ROSARY MEDITATIONS- SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

Meditations for the 5 Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

A thought is suggested for each of the 10 Hail Marys in each decade. Some people find it helpful simply to gaze at a picture depicting the mystery. The Sorrowful Mysteries are usually prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, and also on Sundays during Lent.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

I. The Agony in the Garden

1. After the Last Supper Jesus and the Apostles go to the Garden of Olives.
2. Jesus asks the Apostles to watch with Him.
3. Jesus withdraws and prays.
4. As He thinks of what He is to suffer and of our ingratitude, He is bathed in a sweat of blood.
5. Jesus awakens the Apostles, who have fallen asleep from weariness.
6. He returns to His prayer, and asks His Father that this chalice to pass away.
7. Jesus again finds the Apostles sleeping.
8. He returns to His prayer; an Angel comes to comfort Him.
9. Mary keeps an agonizing vigil.
10. Jesus goes to meet His betrayer.

II. The Scourging

1. The people cry for Christ’s crucifixion.
2. Pilate orders Jesus to be scourged even though He is innocent.
3. Jesus is stripped and bound to the pillar.
4. He is scourged by the soldiers.
5. Jesus suffers without complaint.
6. Jesus atones for our sins of the flesh.
7. Mary suffers in compassion.
8. Jesus is scourged above measure.
9. The prophecy of Isaias is fulfilled (53:5).
10. The Holy Shroud bears witness to the lashes.

III. The Crowning with Thorns

1. The soldiers surround Christ and mock Him.
2. Jesus is clothed in royal purple.
3. The soldiers form a crown of thorns and place it on His head.
4. They crush it down so that the thorns pierce His sacred head.
5. The soldiers place a reed in Jesus’ hand and mock Him.
6. They spit upon Him and strike His face.
7. Jesus is beaten with the reed.
8. He suffers meekly.
9. Mary suffers in compassion.
10. Pilate shows Jesus to the people: “Ecce Homo!”

IV. The Carrying of the Cross

1. Pilate, washing his hands, condemns Jesus to death.
2. The Apostles flee in fear.
3. Jesus takes up His cross.
4. He is so weak from the scourging that soon He falls beneath it.
5. The people jeer at Christ.
6. Jesus meets his afflicted Mother.
7. Simon is made to help Jesus carry the cross.
8. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
9. Jesus speaks to the weeping women.
10. Jesus climbs Calvary.

V. The Crucifixion

1. Jesus is stripped of His garments.
2. He is nailed to the cross and it is raised.
3. The soldiers cast lots for Christ’s robe.
4. The people mock Jesus: “If thou art the Christ, come down from the cross!”
5. Jesus prays for His enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!”
6. He promises paradise to the thief.
7. He leaves us His mother: “Son, behold thy mother!”
8. Jesus gives up His spirit: “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”
9. Jesus is taken down from the cross and laid in His Mother’s arms.
10. Jesus is laid in the tomb.

ROSARY MEDITATIONS- JOYFUL MYSTERIES

Meditations for the 5  Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

A thought is suggested for each of the 10 Hail Marys in each decade. Some people find it helpful simply to gaze at a picture depicting the mystery. The Joyful Mysteries are usually prayed on Mondays and Thursdays, and also on Sundays during Advent.

The Five Joyful Mysteries

I. The Annunciation

1. The Angel Gabriel is sent to Nazareth.
2. The Angel greets Mary: “Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with thee.”
3. Mary is troubled at the Angel’s word.
4. Gabriel tells Mary that she is to be the Mother of God.
5. Mary speaks of her virginity: “How shall this be done, since I know not man?”
6. The Angel foretells the Virgin Birth.
7. Gabriel also says that Elizabeth has conceived a child in her old age.
8. Mary consents: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word.”
9. The Word is made flesh.
10. Mary adores the God Who has become incarnate within her womb.

