introduction

let us share

greetings and thanks and love

pray every day

Welcome to our digital Essential Rosary. Use the Green menu on the right, to find everything you need. Community services are found in the blue menu, on the right.

Traditionally, the Rosary can and should be used everywhere, in groups or individually, using any medium. The schedule and order of Rosary prayers is established by the faithful, in prayer groups. Published guides are also an inspiration. The following illustration suggests one among an unlimited number of possible organizations of the Rosary prayer. Culture and location provide the rosary a rich diversity, history and future.

In the year 2002 AD, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II in “The Rosary Of The Virgin Mary” (Apostolic Letter, Media Paul, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada) introduced the Mystery of Light to the Catholic Spirit, world and conscience. The Rosary now consists of twenty decades, including all four sets of Mysteries, beginning with the five Joyful Mysteries, continuing through the five Luminous Mysteries, then the five Sorrowful Mysteries, and concluding with the five Glorious Mysteries.

The faithful usually choose to pray five decades of the Rosary at once, though there is no limitation of daily prayer. The Joyful Mysteries on Mondays and Saturdays, The Luminous Mysteries on Thursdays, the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesdays and Sundays. Though praying all Mysteries at once is naturally considered to be more beneficial than the common five daily Mysteries.

The Rosary on this site goes one step beyond the Scriptural Rosary, To further compliment each Mystery with lierary Prayere, as penned by Carll Houselander from Sophia Institute Press, for the traditional three Mysteriies. For the Mysteries of Light we could not locate a religious publication and chose to construct Prayer similar to Caryll Houselander, by adapting and sharing from among the faithful, John Gros' inspirational contemplations on the Mysteries of Light.

how to pray

the holy

rosary

A Personal Rosary Guide

rosary calendar

sun
glory

mon
joy

tue
sorrow

wed
glory

thu
light

fri
sorrow

sat
joy

↑ preparation ➥ joy ↓

↑ joy → light ↓

↑ light → sorrow ↓

↑ sorrow → glory ↓

↑ glory → closure ↓

Try to be humble, gentle, kind and reflect on these human virtues. Organized worship often involves a culturally appropriate calendar: for example, Monday Joyful, Tuesday Sorrowful, Wednesday Glorious, Thursday Luminous, Friday Sorrowful, Saturday Joyful, and Sunday Glorious. Or Sunday Joyful (Advent beginning 4 Sundays preceeding Christmas day, and Christmas day). Or Sunday Sorrowful (Lent beginning 46 days before Easter Sunday). For those not Religious the simple or common Sunday devotion may overlook the relgious attention to Advent, Christmas and Lent (Easter). Every mystery can be performed every day.

Hold the Rosary cross and then hold each bead in turn as you progress through the prayers listed in the illustration. At the center of the circlet beads, the large ☧ chi rho or "Mary" bead, from which the Cross is suspended, remains ‘untouched’ while reciting the Rosary prayers.

To Pray each essential Mystery, say the introductory Prayers. Announce each Mystery, recite the Mystery's Scripture, say the Our Father, say ten Hail Mary's, say the Glory Be, say the O My Jesus, and say the meditative Prayer. End each Rosary Mystery with the Essential relection and Prayer.

pray now

Rosary Prayer

a.) Begin with the sepulcher cross...
Make the Sign of the Cross
Say the Apostle's Creed
Say the Our Father
Say three Hail Mary
Holding bead under ‘Mary’ bead...
Say the Glory Be
Say the O My Jesus

b.) Announce the first Mystery
Recite the Scripture
Say the Our Father
Circlet first decade...
Say ten Hail Mary
Holding a meditation bead...
Say the Glory Be
Say the O My Jesus
Complete all 5 decades...

c.) Continue for all Mysteries,
or conclude this Rosary
Say the Hail Holy Queen,
Say the Invocation, and
Say the Sign of the Cross.

