, You purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech You that while meditation on these  mysteries of the Holy rosary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to Your protection, implored Your help, or sought Your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To You we come; before You we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in Your mercy, hear and answer us.  Amen.

 

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