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THE CATHOLIC PACIFIC NORTHWEST
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The Holy Rosary The Rosary is a prayer in which the Holy Spirit invites us to contemplate the life, death and resurrection, the mysteries, of our Lord, Jesus, who is True God and true man, through the eyes of His mother, Mary, Queen of Divine Love. INTENTION |
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THE ROSARY - - A CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
THE HOLY ROSARY: |
WHAT IS THE ROSARY?
The Rosary is a devotion to Mary which is shared by all Roman Catholics. It is predominantly a mental prayer, a meditation on various mysteries in the life of Our Lord and Our Lady. The Rosary is a perfect blend of vocal prayers and meditation. The prayers that we recite as we meditate are meant to become a sort of chant in the background. The vocal prayers center on the recitation of a number of decades of Hail Marys, each decade introduced by the Lord's Prayer and concluded by a Glory Be. During the recitation of these vocal prayers, we meditate on certain events, or mysteries, from the life of Christ and Mary. In other words, while we say the various decades of the Rosary we attend to the mystery we are contemplating rather than to the words of the Hail Mary, Our Father, or Glory Be. The repetition of the Hail Marys helps to keep our minds from distractions as we meditate on the mysteries. The mysteries on which we meditate in the Rosary are divided into three sets and present an outline of the life of Jesus, stressing the key points in the drama of our redemption. Frequent reflection on these principal events will assist us as our faith grows and develops. The entire Rosary is composed of fifteen decades (a decade meaning a series of ten beads) corresponding to fifteen mysteries. The five decade rosaries which one commonly sees are really for praying only one-third of the Rosary at a time.
The Rosary begins with the recitation of the Apostles' Creed. This prayer is followed by an Our Father, three Hail Marys and the Glory Be said on the beads preceding the five decades. Each decade is preceded by an Our Father, includes ten Hail Marys, and concludes with the Glory Be. The Rosary ends with the Hail Holy Queen.
Mysteries of Light
Pope John Paul II on October 16, 2002 observed the 24th anniversary of his papal election with a dramatic gesture, issuing an apostolic letter in which he proposes five new mysteries to the Rosary.
The Pope proclaimed a special year of dedication to the Rosary, beginning today and running through the same date next year. The Pope asks that the Rosary be prayed particularly for the causes of world peace and the strengthening of family life.
The rosary has a long tradition, dating back to the early years of the Church. It began taking its current shape at the start of the second millennium. Its current form was in practice for many years before it was officially fixed by Pope Pius V in 1569.
The Pope said, “I believe that to bring out fully the Christological depth of the Rosary it would be suitable to make an addition to the traditional pattern which, while left to the freedom of individuals and communities, could broaden it to include the mysteries of Christ’s public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion.”
Pope John Paul recommends the addition of five Mysteries of Light or “Luminous Mysteries” in addition to the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries. He recommends that the Joyful Mysteries be used on Mondays and Saturdays, the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays, the Glorious Mysteries on Sundays and Wednesdays, and the new Mysteries of Light on Thursdays.
The Mysteries of Light or “Luminous Mysteries” are drawn from the life of Christ and his public revelation of His divine nature and mission. Moving on from the infancy and the hidden life in Nazareth to the public life of Jesus, our contemplation brings us to those mysteries which may be called in a special way “mysteries of light”. Certainly the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is the “light of the world” (Jn 8:12). Yet this truth emerges in a special way during the years of his public life, when he proclaims the Gospel of the Kingdom. In proposing to the Christian community five significant moments – “luminous” mysteries – during this phase of Christ's life, I think that the following can be fittingly singled out. Each of these mysteries is a revelation of the Kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus:
The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan;
The wedding feast at Cana;
The announcement of the Kingdom (call to conversion & trust);
The Transfiguration;
The institution of the Eucharist.
In these mysteries, apart from the miracle at Cana, the presence of Mary remains in the background. The Gospels make only the briefest reference to her occasional presence at one moment or other during the preaching of Jesus (cf. Mk 3:31-5; Jn 2:12), and they give no indication that she was present at the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. Yet the role she assumed at Cana in some way accompanies Christ throughout his ministry. The revelation made directly by the Father at the Baptism in the Jordan and echoed by John the Baptist is placed upon Mary's lips at Cana, and it becomes the great maternal counsel which Mary addresses to the Church of every age: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). This counsel is a fitting introduction to the words and signs of Christ's public ministry and it forms the Marian foundation of all the “mysteries of light”.
ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE, Pope John Paul II;
APOSTOLIC LETTER OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF TOTHE BISHOPS, CLERGY AND FAITHFUL
ON THE MOST HOLY ROSARY
THE ROSARY:
The Rosary is a contemplative prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary composed mainly from the Bible. As the adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus, we join Our Lord and Savior in honoring His Mother, our spiritual Mother, and the unique mission she has as Mother of the Redeemer.
In its teaching on the Communion of Saints, the Church reminds us that those in Heaven are not isolated from those of us still living our Earthly lives. Heaven exists outside the constraints of space and time, And the Saints in Heaven through the grace of God hear our requests And are powerful intercessors for us before the throne of God.
In praying the Rosary, let our spoken prayer become the background as we meditate on the various events of our Lord’s life, it is the meditation that gives this Rosary its power.
Through the Rosary the Virgin Mary, our spiritual Mother, prayfully leads us closer to Jesus our Savior, for no human person knows Jesus better than His Mother.
(KBLE (1050 AM), Kirkland, WA)
HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY:
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THE ROSARY HAS FIFTEEN (NOW 20 WITH THE LUMINOUS) MYSTERIES DIVIDED INTO THREE (nOW FOUR) GROUPS.
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HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY: |
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MARIA (with Rosary): CONSECRATION TO THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: |
THE ROSARY:
The 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 from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth 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.
LORD’S PRAYER - 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.
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.
THE GLORY BE - GLORY BE TO THE FATHER:
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:
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.
THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY - ROSARY MEDITATIONS:
1. First Joyful Mystery - - The Annunciation - (I Desire the Love of Humility) - 
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Angel Gabriel announces to Our Lady Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. Think of the humility of the Blessed Virgin when the Angel Gabriel greeted her with these words, "Hail full of grace." - - Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.
