Praying The Rosary

Bead by Bead


By Unknown
Australian Catholic Truth Society No.1393 (1962)

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A simple form of thoughtful prayer is presented here for you. As the beads slip through your fingers let your eyes and mind glance through the thoughts while your lips recite the Hail Mary of each decade.

The decade is introduced with a summary to link our thoughts with each episode of Our Lord's life, death and resurrection recalled in the mysteries of the Rosary.

It is customary to recite the mysteries as follows: the Joyful Mysteries on Monday and Thursday, the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday, and the Glorious Mysteries on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Note: Pope John Paul II has recommended that Mondays and Saturdays be used for the Joyful Mysteries, Tuesdays and Fridays for the Sorrowful Mysteries, Sundays and Wednesdays for the Glorious Mysteries, while Thursdays be devoted to the new Mysteries of Light, the Luminous Mysteries. The five Mysteries of Light are:

  1. The Baptism in the Jordan.
  2. The Wedding at Cana, a Miracle at the request of Our Lady.
  3. The Proclamation of the Gospel and the Call to Repentance.
  4. The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.
  5. The Institution of the Blessed Eucharist at the Last Supper.

1st JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE ANNUNCIATION

The Archangel Gabriel announces to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she is to be the Mother of God.

Our Father...

  1. The Virgin Mary is engaged in prayer. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. The Archangel Gabriel is sent to her by God.
  3. He greets her with profound respect: "Hail full of grace, the Lord is with the..."
  4. Mary is troubled at hearing the angel's words of praise.
  5. He tells her that she has been chosen to be the Mother of God.
  6. Mary's perplexity: How can she accept so great a dignity and still remain a Virgin?
  7. Gabriel bids her not to fear, and unfolds God's plan for accomplishing the mystery.
  8. Mary, the humble maiden, declares herself ready to carry out God's plan.
  9. God the Son takes flesh in her chaste womb by the operation of the Holy Ghost.
  10. Mary, the sinless virgin, becomes the Mother of God.

Glory be to the Father...

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell; bring all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of Your mercy.

2nd JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE VISITATION

Mary, hearing from the angel that Elizabeth, her kinswoman, was with child, went with haste over the hills of Judea to visit her.

Our Father...

  1. Mary sets out on her arduous journey. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. Elizabeth welcomes her with joy and greets her with affection.
  3. She declares Mary blessed for having believed so readily the word of the angel.
  4. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth adores the unborn Saviour.
  5. She proclaims Mary to be the Mother of God.
  6. Mary praises God for the marvels of grace that He has wrought within her soul.
  7. The unborn Baptist rejoices in the near presence of his Lord.
  8. He is cleansed from Original Sin, and given the gift of Sanctifying Grace.
  9. Zachary recovers his lost power of speech.
  10. He prophesies concerning the future office and wondrous work of the new-born Baptist.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

3rd JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE NATIVITY

Joseph and Mary, complying with the decree of Rome, come to Bethlehem to be enrolled, thus fulfilling the eternal decree of God that His Divine Son be born in that city.

Our Father...

  1. Joseph and Mary set out from Nazareth. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. There is no room and no welcome for them in the inn at Bethlehem.
  3. They seek shelter in the cave that was used as a stable.
  4. Mary brings forth her Son Jesus, and, with Joseph, devoutly adores Him.
  5. She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger.
  6. An angel appears to the shepherds and tells them where to find the new-born Saviour.
  7. Angels were heard singing, "Glory to God on high, peace to men of good will."
  8. Wise Men from the East, led by the Star, come seeking Him who is born King of the Jews.
  9. They adore Him, and offer Him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
  10. Herod seeks the life of the Infant Jesus and massacres the Holy Innocents.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

4th JOYFUL MYSTERY

JESUS IS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE

Forty days after His birth Mary presents the Child Jesus in the Temple, and submits to the ceremony of Purification.

Our Father...