(touch to unfold and read prayer as need arises...
example, tap to pray 'hail Mary, full of grace...'
conclude, sign of the cross)

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

“Mary's contemplation is above all a remembering. We need to understand this word in the biblical sense of remembrance (zakar) as a making present of the works brought about by God in the history of salvation.”

"The Rosary Of The Virgin Mary", John Paul II, MediasPaul, page 18,
Remembering Christ with Mary.

᛭ ᛭ ᛭

begin

prayers

sign
rosary
creed
father
glory
jesus
mary
study guide

beginning the rosary

rosary prayer

sign of the cross

in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit
amen

rosary prayer

hail holy queen

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, while meditating on 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

rosary prayer

apostles’ creed

i believe in God, the Father almighty
creator of Heaven and Earth
i believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary
He suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried
He descended into Hell
on the third day He rose again
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father
He will come again to judge the living and the dead
i believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church
the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting

amen

rosary prayer

our father

our Father in Heaven
hallowed be Your name
Your kingdom come
Your 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

rosary prayer

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

rosary prayer

o my jesus

o my Jesus
forgive us our sins
save us from the fires of Hell
lead all souls to Heaven
especially those who have
most need of Your mercy

amen

rosary prayer

hail mary

hail Mary, full of grace
the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death

amen

This ends our preparatory prayer. Now we announce the first Mystery of Joy.

Joy

annunciation
visitation
nativity
presentation
finding
study guide

let us pray the 1st mystery of joy

greeting prayer ~ annunciation

and the angel answering, said to Mary
the Holy Spirit shall come upon thee
and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee
and therefore also the Holy One who shall be born of thee
shall be called the Son of God
Luke 1:35

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

hallowed be Your name
Your kingdom come
Your 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

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

Holy Spirit of life come down into our hearts that we may live...
descend into emptiness that emptiness may be filled...
descend into the dust that dust may flower...
descend into the dark that light may shine in darkness

let us pray the 2nd mystery of joy

thanks prayer ~ visitation

when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary
the infant leaped in her womb
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit
and she cried out with a loud voice, and said
blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb
Luke 1:41-42

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

breath of Heaven carry us on the impulse of Christ's love
as easily as thistledown is carried on the wind
that in the Advent season of our souls
while He is formed in us in secret and in silence
the Creator in the hands of His creatures
as the Host in the hands of the priest
that we may carry Him forth to wherever He wishes to be
as He was carried by Mary over the hills on His errand of love
to the house of Elizabeth

let us pray the 3rd mystery of joy

love prayer ~ nativity

and it came to pass that when they were there
her days were accomplished that she should be delivered
and she brought forth her firstborn son
and wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes
and laid Him in a manger
because there was no room for them in the inn
Luke 2:6-7

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

be born in us incarnate love
take our flesh and blood and give us Your humanity
take our eyes and give us Your vision
take our minds and give us Your pure thoughts
take our feet and set them in Your path
take our hands and fold them in Your prayer
take our hearts and give them Your will to love

let us pray the 4th mystery of joy

poverty prayer ~ presentation

and after the days of her purification were accomplished
they carried Him to Jerusalem
to present Him to the lord
and to offer a sacrifice
according as it is written in the law of the Lord
a pair of turledoves or two young pigeons
Luke 1:41-42

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

by the humility of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
give us the glory of humility
by the mystery of innocence,
obeying the law binding upon sinners
give us the courage of obedience
by the offering of the poor,
the two white doves in the gentle hands
of the pure Mother of Love
give us the spirit of poverty

let us pray the 5th mystery of joy

care prayer ~ finding

and having filled the days, when they returned
the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem
and His parents knew it not, and not finding Him
they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him
and it came to pass that after three days they found Him
in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors
hearing them and asking them questions Luke 2:43-46