II. The Visitation

1. Mary hastens to visit Elizabeth in her time of need.
2. Mary greets Elizabeth.
3. At the sound of Mary’s voice, John leaps for joy in his mother’s womb.
4. Elizabeth praises Mary: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”
5. Mary returns praise to God: “My soul doth magnify the Lord...”
6. Mary waits on Elizabeth.
7. John the Baptist is born and the people celebrate.
8. Zachary’s tongue is loosed and he praises God.
9. Joseph fears to take Mary for his spouse.
10. An Angel reassures Joseph, telling him that Mary has conceived by the Holy Ghost.

III. The Birth of Our Lord

1. Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem.
2. They are turned away from the inn; there is no room for them.
3. Joseph finds shelter in a stable.
4. Jesus is born and laid in a manger.
5. The angels announces the birth of Christ to the shepherds.
6. The heavenly host praises God: “Glory to God in the highest...”
7. The shepherds come to worship at the crib.
8. They marvel at the word of the angels.
9. Mary ponders these things in her heart.
10. The Magi come to adore the Christ Child.

IV. The Presentation of Our Lord

1. Mary and Joseph bring the Infant to the Temple.
2. Mary and Joseph make an offering of two doves for the Child.
3. Simeon sees the Christ Child and recognizes the Messias.
4. He receives the Christ Child into his arms.
5. Simeon blesses Mary and Joseph.
6. He foretells the destiny of the Child and the sorrows of His Mother.
7. Anna, who leads a life of prayer and penance, also recognizes the Savior.
8. She speaks of the child to the people.
9. An angel warns the Holy Family to flee into Egypt to escape Herod.
10. The Holy Family returns to Nazareth

V. The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple

1. The Holy Family journeys to Jerusalem to celebrate the Pasch.
2. The Holy Family worships at the feast.
3. After the feast, Mary and Joseph leave Jerusalem, not knowing that Jesus remained behind.
4. Jesus is found missing from the caravan after a day’s journey.
5. Mary and Joseph search for three days.
6. Jesus is found in the Temple in the midst of the doctors.
7. Mary receives her Child in Joy and anguish.
8. Jesus speaks of his Father’s work.
9. Jesus returns with Mary and Joseph; Mary ponders in her heart.
10. Jesus grows in wisdom, age and grace.

PRAYERS TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Overwhelmed by so much evil? Here are 3 of St. Michael’s weapons

This archangel fights Satan with the challenge of his own name: Micha-el, meaning Who is like God?

With so much evil confronting us in seemingly every new piece of breaking news, here are three prayers to St. Michael the Archangel, the great archangel-antagonist of Satan.

Bishop Robert Barron recently described St. Michael the Archangel thus: “Michael is invariably depicted in the armor of a warrior, for he is the general of the angelic army that stood athwart the legions of Lucifer, who had dared to arrogate to himself the prerogatives of God. He fought, not with sword and spear, but with the unanswerable challenge of his own name: Micha-el (Who is like God?)”

In our battle against evil — that in ourselves and that in the world — let us call on these prayers.

A Litany of St. Michael

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

[Repeat pray for us after each invocation]
Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels,
St. Michael, the Archangel,
Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity,
Standing at the right of the altar of Incense,
Ambassador of Paradise,
Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies,
Leader of the Angelic hosts,
The standard-bearer of God’s armies,
Defender of Divine glory,
First defender of the Kingship of Christ,
Strength of God,
Invincible Prince and warrior,
Angel of Peace,
Guide of Christ,
Guardian of the Catholic Faith,
Champion of God’s people,
Guardian Angel of the Eucharist,
Defender of the Church,
Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff,
Angel of Catholic action,
Powerful intercessor of Christians,
Bravest defender of those who hope in God,
Guardian of our souls and bodies,
Healer of the sick,
Help of those in their agony,
Consoler of the Souls in Purgatory,
God’s messenger for the souls of the just,
Terror of the evil spirits,
Victorious in battle against evil,
Guardian and Patron of the universal Church,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Act of Consecration to St. Michael the Archangel

Oh most Noble Prince of the Angelic Hierarchies
valorous warrior of Almighty God,
and zealous lover of His glory,
terror of the rebellious angels,
and love and delight of all the just ones,
my beloved Archangel Saint Michael,
desiring to be numbered among thy devoted servants,
I, today offer and consecrate myself to thee,
and place myself, my family,
and all I possess under thy most powerful protection.