  1. Joseph and Mary take the Infant Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him in the Temple. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. They enter the court of the Temple, and pass unnoticed by those assembled there.
  3. Mary offers the two turtledoves that are to be sacrificed for her legal purification.
  4. Joseph makes the offering that redeems the Child Jesus from the service of the Temple.
  5. Jesus is presented to the Lord and offers Himself as the Victim of our salvation.
  6. Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit into the Temple and finds God's three chosen ones.
  7. Taking the holy Child into his arms, he invokes God's blessing on Mary and Joseph.
  8. He foretells that this Child is set for the fall and resurrection of many in Israel.
  9. Mary's soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.
  10. Anna, a prophetess, also testifies that Mary's Child is the expected Redeemer of the world.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

5th JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE FINDING OF THE 12 YEAR OLD CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

After remaining in Jerusalem and being lost to His parents for three days, Jesus is found in the Temple.

Our Father...

  1. The 12 year old boy Jesus goes with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. On the return journey Joseph and Mary discover that He is not with them.
  3. They seek Him among their kinsfolk and, not finding Him, return to Jerusalem.
  4. In her vain search for her beloved Son the sorrowful Mother endures her third dolour.
  5. They enter the Temple to pray, to seek light and guidance in their hour of desolation.
  6. They find Jesus listening to the Doctors, and astonishing them by His answers.
  7. Mary enquires why He has stayed away so long and caused His parents such anxiety.
  8. He tells them that He has been doing the work given Him by His heavenly Father.
  9. He goes down with them to Nazareth, and they are once more filled with joy.
  10. He is subject to them, and leads with them a hidden life of poverty and prayer.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

1st SORROWFUL MYSTERY

THE AGONY OF JESUS IN THE GARDEN

Jesus enters on His agony, and in the Garden of Gethsemane sees in vision all that He is about to suffer for sinners.

Our Father...

  1. Jesus goes with His Apostles to the Garden of Olives and asks them to watch with Him.
  2. Falling on His knees, He offers Himself as a Victim for the sins of the world. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  3. In His sorrow He cries out to God to take away from Him the Chalice of suffering.
  4. His Father wills that He drink it to the last drop, so He willingly accepts it.
  5. He seeks comfort from His Apostles, and urges them to watch and pray with Him.
  6. His soul torn with anguish, His body sweats blood, that falls in drops to the ground.
  7. An angel is sent by God to console and strengthen Him for the coming conflict.
  8. Judas enters the Garden with an armed band and betrays his Master with a kiss.
  9. Jesus meets His enemies, who fall to the ground when He makes Himself known to them.
  10. Forsaken by His Apostles, Jesus is led away captive to the court of the High Priest.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

2nd SORROWFUL MYSTERY

THE SCOURGING OF JESUS AT THE PILLAR

Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, is scourged at a pillar to atone for men's sensuality and self-indulgence.

Our Father...

  1. The rabble clamour for Barabbas to be released, for Jesus to be put to death. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. Barabbas the robber is set free, Jesus the Holy One is condemned to be scourged.
  3. Jesus trembles at the sight of the scourges that are to lacerate His tender flesh.
  4. He is stripped of His garments and His hands are tied to the pillar.
  5. He shrinks from the vulgar gaze of the rude and scoffing onlookers.
  6. Soon His body will be bruised and beaten till it is covered with gaping wounds.
  7. The scourges are got ready; He awaits the first stroke in an agony of fear.
  8. As the first stroke falls His whole frame is convulsed with the violence of the pain.
  9. His flesh quivers, His head falls on His breast, the breath comes quick and short.
  10. The cords are cut, and Jesus, weak and helpless, falls to the ground.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

3rd SORROWFUL MYSTERY

THE CROWNING OF JESUS WITH THORNS

Jesus, the King of glory, is crowned with thorns, while His subjects inflict pain and heap ridicule upon Him.

Our Father...