Mary said: "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say." (Luke 1:38)
In the days of King Herod (...) the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. He went in and said to her, `Rejoice, so highly favored! The Lord is with you. (...) You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus.'(...) Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?' `The Holy Spirit will come upon you' the angel answered `and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.' (...) `I am the handmaid of the Lord' said Mary `let what you have said be done to me' (Lk 1:26-38).
MARY'S MESSAGE: In this mystery two great truths of faith are combined: the Trinity and the Incarnation. It is the Father's Son who becomes man, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Son becomes incarnate, taking on our humanity, and making us partakers of His divinity. Mankind couldn't reach up to God, so God reached down, down to make fruitful the womb of a humble virgin.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, teach me to welcome the will of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit in my daily life. May I always remain the Lord's loving servant, firm in faith and joyful in hope. Amen.
SUGGESTED READING: Luke 1:26-38
Meditation: "Here the Word was made flesh." These words, now inscribed in the cave dwelling where God sent his Angel, proclaim the central reality and deepest mystery of our faith. When Gabriel recited the "Hail Mary" for the first time, the yearnings of the past were fulfilled and the promise of the future burst into brilliant light. All of this, because Mary, the Gentle Woman, said, "Be it done unto me according to your word. " Her openness to the mysterious ways of the God of surprises accomplish- ed what no one dared dream: Emmanuel: God is with us! Gabriel said to Mary, "The Lord is with you." She said yes, and now he is with us. "Know that I am with you always until the end of the world."
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Today is the dawn of our Salvation and the mystery of the ages is made manifest. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin and Gabriel announces the grace of our Redemption. And so we cry out with him to the Mother of the Lord: Hail, Full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee.
Intention:
God, Our Father, in your wisdom, through the Angel Gabriel's message to Mary you gave mankind a share in your Divine Life. Give all peoples, in the East and in the West, a humble heart so that they may be ready to welcome Christ who comes to them through His Holy Church.
Now recite the decade.
Our Father. Ten Hail Mary's . . .
Our Father: "The Angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin. The Virgin's name was Mary" (Luke 1: 26)
Hail Mary 1: "Rejoice, so highly favored. The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:29)
Hail Mary 2: "She was deeply disturbed and asked herself what this greeting could mean" (Luke 1:29)
Hail Mary 3: "The Angel said to her " 'Mary, do not be afraid,' you have won God's favor" (Luke 1:30)
Hail Mary 4: "Listen. You are to conceive and bear a son and you must name him Jesus." (Luke 1:31)
Hail Mary 5: "He will be great. His reign will have no end." (Luke 1: 32-33)
Hail Mary 6: "Mary said " 'but how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’" (Luke 1:34)
Hail Mary 7: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will over-shadow you." (Luke 1:35)
Hail Mary 8: "The child will be holy and will be called Son of God" (Luke 1:35)
Hail Mary 9: "I am the handmaid of the Lord " Mary said " Let what you have said be done to me." (Luke 1:38)
Hail Mary 10
Glory be to the Father . . .
O my Jesus . . .
2. Second Joyful Mystery - - The Visitation - (I Desire Charity toward My Neighbor) - 
Our Blessed Lady Mary Visits Her Cousin Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist. Think of Mary’s charity in visiting her cousin Elizabeth and remaining with her for three months before the birth of John the Baptist. - - He who is mighty has done great things for me.
Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39)
Mary set out and went to a town in the hill country of Judaea. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, `Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord? (...) Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.' And Mary said, 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed' (Lk 1:39-48).
MARY'S MESSAGE: This mystery recalls my three-month visit with Elizabeth and Zechariah. May it remind you that God's Son didn't just come earthward on a short visit. He is with His Church until the end of the world. His Spirit, who sanctified the unborn John the Baptist, is also your Sanctifier. May you guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Divine Spirit who indwells you.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, pray that I may hold fast to the word of life. In the hour of my death, may I be ushered into the celestial mansions for an unending eternity of bliss. Amen.
SUGGESTED READING: Luke 1: 39-57
Meditation: An elderly woman, who had despaired of ever having a child, embraces a young pregnant maiden, who bursts forth in a song of joy. How truly God has exalted the lowly. But that is always his way. He chooses the weak to manifest his strength. "My ways are not your ways, says the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8) Elizabeth and Mary, who is now the new Ark of the Covenant, the sign of the presence of God, are not unique, however. God still works wonders through the lowly. For those who love God, all things work together unto good. (Cf. Romans 8:28) We all have reasons to join Mary in song.
In the hill country of Judea, many miles (a three day journey) from Nazareth, the delightful Church of the Visitation commemorates the joy of God's unfolding plan. Here the elderly Zechariah, the priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, waited those last three months for the birth of him whom God had designated to point out the Messiah, "There was a man named John sent by God, who came as a witness to testify to the light...:" (John 1:6-7)
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Elizabeth bears the herald of God's Grace, Our Lady bears the Christ, the King of Glory. The two mothers embrace and the child leaps with joy: in the womb the servant rejoices to see his Master and, filled with the Holy Spirit, the mother of the herald cries out: How is it that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? The Lord delivers His people from their distress.
Intention:
Loving Father, through an unborn Child, your own Son Jesus Christ, you sanctified John in his mother's womb. Give all families in East and West a deep reverence for the wonder of life and help the parents to lovingly accept and protect each unborn child.
Now recite the decade.
Our Father. Ten Hail Mary's . . .
Our Father: "Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Juda." (Luke 1:39)
Hail Mary 1: "She went into Zechariah's house. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb." (Luke 1:41)
Hail Mary 2: "Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:41)
Hail Mary 3: "She gave a loud cry and said " 'of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed in the fruit of your womb'." (Luke 1:42)
Hail Mary 4: "Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1:45)
Hail Mary 5: "And Mary said, " 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord'." (Luke 1:46).
Hail Mary 6: "He has looked upon his lowly handmaid. The Almighty has done great things for me." (Luke 1:48)
Hail Mary 7: "From this day forward all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:48)
Hail Mary 8: "He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy." (Luke 1:54)
Hail Mary 9: "Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months" (Luke 1:56)
Hail Mary 10:
Glory be to the Father . . .
O my Jesus . . .
3. Third Joyful Mystery - - The Nativity - (I Desire the Love of God - Poverty) - 
The Birth of Our Lord Jesus at Bethlehem. Think of the poverty, so lovingly accepted by Mary when she placed the Infant Jesus, our God and Redeemer, in a manger in the stable of Bethlehem. - - A Savior is born to us.