I entreat thee not to look at how little, I,
as thy servant have to offer,
being only a wretched sinner,
but to gaze, rather,
with favorable eye at the heartfelt affection
with which this offering is made,
and remember that if from this day onward
I am under thy patronage,
thou must during all my life assist me,
and procure for me the pardon of my many grievous offenses,
and sins, the grace to love with all my heart my God,
my dear Savior Jesus and my Sweet Mother Mary,
and obtain for me all the help necessary to arrive to my crown
of glory.

Defend me always from my spiritual enemies,
particularly in the last moments of my life.

Come then oh Glorious Prince and succor me in my last struggle,
and with thy powerful weapon cast far from me
into the infernal abysses that prevaricator
and proud angel that one day thou prostrated
in the celestial battle.

Saint Michael, defend us in our daily battle
so that we may not perish in the last Judgment.

Prayer to St. Michael

St. 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 power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the malice and wickedness of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE ROSARY

The Sign of the Cross
IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (When you say “of the Father, ” touch your forehead; when you say “of the Son,” touch your breastbone; when you say “of the Holy Ghost,” touch your left shoulder and then your right shoulder.

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 Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Our Father
OUR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

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, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O My Jesus
(Requested by Our Lady at Fatima in 1917; pray after each decade)
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 Thy mercy.

Concluding 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, by meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy 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!

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the malice and wickedness of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

BENEFITS AND PROMISES MADE BY THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TO THOSE WHO PRAY THE ROSARY

Benefits of the Holy Rosary

According to St. Louis Marie de Montfort, the Rosary recited with the meditation of the mysteries brings about the following marvellous results:

1. it gradually brings us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ;
2. it purifies our souls from sin;
3. it gives us victory over all our enemies;
4. it makes the practice of virtue easy;
5. it sets us on fire with the love of our Lord;
6. it enriches us with graces and merits;
7. it supplies us with what is needed to pay all our debts to God and to our fellow-men;
8. and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces from God.

Promises Made by the Blessed Virgin Mary to Those Who Pray the Rosary

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of people from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish.
6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.
8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in Paradise.
9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.
11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
14. All who recite the Rosary are my children, and brothers and sisters of my only Son, Jesus Christ.
15. Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

HOW TO PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY

* If you do not know the prayers of the Rosary, you will find them in the Rosary Diagram.

1. Holding the crucifix of the Rosary with your right hand, make the Sign of the Cross and then kiss the crucifix.
2. It is good to begin your Rosary by offering it for some intention.
   Example: “I offer this Rosary for all my spiritual needs and those of my family, for the conversion of sinners, in reparation for my sins and those of all sinners, for world peace and the triumph of Mary's Immaculate Heart.”
3. On the crucifix, pray the Apostles’ Creed.
4. On the first single bead after the crucifix, pray an Our Father.
5. On each of the next three beads, which are grouped together, pray a Hail Mary.
6. After the three Hail Marys, pray the Glory be. Now this is where the “decades” begin.
7. On the next single bead, announce the decade and then pray an Our Father. (Example: “The First Joyful Mystery, the Annunciation. Our Father, Who art...”)
8. On each of the ten beads that follow, pray a Hail Mary while reflecting upon the mystery assigned to this decade (see list of mysteries below). Some people find that looking at a picture depicting each mystery helps them meditate on the mystery.
9. After the ten Hail Marys, pray the “Glory be” and “O my Jesus...”
10. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you have prayed all 5 decades.
11. Many Catholics also pray the “Hail Holy Queen,” the Prayer to St. Michael, and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin at the end of the Rosary.
    