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

through Mary seeking her lost son may we be given grace
always to seek for the Christ-child and always to find Him
let us find Him in all children, the helpless, the sick, the forgotten
and in all who have a child's needs, the simple, the aged, the dying
and in all who serve, trusting and poor
and in all who are lonely or homeless
in our own hearts let us too become as little children
to find the Divine Child

light

baptism
wedding
proclamation
transfiguration
eucharist
study guide

let us pray the 1st mystery of light

baptism prayer ~ baptism

then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan
and John said, i need to be baptized by You
yet You come to me
and Jesus answered, let it be so to fulfill all righteousness
and when Jesus had been baptized
the heavens were opened to Him
and John saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and alighting on Him
and a voice from heaven said, this is my Son
the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased
Matthew 3:13-17

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

from infancy His hidden life begins
God's child, sinless, purity awakened
Messiah cleansed, good life for all then
as shepherd, as healer, from sacred waters Your journey
now You rise on the wings of a dove
divine mercy by Heaven proclaimed
to His house you call us

let us pray the 2nd mystery of light

wedding prayer ~ miracles

on the third day in Cana of Galilee
Mary and Jesus and his disciples, were invited to a wedding
six thirty gallon jars of the Jewish rites of purification
the wine was spent, and Jesus sighed, My hour is yet to come
so Mary told the servants, do as He tells you
and when Jesus said, fill the jars with water, they did so
and the water became wine
Jesus did this, the first of many signs
and His disciples believed in Him
John 2:1-11

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

to Cana Jesus comes to bless the love of all
to speak of grace, protect and guide for all to share the One
yet suddenly their cups run dry, so Mary sighs ‘we have no wine’
and humble then, His reply, “My time has not yet come”
yet for mother Mary young Jesus commands
and as water blushes Mary declares His wine the best

let us pray the 3rd mystery of light

kingdom prayer ~ proclamation

you are the light of the world
a city built on a hill cannot be hid
no one after lighting a lamp puts it under
but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all
in the same way, let your light shine before others
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven
Matthew 4:14-16

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

who is this man from Galilee
whose gaze now pierces the fisherman's soul
whose parables and prayer feed the hungry
who loves our enemies as our friends
who binds all in His Father’s name
who proclaims paradise in peace
who heals the sick and forgives our sin

let us pray the 4th mystery of light

strength prayer ~ transfiguration

it is good for us to be here
let us make three dwellings
one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah
while he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them
and they were terrified as they entered the cloud
then from the cloud came a voice, saying
this is my Son, my Chosen, listen to Him
Luke 9:33-35

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

On Tabor Mountain God revealed Himself
showing the glory of His Son
and all were frightened as God spoke
saying, this is My Beloved Son, obey Him!
And Jesus brought calm then saying
come rise for all is well now you have seen My glory
and you will understand where we must go
and for My suffering your humble spirits
shall shed no tear but share His peace with al

let us pray the mystery of

let us pray the 5th mystery of light

church prayer ~ eucharist

for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup
you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes
whoever, therefore, eats the bread
or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner
will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord
examine yourselves, and only then
eat of the bread and drink of the cup
Corinthians 11:26-28

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

Jesus, bless this bread and break it giving thanks to your Father
and share with us your Body that our hunger feeds eternal life
Lord, take your cup and fill it so that we remember Your words
share with us Your blood covenant so that we are not condemned
take our hunger and thirst and in Your intimacy seek eternal salvation
give to us Your gift of bread and wine, body and blood
give to us Your strength

sorrow

let us pray the 1st mystery of sorrow

agony prayer ~ passion

and He was withdrawn
away from them a stone's cast
and kneeling down He prayed, saying
Father, if You will, remove this chalicee from Me
yet not My will, but Yours be done
and there appeared to Him
an angel from Heaven, strengthening Him
and being in agony, He prayed longer
Luke 22:41-43