Mary gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. (Luke 2:7)
Mary gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, `Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger' (Lk 2:7-12).
MARY'S MESSAGE: Born of the Father before time began, Jesus Christ was born as a child in a lowly stable. He is my Son. I heard the straw crackle under His baby back in the manger. I saw Him shed His first tears. I helped Him to take His first unsteady steps. Now I reign with Him in heavenly glory.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, by God's grace I am now passing through this human life. May it be a life of faith in your Son, who loved us and gave Himself for our salvation, first in the manger of Bethlehem, and afterwards on the cross of Calvary. Amen.
SUGGESTED READING: Luke 2: 1-20
Meditation: The Messiah (which means Christ, the annointed of God) was found by the Shepherds in the arms of his Virgin Mother, Mary. It is in those arms that we too will find him. She fed, cared for and brought to maturity her Divine Son. As the Mother of the Church, she does the same today for the Body of Christ. We go to her because with her we can find Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary. "The Church in her apostolate looks to her who gave birth to the Messiah...in order that through the Church He could be born and increase in the hearts of the faithful...In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope and burning love in the work of the savior in restoring divine life to us. Thus she is our mother in the order of grace." Vatican II Constitution on the Church
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
He who was born of the Father, without a mother, before the Morning Star, has today become Man in you, Mary, without a father. So the star of the Wise Men of Orient announces and the angels sing with the shepherds of your spotless Motherhood, O Highly Favored One.
Intention:
God and Father, Your Son, who was rich, has become poor in the stable at Bethlehem in order to make fallen mankind rich through His poverty. Grant to the rich nations of the West the courage to become poor and to those of the East the grace not to be ashamed of their poverty but instead to see in it the richness and the power of God.
Now recite the decade.
Our Father. Ten Hail Mary's . . .
Our Father: "While they were in Bethlehem the time came for her to have her child." (Luke 2:6)
Hail Mary 1: "She gave birth to a son, her first born" (Luke 2:7)
Hail Mary 2: "She laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7)
Hail Mary 3: "There were shepherds who lived in the fields. The angel appeared to them" (Luke 2:8)
Hail Mary 4: "Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people" (Luke 2:10)
Hail Mary 5: "Today a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11)
Hail Mary 6: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favor" (Luke 2:14)
Hail Mary 7: "They hurried away and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby lying in the manger" (Luke 2:16)
Hail Mary 8: "Some wise men came from the east. Going into the house they saw the child with his mother, Mary" (Matthew 2:1-11)
Hail Mary 9: "As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19)
Hail Mary 10:
Glory be to the Father . . .
O my Jesus . . .
4. Fourth Joyful Mystery - - The Presentation - (I Desire a Spirit of Sacrifice - Obedience) - 
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus in the Temple. Think of Mary’s obedience to the law of God in presenting the Child Jesus in the Temple. - - They presented the Child to the Lord.
When the day came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought Him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)
And when the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord - observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord - and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; (...) Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus (...), he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said, `Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation' (Lk 2,22-30).
MARY'S MESSAGE: Joseph and I journeyed to Jerusalem to present the Child to His Father. Simeon, that great man of faith, held the Lord's Anointed in his arms. Then he was willing to die, for he had seen the Lord's salvation! For perhaps an hour, the temple priests had Jesus in their midst. Then they let Him go, in exchange for a pair of birds.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, may I prize my faith too dearly to accept anything in exchange. May I be presented to God with a purified soul, holding fast to faith, firmly grounded and steadfast in it. Amen.
SUGGESTED READING: Luke 2: 22-38
Meditation: Those who have grown old in wisdom and age and grace must be very dear to the Good Lord. The aged were among the first to whom he revealed his Son. Mary brought him to the elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth and now he who is the light of revelation to the gentiles casts the warmth and radiance of his light into the lives of the elderly Simeon and Anna. Old age is a special time of blessing from the Lord. It is a time of slowing down in order that we might: "Desist! and confess that I am God..." Psalm 46:11
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Hail, Full of Grace, Virgin and Mother of God, for from you has come forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ Our Lord, who enlightens those who are in darkness. Rejoice, too, wise Simeon, for in your arms you have held the Lord who redeems our souls and bestows on us the free gift of the Resurrection.
Intention:
Heavenly Father, Your Son has fulfilled Your Will in all things and so brought redemption to the world. Grant to the peoples of East and West the virtue of obedience, so that they will be capable of building up a new society of love and justice on the ruins of the past, in which the Kingdom of God will be made manifest to all.
Now recite the decade.
Our Father. Ten Hail Mary's . . .
Our Father: "They took the child up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22)
Hail Mary 1: "Observing what stands in the Law. Every first born male must be consecrated to God."
Hail Mary 2: "In Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. The Holy Spirit rested on him" (Luke 2:25)
Hail Mary 3: "Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God."
Hail Mary 4: "Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised." (Luke 2:28)
Hail Mary 5: "Because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all nations." (Luke 2:31)
Hail Mary 6: "The child's father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were said about him. (Luke 2:33)
Hail Mary 7: "Simeon said to Mary: 'this child is destined for the fall and for the rising of many" (Luke 2:34)
Hail Mary 8: "A sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:35)
Hail Mary 9: "They went back to Nazareth. The child grew to maturity, and God's favor was with him" (Luke 2:40)
Hail Mary 10:
Glory be to the Father . . .
O my Jesus . . .
5. Fifth Joyful Mystery - - The Finding in the Temple - (I Desire Zeal for the Glory of God - Piety) - 
The Finding of the Our Lord Child Jesus in the Temple after He had been Lost for Three Days. Think of the deep sorrow with which Mary sought the Child Jesus for three days, and the joy with which she found Him in the midst of the Teachers in the Temple. - - I must be about My Father's business.
Son, why have you done this to us? You see that your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow. (Luke 2:48)
The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. (...) When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; (...) His mother said to him, `My child, why have you done this to us?' (...) He replied, `Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father's affairs?' (...) He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart (Lk 2:41-52).
MARY'S MESSAGE: For mysterious reasons of His own, the boy Jesus remained in the temple after the Passover celebrations. When God appeared on earth in a visible way, His words and actions were sometimes puzzling, even bewildering. Had Jesus explained His plan to us, we need not have sought Him in sorrow. Learn from Joseph and me to walk in faith all the days of your earthly pilgrimage.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith. May this faith sustain me in joy and in sorrow, until I finally find my Savior God in the heavenly temple. Amen.
