Pray the Rosary

A Misunderstood Prayer

Catholic devotions can often be misunderstood, and none more so than the rosary. Many non-Catholics perceive it as a form of worship directed towards Mary, but in reality, the rosary is a deeply Christ-centered prayer. It offers believers an opportunity to reflect upon the significant events in the life of Jesus Christ and deepen their relationship with Him. In this blog post, we will explore the true nature of the rosary, its mysteries, and how it can be a meaningful practice for families and youth groups.

Unveiling the Misconception

The misconception that the rosary is a form of worshiping Mary stems from a lack of understanding about its purpose. While Mary, as the mother of Jesus, holds a special place in Catholic faith, the rosary itself is primarily centered on Christ. The beads of the rosary serve as a guide for prayer and meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It provides an opportunity to engage with the mysteries of Christ’s life and their relevance to our own spiritual journey.

The rosary is divided into four sets of mysteries: the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries, and the Luminous Mysteries (added by Pope John Paul II in 2002). Each set comprises five individual mysteries that represent key events in the life of Jesus. These mysteries include joyful moments such as the Annunciation and the Nativity, sorrowful events like the Crucifixion, glorious occurrences such as the Resurrection, and luminous occasions like the Transfiguration.

Meditating on the Mysteries

The beauty of the rosary lies in its invitation to meditate on the mysteries. As we recite the prayers of the rosary, we contemplate these significant events, allowing them to penetrate our hearts and minds. Through meditation, we seek to understand the deeper meaning and implications of Christ’s life for our own spiritual growth. The rosary becomes a vehicle for personal reflection, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Traditionally, the rosary has designated sets of mysteries to be prayed on specific days of the week. However, it is important to note that this practice is not mandatory. Individuals and groups are free to choose the mysteries they wish to meditate on, allowing for flexibility and personal relevance. Selecting a different set of mysteries, depending on personal circumstances or specific intentions, can enhance the prayer experience and make it more meaningful.

Praying the Rosary Together

The rosary is not limited to individual prayer; it can also be a communal practice. Praying the rosary with family members or a youth group can strengthen bonds, create a sense of unity, and provide an opportunity for shared spiritual growth. It allows participants to support and learn from one another, as they collectively delve into the mysteries of Christ’s life. By engaging in this devotional practice together, families and youth groups can deepen their understanding of Catholic tradition and foster a sense of community.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday)

1. The annunciation of the birth of Jesus to Mary by the Angel Gabriel
2. The visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist
3. The nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Bethlehem
4. The presentation of the Jesus in the temple as an infant
5. The finding of the Jesus in the temple by Mary and Joseph after he was lost as a child

Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

1. The baptism of Jesus Christ  in the Jordan River by John the Baptist
2. The first miracle of Christ at the marriage of Cana in changing water to wine
3. The announcement of the kingdom of God by Jesus
4. The transfiguration of Christ on the mountain
5. The institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper

Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)

1. The agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
2. The scourging of Jesus at the pillar
3. The crowning of thorns
4. The carrying the cross by Jesus to Calvary
5. The crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ

Glorious Mysteries (Sunday and Wednesday)

• The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead
• The ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven
• The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles on Pentecost
• The assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven
• The coronation of the Virgin Mary as queen of heaven

How to Pray the Rosary

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross: Start by making the Sign of the Cross, saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This gesture acknowledges the Holy Trinity and prepares your heart and mind for prayer.
2. Say the opening prayers. Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles’ Creed. On the first bead, say an Our Father. Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads. Say the Glory Be.
3. Announce the Mystery. For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery (perhaps followed by a brief reading from Scripture) then say the Our Father.
4. Meditate on the Mystery: While holding each of the ten beads of the decade, next say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery. Then say a Glory Be.
   (After finishing each decade, some say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: 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.)
5. Repeat Steps 3-4: Move to the next decade, which consists of a large bead, followed by ten small beads. Repeat steps 3 and 4 (Our Father, ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, and meditation) for each of the remaining mysteries.
6. Conclude with the Hail Holy Queen: After completing all five decades, conclude the rosary by reciting the Hail Holy Queen prayer: “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. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”
7.  Say the final prayer: After the Hail Holy Queen, say this prayer:
   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 thee, 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.
8. Finish with the Sign of the Cross: End the prayer by making the Sign of the Cross once again, saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”