The Rosary

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How The Rosary Came Into Being

The Rosary as we know it hails from the High Middle Ages where it came into being in various medieval monastaries as a substitute for the recitation of the Divine Office on the part of those lay monks and devout lay persons who didn't know how to read. Instead of the 150 psalms, these would recite 150 "Our Fathers's" which they counted of on a ring of beads which came to be called by various names in different places: a "crown" of beads or "corona" being the most comman appellation.

With the growth in popularity of Marian devotion, which reached its peak in the twelfth century, and with the widespread use of the "Hail Mary"--originally a liturgical antiphon for the Fourth Sunday of Advent made up of just the first part of the prayer--the "Psalter of the Blessed Virgin" composed of 150 "Hail Mary's" came into being alongside the "Psalter of the Father." Its diffusion was such that, for all practical purposes, in a very short time it completely supplanted the latter.

It's important to note that the origin of the Rosary was closely related to the Liturgy and, placed in the hands of the unlettered, made it possible for the average person to participate in the prayers recited by the monks in choir.

The universal popularity of this "Marian Psalter" encouraged many to enrich it, building on its original simple repetitive structure. This began with a young German by the name of Henry Kalkar (1328-1408) who subdivided the 150 "Hail Mary's" into 15 decades, seperated by the recitation of one "Our Father." A confere of his, Dominic of Prussia, sometime prior to 1410, proposed a Rosary made up of 50 "Hail Mary's" in which to each "Hail Mary", after the name of Jesus--with which the original prayer ended--a phrase or clause which referred to an episode in the life of Jesus or of the Blessed Virgin Mary would be added: 14 treating the hidden life, 6 referring to the public life, 24 dealing with the passion of Jesus and 6 covering the episodes following His resurrection. Thus the triple division of the mysteries of the Rosary into the Joyful,the Sorrowful, and the Glorious was born.

This proposal of Dominic of Prussia met with almost immediate success and during the 1400's assisted in an extraordinary flowering of the Rosary. The mysteries eventually numbered as many as 300 and embraced the entire history of salvation, beginning with creation.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.

How to Pray The Rosary

The Rosary is a devotion to the Incarnation of Our Lord and to his Blessed Mother. It is composed of fifteen decades, each decade consisting of the Our Father, ten Hail Mary's and the Glory Be to the Father, and each being recited in honor of some mystery in the life of Our Lord and of his Blessed Mother. During each decade we should call to mind the mystery which it is intended to honor, and pray that we may learn to practice the virtue specially taught us by that mystery.

Begin the Rosary by:

Making theSign of the Crossand say theApostles Creed

Say theOur Father

Say threeHail Mary's

Say theGlory Beand then, if you wish, say theFatima Prayer

Announce the firstMysterythen say the Our Father

Say ten Hail Mary'swhile meditating on theMystery

Say the Glory Bethen, if you wish the Fatima Prayer

Announce the Second Mysterythen say theOur Father repeat 6 & 7 and continue with the Third,FourthandFifthMysteries in the same manner

Say theHail Holy Queenand theLet us Pray

The Sign Of The Cross

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

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The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was 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, 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.

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The 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.

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The 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.

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The 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.

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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 towards us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy Womb, Jesus. Oh 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. Amen.

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The Mysteries

The Five Joyful Mysteries Mondays and Thursdays, also First Sunday of Advent to First Sunday of Lent.

The First Joyful Mystery. The Annunciation. The Archangel Gabriel declares to the Virgin Mary that she is about to become the Mother of the Lord. Mary accepts, declaring herself to be the "Handmaid of the Lord."

The Second Joyful Mystery. Mary Visits Her Cousin Elizabeth. Mary sets out to visit St. Elizabeth who was carrying St. John the Baptist in her womb. At Mary's greeting, the baby leaped with joy and Elizabeth gave praise to God for the wonderful work he was accomplishing in Mary.

The Third Joyful Mystery. The Birth of Jesus. Jesus was born in a grotto in Bethlehem amid the most squalid poverty because no one would take Joseph and Mary in.

The Fourth Joyful Mystery. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.Mary and Joseph, faithful to the Law of Moses, present the baby Jesus in the temple and fulfill that which was prescribed for their purification.

The Fifth Joyful Mystery. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. The child Jesus remained three days in the Temple in Jerusalem, unknown to Joseph and Mary, to witness to them that he had come into the world to do the will of his heavenly Father.

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries Tuesdays and Fridays, also Sundays of Lent.

The First Sorrowful Mystery. The Agony in the Garden of GethsemaneJust before his passion, Jesus prayed that the reality of the suffering and death which awaited him might be taken away, but he nonetheless willed to perfectly fulfill whatever it was that the Father wanted him to do.

The Second Sorrowful Mystery. The Scourging at the Pillar.Consigned to a pagan tribunal, Jesus underwent a cruel and bloody scourging.

The Third Sorrowful Mystery. The Crowning With Thorns.Left to the mercy of the soldiers, Jesus was made a laughing stock and subjected to the most atrocious jests. A crown of thorns was placed upon his head and driven into his flesh.

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery. Jesus Carries His Cross to Calvary.Condemned to death by Pilate, Jesus is forced to carry on his shoulders the heavy weight of the cross on which he was to die on Calvary.

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery. Jesus Dies on the Cross.Stripped of his clothes and nailed to the cross, Jesus dies amidst the most atrocious agony, forgiving his enemies and surrendering his spirit to his heavenly Father.