More About the Holy Rosary

The diagram above at the right shows a five-decade Rosary such as those most commonly used by Catholics. The purpose of the beads is to keep track of the prayers, especially the sets of 10 Hail Marys. As seen in the chart, the single beads are the Our Fathers, while the group of three beads and the five groups of ten beads are the Hail Marys. As we pass each bead through our fingers, we pray the appropriate prayer, and then move to the next one. By doing this, we simply work our way around the Rosary, beginning at the Crucifix and ending at the centerpiece.

It is best to use a Rosary that has been blessed by a priest, but this is not absolutely necessary, although there are extra indulgences attached to praying on a blessed Rosary. In times of persecution, for example, Catholics have been known to use stones or pebbles, or even their fingers or toes to count the Hail Marys.

The Rosary should be prayed in a reverent position of the body. For example, we are encouraged to kneel before an image of our Blessed Mother or the Crucifix, or in a church or chapel before the Blessed Sacrament while praying the Rosary, but this is not mandatory. Kneeling is a sign of reverence and it also helps the mind stay alert and free from distraction during prayer. Some people, however, are not physically able to kneel, at least for the entire Rosary, and it is certainly acceptable to sit in a reverent, alert position. The Rosary may also be prayed while walking, whether in procession or on a simple walk alone or with others. The sick may pray it while lying in bed, and many Catholics pray extra decades until they fall asleep in bed at night.

A very important point is that the heart of the Rosary is not the repetition of these prayers, but our meditation upon the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary during each decade. As we pray each set of Hail Marys, we should meditate upon the event in the lives of Jesus and Mary assigned to that decade, and on the grace or virtue manifested in that mystery, praying humbly for the grace to imitate Their example in our lives.

The mysteries are divided into three groups:

The Joyful Mysteries: (Mondays, Thursdays)*
1st Mystery: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
2nd Mystery: The Visitation (Luke 1:39-56)
3rd Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord (Luke 2:1-21)
4th Mystery: The Presentation (Luke 2:22-38)
5th Mystery: The Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)

The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays in Lent)*
1st Mystery: The Agony in the Garden (Matt. 26:36-56)
2nd Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar (Matt. 27:26)
3rd Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns (Matt. 27:27-31)
4th Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross (Matt. 27:32)
5th Mystery: The Crucifixion (Matt. 27:33-56)

The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays)*
1st Mystery: The Resurrection (John 20:1-29)
2nd Mystery: The Ascension (Luke 24:36-53)
3rd Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-41)
4th Mystery: The Assumption of Our Lady
5th Mystery: The Coronation of Our Lady

* These days are suggested for praying these sets of mysteries, but they can be prayed any day. Those who are able are encouraged to pray all 15 decades every day.

THE PRAYERS OF THE ROSARY

The Sign of the Cross
IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (When you say “of the Father, ” touch your forehead; when you say “of the Son,” touch your breastbone; when you say “of the Holy Ghost,” touch your left shoulder and then your right shoulder.

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 Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Our Father
OUR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

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, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O My Jesus
(Requested by Our Lady at Fatima in 1917; pray after each decade)
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 Thy mercy.

Concluding 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, by meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy 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!

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the malice and wickedness of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.

Saint Dominic Feast Day

Today, August 8th, is the Feast Day of St. Dominic, who founded the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, and spread devotion to the Rosary. St. Dominic, pray for us.

Miraculous Novena Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus

Miraculous Novena Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus:

O Holy St. Jude! Apostle and Martyr,

great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ,
faithful intercessor for all who invoke your special patronage in time of need;
to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you,
to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance.
Help me in my present urgent petition (mention your urgent need).
In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.
(Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary's, & 3 Glory Be)
St. Jude, pray for us and all who honour thee and invoke thy aid.
Amen.

(This novena prayer is to be said for 9 consecutive days. St Jude Thaddeus is the patron saint of lost causes. When things seem hopeless and helpless, then this prayer has worked miracles for all who've turned to St. Jude Thaddeus in times of need.):

PLEASE SHARE TO OTHERS AND BE BLESSED!!!