SUGGESTED READING: Luke 2: 41-52
Meditation: As the previous mystery spoke to us of the elderly, this one challenges us to be mindful of youth. Jesus was like us in everything except sin. So often we make him into a plaster statue and put him on a pedestal high above us, that we forget how much like us he was. Like any teenager preoccupied with a project, he lost his sense of time and missed the departure. He had to do his chores, helping Joseph in the carpenter shop and fetching the heavy jars of water for Mary. By the sweat of his brow he learned to say later, "Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. " (Matthew 11:28) How great is the love of our God who in order to invite us to become like him, first became like us.
Meditation from the Byzantine Liturgy:
In the middle of the Feast You enter the Temple and teach, O Wisdom of God. You admonish the Scribes and Pharisees and declare to them: Whoever is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink the Water of Life and he will never thirst again. If he believes in Me, springs of living water will flow forth from him. O most loving, unfathomable Mercy! Christ, Our God, Glory be to You.
Intention:
Lord Jesus Christ, in all situations You submitted to the Father's Will and carried it out without hesitation. Grant the rulers in West and East the grace to submit without reservation to the Laws of God and to ensure with wisdom and firmness that they are respected, so that they may be found worthy of God's boundless Mercy.
Now recite the decade.
Our Father. Ten Hail Mary's . . .
Our Father: "When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual" (Luke 2:42)
Hail Mary 1: "When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind without his parents knowing it." (Luke 2:43)
Hail Mary 2: "When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere" (Luke 2:45)
Hail Mary 3: "They found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions." (Luke 2:46)
Hail Mary 4: "Those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies" (Luke 2:47)
Hail Mary 5: "My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been" (Luke 2:48)
Hail Mary 6: "Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father's affairs?" (Luke 2:49)
Hail Mary 7: "But they did not understand what he meant" (Luke 2:50)
Hail Mary 8: "He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority" (Luke 2:51)
Hail Mary 9: "His mother stored up all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:52)
Hail Mary 10:
Glory be to the Father . . .
O my Jesus . . .
Page Top
1. . First Luminous Mystery - - The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan - 
The Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of
light. 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.
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17). Here we contemplate our own baptismal call to be disciples of the Lord.
1. John is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of I repentance. I
2. "I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the rway of the Lord."
3. "One mightier than I is coming after me."
4. "I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
5. Seeing Jesus, John exclaims: "Behold the Lamb of God."
6. After Jesus' baptism a voice from Heaven: "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
7. The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove.
8. In this heavenly manifestation is instituted the sacrament of baptism.
9. The divine Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is heard as the Spirit descends upon the Son.
10. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for 40 days.
2. . Second Luminous Mystery - - The wedding feast at 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.
"Mary said to the servants, `Do whatever he tells you."' (John 2:5). Here we recall how we need to listen more closely to Jesus and follow his commands.
1. Jesus, His Mother and disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee.
2. During the wedding feast the wine ran short.
3. Mary turned to Jesus: “They have no wine.”
4. Jesus replied: "What would you have Me do? My hour has not yet come."
5. Mary said to the waiters: "Do whatever He tells you."
6. There were six stone water jars, each holding fifteen to twenty gallons.
7. Jesus bids the waiters to fill the jars with water, and then draw some out and take it to the chief steward.
8. The chief steward says to the groom: "Every man serves the good wine first... but you have saved the good wine until now."
9. At Mary's request, Jesus worked His first miracle.
10. By His presence, Christian marriage was raised to the dignity of a Sacrament.
3. . Third Luminous Mystery - - The announcement of the Kingdom - (call to conversion & trust) 
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 inauguration of that ministry of mercy
which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through
the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22-23).
"Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel, and saying, `The Kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the Gospel."' (Mark 2:5). Here we contemplate Jesus' call for our daily conversion and that we place our trust in him.
1. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand."
2. "My kingdom is not of this world."
3. "Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."
4. "Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it."
5. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman buried in three measures of flour."
6. "I have come to call sinners, not the just."
7. "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."
8. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
9. "Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
10. "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church...I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven."
4. . Fourth Luminous Mystery - - The 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) 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.
"He took Peter, John and James up on the mountain to pray ... and he was transfigured before their eyes, and a voice from heaven said: `This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him."' (Luke 9:35). Here we contemplate Jesus' divinity and that as his disciples we are called to one day share in his glory.
1. Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray.
2. Jesus was transfigured before them.
3. "His face became as dazzling as the sun, His clothes as radiant as light."
4. This was to fortify their faith to withstand the coming tragedy of the Passion.
5. Jesus foresaw the "scandal of the cross," and prepared them for it by this manifestation of His glory.
6. Moses and Elias (representing the Law and the prophets of the Old Testament) were conversing with Jesus about His passion.
7. "Do not think I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets...but to fulfill them."
8. From a cloud came a voice: "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him."
9. Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man rises from the dead.
10. We too will behold the transfigured Jesus on the Last Day.
5. . Fifth Luminous Mystery - - The institution of the Eucharist - 
A final mystery
of light is the institution of the Eucharist, 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 whose salvation he will offer
himself in sacrifice.
"And He took bread, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given to you. Do this in memory of me." (Luke 22:19). Here we contemplate the. Paschal Mystery of our salvation, and we give thanks for Jesus' presence in the Holy Eucharist.
1. I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
2.Jesus took bread, blessed it: "Take and eat, this is My Body."
3.Taking the wine: "This cup is the new covenant in My Blood, shed for you."
4.At that Eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass.
5.At every Mass the sacrifice of Calvary is made present.
6.At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders to perpetuate this sacrifice.
7."Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me and I in him."
8. The Eucharist is a sacrifice inasmuch as it is offered up, and a sacrament inasmuch as it is received.
9. In the Mass we offer ourselves to God, and God gives Himself to us.
10. The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to the Father.
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1. First Sorrowful Mystery - - The Agony in the Garden - (I Desire True Repentance for My Sins - Contrition) - 
Our Lord Jesus Suffers His Agony and Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. Think of Our Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, suffering a bitter agony for our sins. - - Father, not my will but Thine be done.