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

by Your fear and heavy heart in Gethsemane
You comfort the oppressed and those who fear
by Your loneliness facing the Passion while the Apostle’s slept
You shelter those who face evil alone while the world sleeps
by Your persistent prayer in anguish of anticipation
You strengthen those who shrink from the unknown
by Your humility taking the comfort of angels
You give us the grace to help and to be helped by each other
to comfort You, Jesus Christ

let us pray the 2nd mystery of sorrow

scourge prayer ~ modesty

then, therefore, Pilate took Jesus
and scrourged Him John 19:1

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

Lord, mocked and scourged at the pillar
where Pilate compromises by scourging innocence
Christ, so gentle to weakness and folly in men
make us patient with the lash and whip of circumstance
with the bruising of life, the thong for our own shoulders
born of our own weakness, malice and stupidity
help us to accept life as it is, not complaining
but with dignity and the humility of Your mighty will

let us pray the 3rd mystery of sorrow

thorn prayer ~ courage

then soldiers of the governor
taking Jesus into the hall
gather all their force around Him
and stripping Him
they put a scarlet cloak about Him
and pleating a crown of thorns
they put it upon His head
and a reed in His right hand
then bowing knee before Him
they mocked Him saying, hail king of the Jews Matthew 27:27-29

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

sift and measure and weigh our darkness
wrestle with the angels of disillusion and doubt
search for truth in our illuminated minds
for though our eyes are blinded by Your bright ray
your servants wear the only crown fitting
for vassals of the Lord of light
crown us with Your crown of thorns, Lord

let us pray the 4th mystery of sorrow

burden prayer ~ patience

and bearing His own cross, Jesus went forth
to that place which is called Calvary
but in Hebrew, Golgotha John 19:17

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

crush our innocence under the heavy load of our sins
our pride and materialism and greed
these are the weight of responsibility we share
let our communion with You and with one another
be proved by our will to suffer
so that with all our hands lifting the bitter wood together
we may lighten our burden making us Cyrenian before You,
Christ, through the ages bearing our cross

let us pray the 5th mystery of sorrow

crucifixion prayer ~ denial

and it was the third hour
and they crucified him Mark 15:25

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

nail our hands in Your hands to the cross
make us take and hold the hard thing
nail our feet in Your feet to the cross
that we may never wander away from You
make our promises and vows nails that hold us fast
so then even with sin driving down the nails of our last weakness
You will make us one with You in Your redeeming love

glory

let us pray the 1st mystery of glory

resurrection prayer ~ faith

and the angel answering, said to the women
fear not, for i know that you seek Jesus
who was crucified
He is risen, as He said
come and see the place
where the Lord was laid
Mattew 28:56

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

seed of eternal life sown by love's flowering
in the heavy clay of our hearts rise in us to be our soul's spring
by the risen feet of Christ walking upon the delicate grass
by the wakened hands of Christ touching the cool petals of flowers
by the opened eyes of Christ looking with joy on all created things
by the path of our Lord teaching us to wonder at our Earth
by awareness of Earth's loveliness essential to the Being of God
bring us Your faith in all that is

glory

ressurection
ascension
descent
assumption
coronation
study guide

let us pray the 2nd mystery of glory

ascension prayer ~ hope

and when Jesus had said these things
while they looked on
he was raised up
and a cloud received Him out of their sight
Acts 1:9

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

Christ ascended into Heaven
You bear the wounds of the whole world
in Your hands and feet
and in Your heart they shine like stars
pleading for us before the secret face of God
let us draw our people up and show to You our wounds
for here in the silence where no light can reach
Your music colors our grey dust
Your wounds purify and lift up our hearts
while You draw down God's mercy in Your glorified Body
revealed in the bright crimson of Your love

glory

ressurection
ascension
descent
assumption
coronation
study guide

let us pray the 3rd mystery of glory

descent prayer ~ wisdom

and suddenly there came a sound from Heaven
as of a mighty wind coming
it filled the house where they were sitting
and there appeared to them parted tongues
that were flames of fire
that touched every one of them
and they were filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 2:2-4

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

come down upon us Spirit of God, come as a great wind blowing
sweep our minds into a storm of light
Spirit of wisdom and peace and joy, be as fire burning bright
to forge our wills as shining swords of flame
to purify our hearts in Your crucible of change
to quench our thirst in the fire of love, shape our tepid nature
and flow down into the wild streams of our love as life
rising from the warm humanity of Christ

glory

ressurection
ascension
descent
assumption
coronation
study guide

let us pray the 4th mystery of glory

assumption prayer ~ happiness

my soul does magnify the Lord
and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior
because He has regarded the humility
of His handmaid
for behold, from henceforth
all generations shall call me blessed
Luke 1:46-48