  1. Jesus is again stripped of His garments and is now clothed with a scarlet cloak. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. He is made sport of, as a mock King, and subjected to every form of indignity.
  3. His strikers make a crown of sharp thorns and press it down upon His sacred head.
  4. The thorns are driven into His brow and temples, causing Him intense pain.
  5. The blood trickles through His hair, fills and blinds His eyes, disfigures His face.
  6. He is mocked, and buffeted, and spat upon by His cruel tormentors.
  7. Putting a reed in His hand, they offer insult to their Lord and King.
  8. They bend the knee before Him in mock loyalty, and hail Him as King of the Jews.
  9. They take the reed, and, striking Him on the head, drive the thorns in deeper still.
  10. Jesus suffers for men's evil thoughts, for their pride and contempt of authority.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

4th SORROWFUL MYSTERY

JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS

Crowned with thorns, and bearing His own Cross, Jesus sets out on the way to Calvary, amid the mockeries and insults of the crowd.

Our Father...

  1. Jesus is condemned to die the death of a malefactor on the Cross. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. He embraces the Cross on which, for love of us, He is soon to suffer and to die.
  3. On his way He meets His holy Mother, whose heart is stricken with grief and sorrow.
  4. Weak from pain and loss of blood, Jesus falls several times beneath His Cross.
  5. Simon of Cyrene, at first His unwilling helper, becomes His fervent follower.
  6. Jesus imprints His likeness on the veil with which Veronica wipes His sacred face.
  7. Moved with pity, Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem, who lament and weep for Him.
  8. His executioners prepare to crucify Him and give Him wine and gall to drink.
  9. He shudders as His garments are roughly torn from His bleeding body.
  10. He is bidden to lie down, and His hands and feet are nailed to the Cross.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

5th SORROWFUL MYSTERY

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

Jesus is crucified on Mount Calvary between two thieves, and hangs in agony on His Cross till He has shed His life's blood for the salvation of the world.

Our Father...

  1. Jesus hears the jeers, the revilings, and blasphemies of the wicked citizens of Jerusalem. How often have my sins numbered me among them? (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. He pleads for mercy for all those who have wronged Him. He pleads for mercy for me, a sinner who has wronged Him.
  3. He pardons the penitent thief his life of crime, and and pledges him life eternal.
  4. He requests His Mother to watch over us, and makes us her spiritual children.
  5. Bereft of all consolation, His agonized soul is sorrowful even unto death.
  6. For the sins of the tongue and the taste, He suffers the torment of burning thirst.
  7. He finishes the work that He came to do, by the supreme sacrifice of His life.
  8. Bowing His head on His breast, He commits His soul into the hands of God.
  9. His body is taken down from the Cross, and placed in the arms of His afflicted Mother.
  10. He is reverently laid in the tomb, there to remain till It rises again from the dead.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

1st GLORIOUS MYSTERY

JESUS RISES FROM THE DEAD

On the third day after His death Jesus rises from the dead, and during forty days appears many times to His Apostles.

Our Father...

  1. Jesus brings to the souls of the just in Limbo the joyful news of their redemption. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. Easter morn, re-united to His body, Jesus rises glorious and immortal from the dead.
  3. He comes forth from the tomb radiant with glory, victorious over sin and death.
  4. An angel rolls back the large stone, and the guards flee in terror.
  5. Jesus appears to His holy Mother, His face and wounds all aglow with dazzling light.
  6. Angels in the sepulchre tell the holy women that Jesus is not there, but risen.
  7. He appears to them as they depart, and, falling down at His feet, they adore Him.
  8. He appears to Mary Magdalen, who joyfully recognizes Him when He utters her name.
  9. He joins the disciples going to Emmaus, and reveals Himself when eating with them.
  10. He appears to the Apostles, who are afraid, and shows them His pierced hands and feet.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

2nd GLORIOUS MYSTERY

JESUS ASCENDS INTO HEAVEN

Forty days after His Resurrection Jesus goes with His Apostles and Disciples to Mount Olivet, and, after blessing them, is raised aloft and ascends into Heaven.