My father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Still, let it be done as you would have it, not as I. (Matthew 26:39)
Jesus then left to make his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, with the disciples following. When they reached the place he said to them, `Pray not to be put to the test'. Then he withdrew from them, about a stone's throw away, and knelt down and prayed. `Father,' he said `if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.' Then an angel appeared to him, coming from heaven to give him strength. In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. When he rose from prayer he went to the disciples and found them sleeping for sheer grief (Lk 22:39-45).
MARY'S MESSAGE: The sorrowful mysteries lasted only hours, but they remain etched in my memory forever. May it be the same for you whom Christ has redeemed at such great personal cost. Remember always His agony in the garden. Remember the sweat falling like drops of blood to the ground. Remember the immense love He bore you, centuries before you were born. Be ready to confess your faith in Him without blushing.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, may there be enkindled in my heart a fire of faith and a love to match Christ's love for me in the garden of sorrows. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Luke 22: 39-44
Meditation: It is a terrible thing to be hurt by enemies. It is far worse to feel betrayed by family and friends. Enmity can sometimes be rationalized. Loneliness and abandonment cannot. They can only be borne by turning to the one who never abandons us, the one whom Jesus told us we can call, "Our Father." His name, Yahweh, lets us know that we are never abandoned. It means, " I am the one who will never let you be alone. " It is a promise and he keeps his promise. But then he would have us repeat another prayer of his Son, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Friends, do not fear, for now the hour is come when Christ will be seized by the Godless and handed over to death. You will desert Me, however, and be scattered, but I will gather you up again so that you can proclaim My love to men.
Intention:
Unfathomable God, not even in the fear of death did Your Son lose faith in you. Give the hard-pressed peoples of the former Soviet bloc the strength to persevere and not lose faith, despite their difficulties. Shake the wealthy nations from their sleep; let them not slumber on while, in their suffering brothers, Christ waits in vain for comfort and support.
2. Second Sorrowful Mystery - - The Scourging at the Pillar - (I Desire a Spirit of Mortification - Purity) - 
Jesus Is Scourged at the Pillar by the Roman soldiers. Think of the cruel scourging at the pillar thast our Lord suffered, the heavy blows that tore His flesh. - - Pilate had Jesus scourged.
Pilate first had Jesus scourged, then he handed Him over to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26)
Pilate went out again to the Jews and said, `I find no case against him. But according to a custom of yours I should release one prisoner at the Passover; would you like me, then, to release the king of the Jews? At this they shouted: `Not this man,' they said `but Barabbas'. Barabbas was a brigand. Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged (Jn 18:38-19:1).
MARY'S MESSAGE: The Lamb of God endured the most cruel of scourgings. It was the agony of the flesh after the agony of the spirit. Pilate's underlings were not limited to 40 lashes, as were Jewish soldiers.
Rest assured that Jesus didn't keep count. He kept no record of what He endured for sinners.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, pray for me that I may always be found faithful and generous. May the blood of the spotless Lamb cleanse me and make me worthy to stand before Him holy, free of all reproach and blame. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Mark 15:1-15
Meditation: Jesus suffers at the hands of the military might of Rome. These soldiers have nothing against him. He has not hurt them. The whole episode is irrational. But they are soldiers, hired as mercenaries, precisely in order to be violent and to dispense suffering. " Jesus came to bring a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace." (Preface of Christ the King) He received none of the above. He has left the task in our hands.
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
For our Salvation You allowed your Sacred Body to be covered with wounds, your Head to be crowned with thorns, your countenance to be spat upon, blows in your face, vinegar and gall upon your lips, blasphemies in your ears, scourge blows upon your back, a reed in your hand, nails through your feet and hands and a lance to pierce your side. You bore your Passion in your own Body in order to free us from our passions; You humbled yourself out of love for us so that we might be raised up to You. O Savior, have mercy on us.
Intention:
Mysterious God, You permitted Pilate to deliver up your innocent Son, in whom is all your goodness and love, to be scourged. Bring the tyrants of our times to their senses and may their victims, healed by the wounds of Jesus, soon experience the joy of a new and better life.
3. Third Sorrowful Mystery - - The Crowning with Thorns - (I Desire Moral Courage) - 
Jesus Is Crowned with Thorns. Think of 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. - - Behold, your King.
They wove a crown of thorns and put it on Him, and began to salute Him, "All hail! King of the Jews!" (Matthew 15:17-18)
The governor's soldiers took Jesus with them into the Praetorium and collected the whole cohort round him. Then they stripped him and made him wear a scarlet cloak, and having twisted some thorns into a crown they put this on his head and placed a reed in his right hand. To make fun of him they knelt to him saying, `Hail, king of the Jews!' And they spat on him and took the reed and struck him on the head with it. And when they had finished making fun of him, they took off the cloak and dressed him in his own clothes and led him away to crucify him (Mt 27:27-31).
MARY'S MESSAGE: My Son Jesus had to be crowned with thorns before being crowned with honor. His Amen of acceptance before Pilate had to precede His Alleluia of joyous triumph in heaven's halls of glory. Look upon my Son, that you may not lose heart when you suffer. Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know that faith in Jesus leads to salvation and life everlasting.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, pray for me that I may keep the faith as I finish the race. May the Lord God grant me, on the day of rewards, a crown of glory in the eternal dwellings. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 27: 27-31
Meditation: It is truly a sorrowful mystery when the priests and other professional religious leaders, who should know better, attack others in the name of God and religion. It is so easy to turn to religion for comfort and then get comfortable in religion. Then, anyone who challenges our priorities, our values, or our presuppositions becomes the " enemy, " for they are a threat to our comfort and security. In the Bible such disturbers are called prophets. Jesus was one. Even today, Paul would warn us: "Do not stifle the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies." (I Thes 5:19-20)
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
He who set the earth upon the waters hangs upon a cross. The King of the Angels is crowned with a crown of thorns. He who clothed the sky with clouds is mocked in a purple cloak. The Bridegroom of the Church is pierced with nails, the Son of the Virgin run through with a lance. O Christ, we adore Your Passion; show us your glorious Resurrection.
Intention:
Lord Jesus, Man of Sorrows, You are the thorn-crowned Head of the Creation, in whom it has pleased the Father to unite all things in Heaven and upon earth. Have mercy on all those who have been crushed by the pride and ambition of tyrants and grant to a tortured humanity leaders who will combine power and authority with goodness and humility.