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

Mother of Christ, we rejoice in your being
created to be the wheat for the Bread of life
Mary, when the dark winds and the rain
drove the harvest field to a storm of gold
locked in His love you were unique to God
among the multitudinous wheat the chosen grain
for the Host now these red sheaves are bound
the grains sifted and threshed with fresh wheat
in the bread the Creator's hands here shelter you
like a fended flame reaching down from Heaven
cloudless blue receiving you into life’s eternal light

glory

ressurection
ascension
descent
assumption
coronation
study guide

let us pray the 5th mystery of glory

crowning prayer ~ devotion

and a great sign appeared in Heaven
a woman
clothed in the sun
and moon under her feet
and on her head
a crown of twelve stars
Revelations 12:1

-one-

our Father in Heaven...

-ten-

hail Mary, full of grace...

the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death
amen

-one-

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

Mary,
Immaculate Love
we bless you

because, though rooted as we are
in Earth
you opened your heart to God
expanding and opening wide
to the heat of the sun
and in your sinless heart
you opened our hearts
to the light

we are crowned in you
Queen of Heaven
crowned with stars
by the hands of Christ

conclude

queen
son
father
church
study guide

prayers

hail holy Queen

hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy
our life, our sweetness, and our hope
to You do we cry
poor banished children of Eve
to You do we send up our sighs
mourning and weeping
in this valley of tears
turn then most gracious advocate
Your eyes of mercy toward us
and after this our exile show unto us
the blessed fruit of 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

amen

prayers

invocation

o God, whose only Son
by his life, death and resurrection
has purchased for us
the rewards of eternal life
grant, we ask You
that meditating on 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

prayers

sign of the cross

in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit

amen

prayers

“The revelation made directly by the Father at the Baptism in the River Jordan and echoed by John the Baptist is placed upon Mary's lips at Cana, and it becomes the great maternal counsel which Mary addressses to the Church of every age: ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ (Jn 2:5).”

"The Rosary Of The Virgin Mary", John Paul II, MediasPaul, page 31,
The Mysteries of Light.

᛭ ᛭ ᛭

prayers

all rosary prayers

prayers of completion

sign of the cross

in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit
amen

apostles’ creed

i believe in God, the Father almighty
creator of Heaven and Earth
i believe in Jesus Christ
His only Son, our Lord
He was conceived
by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary
He suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried
He descended into Hell
on the third day He rose again
He ascended into Heaven and
is seated at the right hand of the Father
He will come again to judge
the living and the dead
i believe in the Holy Spirit
the Holy Catholic Church
the Communion of Saints
the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body
and the life everlasting

amen

our Father rosary prayer

hail Mary rosary prayer

hail Mary, full of grace
the Lord is with You
blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb
Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of death

amen

glory be rosary prayer

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

o my Jesus rosary prayer

o my Jesus
forgive us our sins
save us from the fires of Hell
lead all souls to Heaven
especially those who have
most need of Your mercy

amen

hail Holy Queen

invocation

sign of the cross

in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit

amen

meditations

all rosary meditations

prayers of contemplation

1st mystery of joy
greeting prayer ~ annunciation

descend
Holy Spirit of life
come down into our hearts
that we may live...
descend into emptiness
that emptiness may be filled...
descend into the dust
that dust may flower...
descend into the dark
that light may shine in darkness

2nd mystery of joy
thanks prayer ~ visitation

breath of Heaven
carry us on the impulse
of Christ's love
as easily as thistledown
is carried on the wind
that in the Advent season of our souls
while He is formed in us
in secret and in silence

the Creator
in the hands of His creatures
as the Host
in the hands of the priest

that we may carry Him forth
to wherever He wishes to be
as He was carried by Mary, over the hills
on His errand of love
to the house of Elizabeth