Our Father...

  1. Jesus appears in the Cenacle where Mary, His Apostles and disciples are assembled. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. He dines with them for the last time, and gives the Apostles His last instructions.
  3. They are to go forth in His name and with His authority to teach all nations.
  4. He will be with them and their successors all days to the very end of the world.
  5. Jesus goes with Mary and the Apostles and disciples out to Mount Olivet.
  6. He blesses them and bids them farewell, now that He is about to leave them.
  7. They watch Him slowly mount into the sky, until a cloud hides Him from their sight.
  8. Myriads of angels, and the souls of the just in their millions, accompany Him.
  9. The Apostles stand gazing up into Heaven long after Jesus has gone from their view.
  10. Angels remind them of His coming at the Last Day to judge the living and the dead.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

3rd GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST

Ten days after His Ascension Jesus sends the Holy Ghost to teach His Apostles all things and remain with them forever.

Our Father...

  1. Mary, the Apostles and disciples return in peace and gladness to the Cenacle. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. They prepare by prayer and fasting for the coming of the Holy Ghost.
  3. They begin the first Novena and enter on the first Christian Retreat.
  4. Matthias is chosen to fill the place of Judas, and is numbered among the Apostles.
  5. The noise of a mighty wind from Heaven heralds the coming of the Holy Ghost.
  6. He rests over the head of each one present in the form of parted tongues of fire.
  7. They are all filled with the Holy Ghost and in divers tongues give praise to God.
  8. Jews from Jerusalem and people from every nation under the sun gather to hear the Apostles.
  9. Peter preaches the first sermon and is understood by each one in his own tongue.
  10. Three thousand are converted and baptized, and received into the Church.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

4th GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR BLESSED LADY INTO HEAVEN

Twelve years or more after the Ascension of Jesus, Mary gently breathes her last and is taken body and soul into Heaven.

Our Father...

  1. Mary's exile in this vale of tears is now drawing to a close. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. She recalls the Holy Places and the scenes of her Son's passion for the last time.
  3. She has followed with interest the work of the Apostles.
  4. The spread of the infant Church to other lands comforts her.
  5. Her intense longing to be with her Son in Heaven persists.
  6. The Apostles unite in prayer for her release from this world.
  7. She is finally called to her Son in Heaven.
  8. Her soul and body are assumed to Heaven.
  9. Her life of sinlessness and obedience to God is rewarded.
  10. She is united for ever with her Son, possessing a unique position near Him in Heaven.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

5th GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE CORONATION OF OUR BLESSED LADY IN HEAVEN

Mary is received with exultation by the whole court of Heaven, and is crowned by her Son as Queen of the angels and saints.

Our Father...

  1. Mary enters God's Kingdom amid the joy and acclamations of the angels and saints. (Hail Mary... after each line)
  2. Jesus is the first to welcome His blessed Mother into the home of her eternal reward.
  3. She is welcomed by God the Father as His daughter, by the Holy Ghost as His Spouse.
  4. The nine choirs of angels, led by Michael the Archangel, welcome her as their Queen.
  5. She is welcomed by her parents, Joachim and Anne; by her holy spouse, Saint Joseph.
  6. She is welcomed by the confessors, virgins, and martyrs, by the patriarchs and prophets.
  7. Jesus enthrones her near Himself, and crowns her with the brightest diadem of glory.
  8. Mary who, in times was the Mother of sorrows, is now in eternity and Mother of glory.
  9. She who gave us Jesus, is now the Mediatrix of all His graces and favours to us.
  10. Mary, the Mother of God and of men, is now the crowned Queen of the heavenly court.

Glory be to the Father... O my Jesus, forgive us...

Nihil Obstat: BERNARD O'CONNOR, Diocesan Censor. Imprimatur: DANIEL MANNIX, Archiepiscopus Melburnensis. 31st. August, 1962.