4. Fourth Sorrowful Mystery - - The Carrying of the Cross - (I Desire the Virtue of Patience) - 
Jesus Carries His Cross to Calvary. Think of the heavy Cross, so willingly carried by our Lord, and ask Him to help you to carry your crosses without complaint. - - He carried his Cross to Golgotha.
Jesus was led away, carrying the cross by Himself. (John 19:17)
They led him out to crucify him. They enlisted a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means the place of the skull (Mk 15:20-22).
MARY'S MESSAGE: No Apostle, disciple, or friend stepped forward to help Jesus on the rugged road to the crucifixion. Simon of Cyrene did so, under compulsion. The absence of His chosen ones must have grieved Jesus; yet He uttered no reproach. There is no reproach on His lips now as He sees some former followers turning away. They find the cross of fidelity too heavy.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, turn your merciful eyes upon all who have lost their faith or are in danger of losing it. Mother of Faith, lead them back to Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Mark 15: 20-25
Meditation: Jesus told us that we could not be his disciples without taking up our cross and following him. If there be another thing in life that is as certain as death and taxes, it is suffering. No human being escapes it. It is irrational, painful and senseless. It may result from our own actions; the hatred, thoughtlessness, egotism or indifference of others; or may just seem to be part of the senseless chaos that sometimes disrupts our lives. It may afflict the body, mind or spirit. Whatever, wherever or however, Jesus shows us how to transform suffering from evil to good: from demeaning tragedy to saving sacrifice. Embrace it with love, as he did. Join it to his, for we are the Body of Christ suffering today. Suffering must not be wasted in self pity. It must triumph in the mystery of Jesus' love!
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
The Virgin Mary watched her Lamb being led to the slaughter and asked: Where are you going, my child, and for whom do you hasten your steps? Is there a wedding in Cana again? Are you hurrying there to turn water into wine once more? Should I come with you, my son, or should I wait for your return? Answer me, O Word, do not pass me silently by! For you whom I bore still a virgin are in truth my Son and my God.
Intention:
Merciful God, spurned and broken, your Son carried His Cross to Golgotha. He was a man like us and so You sent Him comforters on His bitter way: the weeping women of Jerusalem, Simon of Cyrene and brave Veronica. May there be no lack of comforters today, ready with courage and sacrifice to stand by those who bear your Cross. But where even human comfort fails give them still the strength not to despair under the Cross but to go on, united through passion and cross with Christ, to the glorious Resurrection.
It is accomplished.
5. Fifth Sorrowful Mystery - - The Crucifixion and Death - (I Desire the Grace of Final Perseverance - Self-denial) - 
Our Lord Jesus is Crucified and Dies for Our Sins. Think of the love which filled Christ’s Sacred Heart during His three hours’ agony on the Cross, and ask Him to be with you at the hour of death. - - It is accomplished
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46)
Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, `Woman, this is your son'. Then to the disciple he said, `This is your mother'. And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. After this, Jesus knew that everything had now been completed, and to fulfill the scripture perfectly he said: 'I am thirsty'. Ajar full of vinegar stood there, so putting a sponge soaked in the vinegar on a hyssop stick they held it up to his mouth. After Jesus had taken the vinegar he said, `It is accomplished'; and bowing his head he gave up his spirit (Jn 19:26-30).
MARY'S MESSAGE: Look upon the pierced feet of the Saving Victim on your crucifix. Those are the feet of a kindly shepherd running tirelessly after lost sheep; the feet of a bearer of glad tidings of salvation; the feet that alighted on earthly soil and made it holy ground. The blessed feet of the Redeemer follow the sinner down the nights, down the days, down the arches of the years, as the poet wrote.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, pray that I may have strong feet and a loving heart to follow my Lord. May I cling faithfully to Him in life and in death. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Mark 15: 27-41
Meditation: Through the tragedies and difficulties of life it may seem, on the surface, that the evildoers and mischiefmakers are having their way. That is just the surface appearance. Jesus knew, and we know, who is in charge. The God who brought light from darkness and creation from chaos will ultimately triumph. The coming of his kingdom which we pray for in the "Our Father" is as certain as the sunrise that conquers the darkness. One day there will no longer be a mocking sign that says "King of the Jews" but a triumphant sign "King of the Universe" on the cross that has become his throne.
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Born of the Virgin, You have suffered for us the death of the Cross and through your Death have conquered death and shown us your Resurrection. Do not despise the creatures your hand has shaped, but show us your Love, God of Mercy. Hear the prayers of Her who bore You and save, O Redeemer, the people which places its hope in You.
Intention:
Merciful Father, Your Divine Son has conquered hate through His death on the Cross. Grant to the victims of injustice and violence the understanding that human justice can never right all wrongs here on earth. Help them to follow Christ and forgive without reserve, so that they may also share in his eternal glory, there where God Himself will heal their wounds and dry their tears.
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1. First Glorious Mystery - - The Resurrection - (I Desire a Strong Faith) - 
Jesus Rises from the Dead. 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 to His disciples. - - He is risen, He is not here.
He has been raised up, He is not here. (Matthew 16:6)
Having risen in the morning on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared first to Mary of Magdala from whom he had cast out seven devils. She then went to those who had been his companions, and who were mourning and in tears, and told them. But they did not believe her when they heard her say that he was alive and that she had seen him. (...) Lastly, he showed himself to the Eleven themselves while they were at table. He reproached them for their incredulity and obstinacy, because they had refused to believe those who had seen him after he had risen (Mk 16:914).
MARY'S MESSAGE: It was a greater miracle to emerge from a grave on Sunday morning than to come down from a cross on Friday afternoon. Jesus is the Risen Lord, Firstborn of the dead, and your resurrection will be patterned upon His own. Take Him at His word, cleave to Him, for He will do for you according to His magnificent promises.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, join me in magnifying the Lord and in rejoicing in God our Savior. He is the Resurrection and the Life, the God who pledges to summon His sons and daughters forth from dust to splendor. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 28: 1-15
Meditation: Christos Anasti, "Christ is Risen" is the greeting that Greek Christians fill the air with at Easter. And the response, "He is truly risen! " proclaims that time is altered and that history is changed. Death has been conquered. "By his death he might...free those who through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long." (Heb 2:15) But the power that brought about the Resurrection is the same as that "He showed in raising Christ from the dead..." (Eph 1 :20) What a different world this would be if we only realized, lived and used the power within.