3rd mystery of joy
love prayer ~ nativity

be born in us
incarnate love
take our flesh and blood
and give us Your humanity
take our eyes
and give us Your vision
take our minds
and give us Your pure thoughts
take our feet
and set them in Your path
take our hands
and fold them in Your prayer
take our hearts
and give them Your will to love

4th mystery of joy
poverty prayer ~ presentation

by the humility
of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
give us the glory of humility

by the mystery
of innocence
obeying the law
binding upon sinners
make us obedient

by the offering of the poor
the two white doves
in the gentle hands
of the pure Mother of Love
give us the spirit of poverty

5th mystery of joy
care prayer ~ nativity

through Mary
seeking her lost son
may we be given grace

always to seek for the Christ-child
and always to find Him

let us find Him in all children
the helpless, the sick
and in all who have a child's needs

the simple, the aged
in all who serve
and are trusting and poor
in all who are lonely or homeles

let us too become as little children
to find the Divine Child
in our own hearts

1st mystery of light
baptism prayer ~ awakening

one among the many
from infancy in Nazareth
His hidden life awakens
called to the place of shepherd John
sinless, pure, lamb of God
Messiah, cleansed
He teaches the good life for all

a shepherd, John and the healer, Jesus
each soul saved His mission revealed
mountains, the ages rolling into the seas

o Savior, from sacred waters
you rise on the wings of a dove
divine mercy by Heaven proclaimed

His children, He favors
His blessings, our journey
disciples now, to His house we are called

2nd mystery of light
wedding prayer ~ miracle

To Cana Jesus comes
with Mother Mary and friends
to gift a marriage hallowed
in celebration of drink and union

before God He blessed the love of all
spoke duties and graces
protected and guided
life’s joy and woe for all to share as One.
as His Mother Mary stops
servants worried and confused
apostles full of drink and mirth, uncaring
now suddenly their cups run dry
we have no wine, Mary sighs
and as mothers know, when it is time to go
she tells all to do as He says
so humble, His reply, “My time has not yet come”

yet Jesus could not refuse His mother
so, from jugs filled with water
at His command, their fluid blushed
and those with Mary at Cana declared His wine the best

3rd mystery of light
kingdom prayer ~ proclaim

this man from Galilee
whose gaze would pierce the fisherman's soul
he gave up all to answer His call
with a simple request, come follow Me
He preached a gospel of peace and love
that weakness be blessed and humble exalted
He healed the sick and forgave our sin
in the name of His Father
all was complete

He was a man of parables and prayer
who taught us to open our hearts to God
to live in the present, with tomorrow's darkness
to love God the most, with each other, sharing

good shepherd He seeks the lost to find them
with the bread of life and manna from heaven
our burdens He lightens
for paradise in peace is the path He shares
for us to see what life could be
without the world that leads us astray
to carry our cross, not count the cost
to love our enemies as we love our friends
He binds us

4th mystery of light
strength prayer ~ transfiguration

On Tabor Mountain
God revealed Himself
showing the glory of His Son
enrobed in a glowing miracle of light
and for Peter, James and John there were
Elijah prophet and Moses lawgiver
and all were speaking with the One
and God spoke, saying
this is My Beloved Son, obey Him!

And Jesus brought calm, saying
come rise My brothers
for all is well
you have seen My glory
and you will understand
where I go now,
and for My suffering
your humble spirits
will shed no tear

5th mystery of light
church prayer ~ eucharist

Jesus, bless this bread and break it
give thanks to Your Father
and share with us Your Body
that our hunger may feed Your eternal life

Lord, take Your cup and fill it
so that we will remember Your words
share with us Your blood covenant
so that we may live and not be condemned

from this last supper
let us take our hunger and thirst
and in Your intimacy seek eternal salvation
and in Your peace encounter Heaven on Earth.

give to us Your gift
bread and wine, body and blood
give to us Your strength
you will not endure Your pain alone