The Five Glorious Mysteries Wednesdays and Saturdays, also Sundays from Easter to Advent.
The First Glorious Mystery. The Resurrection of Jesus.On the third day, Jesus rose victorious from the grave and appeared to many of his desciples over the course of the next forty days.

The Second Glorious Mystery. The Ascension Into Heaven.The risen Lord ascended into heaven where he sits in glory at the right hand of the Father awaiting his return at the end of time.

The Third Glorious Mystery. The Descent of the Holy Spirit.As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the disciples on the Feast of Pentecost, strengthening and enlightening them.

The Fourth Glorious Mystery. The Assumption of Mary Into Heaven.When her life came to an end, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven where she reigns in glory with her Son.

The Fifth Glorious Mystery. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven.Mary is seated in glory among the angels and saints of heaven, the queen and first fruits of our redeemed humanity.

The Five Mysteries of Light

The First Mystery of Light. His Baptism in the Jordan."Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became 'sin' for our sake (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares Him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on Him to invest Him with the mission which He is to carry out."

The Second Mystery of Light. His Self-Manifestation at the wedding of Cana. "Another mystery of light is the first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1-12) when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers."

The Third Mystery of Light. His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion."Another mystery of light is the preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to Him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7: 47-48)..."

The Fourth Mystery of Light. His Transfiguration."The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished apostles to "listen to Him" (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels)...

The Fifth Mystery of Light. His Institution of the Eucharist. "A final mystery of light...in which Christ offers His Body and Blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies "to the end" His love for humanity (Jn 13:1) for those whose salvation He will offer Himself in sacrifice."

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Fatima Prayer

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

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 thee, that meditating upon these mysteries in the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what the promise through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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The 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 by this confidence, I fly to you O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

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	The First Joyful Mystery. The Annunciation. The Archangel Gabriel declares to the Virgin Mary that she is about to become the Mother of the Lord. Mary accepts, declaring herself to be the "Handmaid of the Lord."
	The Second Joyful Mystery. Mary Visits Her Cousin Elizabeth. Mary sets out to visit St. Elizabeth who was carrying St. John the Baptist in her womb. At Mary's greeting, the baby leaped with joy and Elizabeth gave praise to God for the wonderful work he was accomplishing in Mary.
	The Third Joyful Mystery. The Birth of Jesus. Jesus was born in a grotto in Bethlehem amid the most squalid poverty because no one would take Joseph and Mary in.
	The Fourth Joyful Mystery. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.Mary and Joseph, faithful to the Law of Moses, present the baby Jesus in the temple and fulfill that which was prescribed for their purification.
	The Fifth Joyful Mystery. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. The child Jesus remained three days in the Temple in Jerusalem, unknown to Joseph and Mary, to witness to them that he had come into the world to do the will of his heavenly Father.

	The First Sorrowful Mystery. The Agony in the Garden of GethsemaneJust before his passion, Jesus prayed that the reality of the suffering and death which awaited him might be taken away, but he nonetheless willed to perfectly fulfill whatever it was that the Father wanted him to do.
	The Second Sorrowful Mystery. The Scourging at the Pillar.Consigned to a pagan tribunal, Jesus underwent a cruel and bloody scourging.
	The Third Sorrowful Mystery. The Crowning With Thorns.Left to the mercy of the soldiers, Jesus was made a laughing stock and subjected to the most atrocious jests. A crown of thorns was placed upon his head and driven into his flesh.
	The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery. Jesus Carries His Cross to Calvary.Condemned to death by Pilate, Jesus is forced to carry on his shoulders the heavy weight of the cross on which he was to die on Calvary.
	The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery. Jesus Dies on the Cross.Stripped of his clothes and nailed to the cross, Jesus dies amidst the most atrocious agony, forgiving his enemies and surrendering his spirit to his heavenly Father.

	The First Glorious Mystery. The Resurrection of Jesus.On the third day, Jesus rose victorious from the grave and appeared to many of his desciples over the course of the next forty days.
	The Second Glorious Mystery. The Ascension Into Heaven.The risen Lord ascended into heaven where he sits in glory at the right hand of the Father awaiting his return at the end of time.
	The Third Glorious Mystery. The Descent of the Holy Spirit.As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the disciples on the Feast of Pentecost, strengthening and enlightening them.
	The Fourth Glorious Mystery. The Assumption of Mary Into Heaven.When her life came to an end, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven where she reigns in glory with her Son.
	The Fifth Glorious Mystery. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven.Mary is seated in glory among the angels and saints of heaven, the queen and first fruits of our redeemed humanity.

	The First Mystery of Light. His Baptism in the Jordan."Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became 'sin' for our sake (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares Him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on Him to invest Him with the mission which He is to carry out."
	The Second Mystery of Light. His Self-Manifestation at the wedding of Cana. "Another mystery of light is the first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1-12) when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers."
	The Third Mystery of Light. His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion."Another mystery of light is the preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to Him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7: 47-48)..."
	The Fourth Mystery of Light. His Transfiguration."The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished apostles to "listen to Him" (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels)...
	The Fifth Mystery of Light. His Institution of the Eucharist. "A final mystery of light...in which Christ offers His Body and Blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies "to the end" His love for humanity (Jn 13:1) for those whose salvation He will offer Himself in sacrifice."