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Descended into the grave, O Immortal One, You crushed there the power of Hell and rose triumphant, Christ our God. Upon the Apostles You bestowed the gift of peace, You who bestow Resurrection upon all who have fallen.
Intention:
Lord Jesus Christ, through your Death and Resurrection You have reconciled the world with God and opened again to us the Gates of Heaven. By the love of the countless martyrs and confessors of the Orthodox and Catholic Church, who have accepted the trials and suffering of this century and offered them up to fulfill what was wanting in your own Passion, grant your Church the grace to end the schism and so to share in unity and peace Your Resurrection, today and for all time, Alleluia.
2. Second Glorious Mystery - - The Ascension - (I Desire the Virtue of Hope) - 
Jesus Ascends into Heaven. Think of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, forty days after His glorious Resurrection, in the presence of May and His disciples. - - Father, Glorify Your Son.
The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven. (Matthew 16:19)
Jesus had shown himself alive to the apostles after his Passion by many demonstrations: for forty days he had continued to appear to them and tell them about the kingdom of God. (...) Now having met together, they asked him, `Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He replied, `It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth'. As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight (Acts 1:3-9).
MARY'S MESSAGE: Two angels told the skygazing Galileans, "This Jesus who has been taken from you will return, just as you saw Him go up into the heavens." In that one sentence, you find three major truths: There is a heaven; Jesus ascended to heaven; Jesus will come again. "When the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on the earth?" (Luke 18: 8) May He always find in your heart and soul that vibrant faith He praised so often during His public ministry.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, continue to intercede for me that I may never be found lacking in faith, hope, and love. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Acts 1: 1-14
Meditation: The work of Jesus to be completed was what he prayed for at the last supper: "That they all may be one. " At the spot of the Ascension, where a mosque now stands, we are challenged with the realization that after almost 2,000 years, his prayer remains to be fulfilled. The disunity among religions and the divisions within Christianity are challenges both to our prayer and our efforts. He has gone to heaven and left the work to us.
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
O Christ our God, in accordance with the designs of Providence, You united us earthly creatures with the heavenly spirits and were then taken up into glory without taking even one step away from us. For, indissolubly united with those who love You, You call to them: I am with you and none dares lift a hand against you.
Intention:
Lord Jesus Christ, You have returned to the Father in order to prepare a place for all those whom he has given You. Grant to all those without faith, whether through their own fault or no, the knowledge that You are nonetheless with them all days till the end of the world, and waken in them a longing for You and the hope of a heavenly future.
3. Third Glorious Mystery - - The Coming of the Holy Spirit - (I Desire Zeal for the Glory of God - Love) - 
The Holy Spirit Descends upon the Apostles and the Infant Church. Think of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon May and the Apostles, under the form of tongues of fire, in fulfillment of Christ’s promise. - - Proclaim the Gospel to all peoples.
All were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4)
When they reached Jerusalem they went to the upper room where they were staying; (...) All these joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus. (...) When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech (Acts 1:13; 2:1-4).
MARY'S MESSAGE: The Holy Spirit formed Christ within me. He wants to form Christ in you. That is why you have been reborn of water and the Holy Spirit. That is why you have had your personal Pentecost, like the Apostles and early Christians. Let the strengthening Spirit do His work in you. Believe me, it will be made beautiful, and glorious for God your Father!
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, pray for me that I may allow the Divine Spirit free rein in my life. May I follow His guidance, heed His inspirations, and allow Him to mold me into the image of your Son Jesus. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Acts 2: 1-41
Meditation: In the New Testament, Luke realizes that the Holy Spirit is the new guide for God's people, and so shows a new Pentecost replacing the old, as the Spirit has replaced the law. "You must know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is within." (I Cor 6:19) We can be sure that the Spirit is with us and that we are not alone each time we affirm that Jesus is in charge of our lives. "No one can say: ' Jesus is Lord,' except in the Holy Spirit." (I Cor 12:3)
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Once the Almighty descended from the Heavens to confound all tongues and scatter the nations. Now He sends down tongues of fire to summon all peoples to unity. Let us join together in praising and giving thanks to the Most Holy Spirit.
Intention:
Lord Jesus Christ, the unanimous prayer of your Apostles and of your Holy Mother opened men's hearts to the Holy Spirit. May all Orthodox and Catholics be one in prayer and in love of your Mother, so that the fire of the Holy Spirit may renew the face of the earth and so that the regained unity for which You so fervently prayed may make credible the proclamation of the Gospel.
4. Fourth Glorious Mystery - - The Assumption of Mary into Heaven - (I Desire the Grace of a Holy Death - Eternal Happiness) - 
Our Lady Mary Is Assumed into Heaven. Think of the glorious Assumption of Mary into Heaven, when she was united with Her Divine Son. - - Blessed art thou among women.
Who is this that comes forth like the dawn. (Song Of Songs 6:10)
Mary said, `My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed' (Lk 1:46?48).
Finally the Immaculate Virgin preserved free from all stain of original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when her earthly life was over, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death (Vatican Council II, The Church, 59).
MARY’S MESSAGE: The Father, who associated me with Jesus in the mystery of redemption, chose also to associate me with Jesus in the mystery of glorification. Our Catholic faith proclaims that I was raised body and soul into heavenly glory when my earthly years were ended. I have been likened to my Risen Son in anticipation of the lot that awaits all the just. This is your faith. Cherish it.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, continue to cooperate in the birth and growth of divine life in our souls. Help us until we reach our heavenly homeland, there to rejoice with Jesus and you forever. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: Judith 13:17-20
Meditation: We turn to Mary, not because she is above God, but because she is the Mother of God. "Blessed art thou among women," the angel Gabriel proclaimed, because of "the fruit of thy womb, Jesus." When we honor her, we continue what he has done, and is doing. In her, who was the first Christian, we see ourselves, or at least what we should strive to be. We ask her "to pray for us sinners" so that we might, as she did, respond to the will of God.
Meditation from the Byzantine liturgy:
Neither grave nor death had any power over the Mother of God, who is tireless in her entreaties and trusts unshakably in the power of her intercession. He, who once dwelt in her virginal womb, has now taken her up to Eternal Life, she who is the Mother of Life.