1st mystery of sorrow
agony prayer ~ passion

by Your fear and heavy heart
in Gethsemane
You comfort the oppressed
and those who fear

by Your persistent prayer
in anguish of anticipation
You strengthen those who shrink
from the unknown

by Your loneliness embracing the Passion
while the Apostle’s sleep
You comfort those who face evil alone
embrace our agony

by Your humility
taking the comfort of angels
You give us the grace to help
and to be helped by each other,
to comfort You
Jesus Christ

2nd mystery of sorrow
scourge prayer ~ modesty

Lord
mocked and scourged at the pillar
when Pilate made his pitiful effort
to compromise
by scourging innocence

Christ, so gentle to
weakness and folly in men
make us patient
with the lash and whip
of circumstance
with the bruising of life
the thong for our own shoulders
made by our own weakness
malice and stupidity

help us to accept it
as our just due
not complaining
but with dignity
and the humility
of Your mighty will

3rd mystery of sorrow
thorn prayer ~ courage

Christ crowned with thorns
give us the courage to think
to sift and measure and weigh
to wrestle with the angel
and if needs be
to enter into darknes
disillusion and doubt
in our search for truth

illuminate our minds
though our eyes are blinded
by Your bright ray

crown us, your servants
with the only crown fitting
for vassals of the Lord of light
crown us, Lord
with Your crown of thorns

4th mystery of sorrow
burden prayer ~ patience

Lord, let us take up the cross
the heavy load of our sins
our pride and materialism and greed

we all share the responsibility
of lifting that weight
from the backs of the innocents
who are crushed under it

let our communion with You
and with one another
be proved by our will to suffer
so that all our hands
lifting the bitter wood together
may lighten our burden
make us Cyrenian before You
Christ, through the ages
bearing our cross

5th mystery of sorrow
crucifixion prayer ~ denial

nail our hands
in Your hands
to the cross

make us take and hold
the hard thing

nail our feet
in Your feet
to the cross
that we may never
wander awy from You

make our promises and vows
nails that hold us fast
so then even our dead weight sin
dragging down the nails of our last weakness
may not separate us from You
but may make us one with You
in Your redeeming love

1st mystery of glory
resurrection prayer ~ faith

seed of eternal life
sown by love's flowering
in the heavy clay of our hearts
rise in us
to be our soul's spring

by the risen feet of Christ
walking upon the delicate grass
by the wakened hands of Christ
touching the cool petals of flowers
by the opened eyes of Christ
looking with joy
on all created things

on the path of our Lord
teach us to wonder
and to walk upon our Earth
aware of Earth's loveliness
aware of the Being of God
in all that is

2nd mystery of glory
ascension prayer ~ hope

Christ
ascended into Heaven
You bear the wounds
of the whole world
in Your hands and feet
and in Your heart

they plead for us
shining like stars
before the secret face of God

by Your five wounds
purify our five senses
lift up our hearts, into Heaven

while You draw downn
God's mercy to us
in Your glorified Body
let us draw our people up to You
showing our wounds to the world
scored on our grey dust
in the bright crimson
of Your love

3rd mystery of glory
descent prayer ~ wisdom

come down upon us
Spirit of God
Spirit of wisdom and peace and joy
come as a great wind blowing
sweep our minds into a storm of light

be in us as bright fire burning
forge our wills
into shining swords of flame

purify our hearts
in the crucible of change

quench our thirst
in the fire of love
shape our tepid nature
and be in us the stream of life
flowing into the warm humanity of Christ

4th mystery of glory
assumption prayer ~ happiness

Mother of Christ
we rejoice in you
created to be the wheat
for the Bread of life

when the dark winds and the rain
drove the harvest field
to a storm of gold
locked in His love
you were unique to God
among the multitudinous wheat
the chosen grain for the Host

now, the red sheaves are bound
the grain sifted and threshed
the wheat in the bread

now, the Creator's hands
that sheltered you like a fended flame
reach down from a Heaven of cloudles blue
receiving you into eternal light

5th mystery of glory
crowning prayer ~ devotion

gratitudes

in closing...

rosary prayers ~ gratitudes

Rosary prayer intentions or meanings follow the traditions of many cultures and religions and church institutions, across thousands of years, in many places, on our planet, Earth. The Holy Roman Catholic institution provides us a Rosary with an inner circle of beads, composed of five groups of ten beads, each Decade of ten being separated by a single bead, so five beads of separation. One bead of separation, the Fatima is larger, and has suspended from it a string of five beads, with a cross dangling on the end. The Fatima is not generally held in recital, as Fatima attaches the cross and joins the external cross to the inner circle, holding that inner circle for the intention of the Holy Mother, Mary, Queen of the Rosary. Fatima opens and closes Her prayerful intentions, by virtue of Her symbolic position, inside of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Special prayers are thus recited for the cross, and for the five beads of the cross. Holding each bead, up to the Fatima. Then special prayers continue, from the Fatima, around the inner circle of The Rosary. Retuning toward the fatima. During concluding prayers, the faithful may gently gather the cross toward the inner circle. The Rosary prayers of the faithfuls are known together as “The Rosary Prayer”. Simply expressed, The Rosary can be spoken by the individual or in a worship group of the faithful, or in a formal religious congregation, such as a church. Environments of worship shape Rosary prayer.

simplicity

sharing inspiration...

rosary prayers ~ simplicity

We are inspired by the creative efforts of Caryll and of John, to adapt Rosary prayer within the language of poetry. Our Rosary poetry is not a formal religious meditation. Nor does poetry feel like the prayer that we find in the Bible and Catechism. Poems are not memorized oral traditions that have endured millenia of faith. Poetry is used to tell a story of faith, a story intended to enrich the experiences of faith. Poems are what we can call the common people's meditation. Not the hallowed meditation of the Religious, who devote their lives to our Church. Rosary poems are the simple peoples' meditation on the stories, especially the stories that comprise The Mysteries that define and express the birth, struggle and continuation of our simple faith.

We adapt the wonderful words of our simple meditations, to something gentle, informal. Clear, flowing streams of thought. Caryll is the closest some of us have ever read, the closest to our appreciation of flowing spiritual meditation. So Caryll's meditations feel mostly true. John’s rosary poems, on the other hand, feel a little stilted. So we soften John's well intended verse, and that brings us back. To reconsider and adjust the culture expressed by Caryll. We work and rework poems, looking for a greater simplicity. Closer to what forever feels important, for the readers, whom we know, in their faith, define our faith. Yet so many rivers of Faith attach the poetry of life to our worship. And so, in our Rosary poems we can truly celebrate meaningful, inspired and wonderful faith, in the simplicity of our humble prayer.

reference

Catholic resources ~ print

"The Rosary Of The Virgin Mary",

Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariea
of the Supreme Pontiff, Pope John Paul II,
to the Bishops, Clergy and Faithful
of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, The Papal Estate
Copyright © 2002 Mediaspaul, the Faithfuls’ Guide.
Vatican, The Holy See

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Online resources...
this rosary: begin joy light sorrow glory
The Holy See: how joy light sorrow glory
Rosary Center & Confraternity: simple joy light sorrow glory
scriptural joy light sorrow glory
church joy light sorrow glory
My Catholic Life: joy light sorrow glory

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The Secret Teachings of Mary Magdalene
by Claire Nahmad and Margaret Bailey
Including the Lost Verses of The Gospel of Mary, Revealed and Published for the First Time. Discovered in fragments in Egypt in 1945, The Gospel of Mary remains one of the most controversial texts of early Christianity.
(Available at GoodReads)

“The Essential Rosary with prayers”
by Caryll Houselander
Published by Sophia Institute Press, Manchester NH, United States (additional links provided)
Copyright © 1996 Sophia Insutute Press, 15 poetic prayers.
Original text 1945, in Massie Ward's Splendor of the Rosary, Sheed and Ward, New York.
1-800-888-9344

(Available at GoodReads and ThriftBooks)