Intention:
Almighty, Eternal God, You have preserved the Holy Virgin, who gave us Christ, from all sin and have taken her up, body and soul, into the glory of Heaven. Grant that all men of goodwill, heeding the appeals and warnings which she made known in Fatima, may fix their eyes on her and continue along the road which leads to Eternal Life.
5. Fifth Glorious Mystery - - The Coronation of Blessed Virgin Mary - (I Desire a Greater Love for the Blessed Virgin Mary - Devotion to Mary) - 
Our Lady Mary is Crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. Think of the glorious crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven by her Divine Son, to the great joy of all the Saints. - - He has looked upon the lowliness of his handmaid.
A woman clothed with the sun, on her head, a crown of twelve stars. (Apocalypse 12:1)
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and in labor, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth. (...) And the dragon stopped in front of the woman as she was having the child, so that he could eat it as soon as it was born from its mother. (...) The great dragon was hurled down to the earth (...). Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, Victory and power and empire forever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ (Rev 12:1-4; 9-10).
MARY’S MESSAGE: The Son and His Mother have entered into an eternal inheritance. The same inheritance awaits all those who possess eternal life because they believe in the name of Jesus Christ. By accepting Him as God’s Son through faith, you receive Christ Himself who becomes in you the source of eternal life. Continue in faith, in hope, in love, that no one may rob you of your prize.
PRAYER: Dear Blessed Mother, may your Holy Rosary deepen my faith, strengthen my hope, increase my love until I behold you face to face in the kingdom where you reign as Queen beside the immortal King of Ages. Amen.
Now recite the decade.
SUGGESTED READING: I Peter 1:3-9
Meditation: We know so little about heaven, but we are certain that Jesus went to prepare a place for us as he promised. Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings (Rev 17:14) and Mary is at his side. She is a sign that the promises of Jesus to us will be fulfilled. At the cross he gave her to us as Our Mother. In honoring his mother, he honors ours. She is the fulfillment of the promise of heaven for all of us. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Meditation from the Byzantine Liturgy:
Rejoice, O highly favored one, for all creation rejoices in you - the angelic host and the entire human race. O consecrated temple, O spiritual garden, O virginal glory in which He, Our God for all eternity, took human flesh and became a tiny child. Your womb became His Throne, which He has set high above the Heavens. All Creation rejoices in you, O highly favored one. All honor be to you!
Intention:
Mighty Queen of Heaven and earth, now that the need of your children has reached its peak, we entrust the whole of divided Christianity into your motherly hands. Bless all those who work for reconciliation and love. Keep us in the love of your Divine Son and direct our hearts to that place where we hope at last to share in your Glory.
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HAIL HOLY QUEEN - SALVE REGINA:
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 - ROSARY PRAYER:
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 upon these Mysteries in 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.
PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the divine power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus . . . Have Mercy on us. (say 3 times)
Immaculate Heart of Mary . . . Pray for us.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace . . . Pray for us.
Our Lady of the most Holy Rosary . . . Pray for us.
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 kneel, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
THE ANGELUS:
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...
Behold the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word.
Hail Mary...
And the Word became flesh. And lived among us.
Hail 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 Lord, it was through the message of an angel that we learned of the incarnation of your Son Christ.
Pour your grace into our hearts, and by his passion and cross bring us to the glory of his resurrection.
Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Glory be to the Father.
MOST HOLY LADY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND OUR MOTHER:
Most Holy Lady, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother, we thank you for surrendering your will to the Father’s plan, so that Jesus might become for us the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Salvation.
Because you wish to lead us to His Eucharistic Presence, from which flows the font of God’s mercy for the forgiveness of our sins and the sins of the world, and because you are present wherever Jesus is honored and adored in this most holy mystery, we wish to invoke you under the title of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.
We then come to you, O Most Holy Mother, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, and this day consecrate ourselves to you, individually and communally, so that through your help and intercession our hearts may be disposed for Jesus as was yours.
Make His Eucharistic presence be more powerfully felt in our families, in our religious and parish communities, in the Church and in the world, so that the Triumph of your own Immaculate Heart may lead us to the promised reign of the Eucharistic Heart of Our Lord, who together with the Father and the Spirit is God, for ever and ever. Amen.
QUESTION TO EWTN ON WEARING THE ROSARY (07-18-2000):
Question: Many people wearing the Rosary around their neck in a devout manner. This seems especially popular among certain populations of people. Could you please clarify this matter? Thank you.
Answer: Some people wear religious articles as jewelry. Presumably a devout Catholic does so as an act of piety. There would be nothing instrinsically wrong with doing so, any more than the wearing of a medal.
However, it is easy to go over board and become a victim of superstition in such matters. Superstition is the wrong use of holy things, or misdirected worship of God (generally a venial sin). At all times in our religious practices there should be a certain simplicity, a lack of ostentation.
Virtue, as St. Thomas Aquinas explains, is the mean between extremes, one of defect and one of excess. What would be the extremes in external marks of religion? At the extreme of defect would be the person who makes no external or public show of religion. This lack of piety acts as if God is not a part of their life, or not a part of public life. Consider today the schizophrenic attitude of many Christians that faith is a private matter that must not intrude upon their, or society's, public life. Such a person would likely be embarassed or ashamed to be publically identifed by making the Sign of the Cross, or some other external mark of their Catholicity.
At the other extreme is the person who covers themselves with medals, makes great effusive acts of piety in public, etc... Granting that this can be a very simple person with simply a poor idea of piety, but it can also be the proud person, clamoring to be seen. Jesus did not condemn the wearing of prayer shawls in public by the Pharisees, only their vain use by showy tassles and showy displays of piety on street corners.
For this reason the Church and her spiritual writers have always cautioned moderation in such matters, and this for two reasons. For the person himself, because by simply following the customs of the Church and what is usual in piety, one guards oneself against pride and vanity, which can easily creep into our pious practices, and against superstition (as if God's protection and love, and our growth in holiness, is conditioned by such things). Second, for the sake of those who see us, since ostentatious displays are an obstacle to others and give religion a bad name, as if such excessive practices are essential to religious faith and make us devout.
Like St. Therese of Lisieux, we should be content to be rather ordinary in the eyes of men.
(Colin B. Donovan, STL; Eternal Word Television Network [EWTN]; 07-21-2000)
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Created: 4/22/2000 - - - Modified: 11/15/2003