The Rosary
"The Rosary is the greatest weapon given by the Blessed Virgin Mary. It must be prayed with sacrifice and repentance."
How to Pray the Rosary:
The complete Rosary consists of fifteen decades, but it is divided into three distinct parts, each containing five decades. The first part is called the Five Joyful Mysteries, the second part the Five Sorrowful Mysteries, and the third part the Five Glorious Mysteries.
We begin the Rosary by making the sign of the cross with the crucifix + then pray the Apostles' Creed
Pray one Our Father,
Pray three Hail Mary's,
And pray one Glory Be on the small chain.
Announce the first mystery and pray one Our Father
Pray ten Hail Mary's while meditating on the mystery
Pray one Glory Be and O My Jesus
Announce the second mystery and pray the Our Father
Repeat the same for each of the five mysteries.
At the end of the Rosary, recite the Hail Holy Queen and O God
The Mysteries of the Rosary:
Five Joyful Mysteries (Mon. & Thurs.; Sun. Advent - Lent)
The Annunciation - The Archangel Gabriel announces to the Blessed Virgin Mary the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ and Mary's elevation to be the Mother of God. Mary accepts, declaring herself to be simply the handmaid of the Lord. Let us learn and ask for Mary's humility.
The Visitation - The Blessed Virgin Mary hastens to visit and serve her cousin Elizabeth. Let us admire and ask for Mary's love toward our neighbor.
The Nativity - Born in the stable of Bethlehem, Jesus is laid in a manger amid utter poverty. Let us esteem the detachment and serenity of the Holy Family and ask them for the grace of imitation.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple - Although not bound by duty, Mary presents Jesus in the Temple and perfectly fulfills the Mosaic requirements for purification. Let us consider and ask for Mary's reverence and docility.
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple - As an adolescent, Jesus remains for three days among the doctors in the Temple listening to them and asking them questions on matters regarding his Father. Let us ask Jesus for the grace to seek the Father's will as he did.
Five Sorrowful Mysteries (Tues. & Fri.; Sun. During Lent)
The Agony in the Garden - In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus sweats blood and prays with humility, confidence and perseverance. The angel comforts him. Let us ask for the spirit of prayer.
The Scourging at the Pillar - Tied to a pillar, Jesus is cruelly scrourged to repair for the many sins of impurity. Let us ask for the virtue of chastity.
The Crowning with Thorns - Jesus is crowned with thorns and mocked in atonement for many evil thoughts and sentiments. Let us ask for purity of mind and heart.
The Carrying of the Cross - Condemned to death, Jesus carries the heavy cross to Calvary. Let us admire our Savior's patience and ask for patience in our sufferings.
The Crucifixion - Jesus is crucified, suffers for three hours and dies to save us from hell. Let us love the holy Mass which perpetuates the sacrifice of Calvary.
Five Glorious Mysteries (Wed. & Sat.; Sun. Easter - Advent)
The Resurrection - Jesus Christ rises gloriously from the sepulchre. This resurrection invites us to "spiritual resurrection." Lord, increase our faith.
The Ascension - Our Savior ascends into heaven with wonderful glory and triumph. By the power of his ascension, let us ask for detachment from the honors, goods and pleasures of the earth, and to desire only heavenly treasures.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles to enlighten, comfort and sanctify them. Let us ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially wisdom, fortitude and zeal.
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven - After her earthly pilgrimage, the Blessed Virgin Mary is assumed into heaven, body and soul, with marvelous glory. Let us ask for a holy life so as to die in the holy love of God.
The Coronation of Mary - Mary is crowned Queen of heaven and earth, dispenser of all graces and our most loving mother. Let us resolve to be devoted to the Blessed Virgin and ask her to keep us faithful to her Son until death.
The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians Who Recite the Rosary
Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.
I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
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 men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that soul would sanctify themselves by this means.
The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the rosary, shall not perish.
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 them in His justice, they shall not perish by an unprovided death; if they are just, they shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
Whoever shall have a true devotion for the rosary shall not die without the sacrament of the Church.
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.
I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary.
The faithful children of the rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.
You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary.
All those who propagate the holy rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
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.
All who recite the rosary are my children, and brothers and sisters of my only son Jesus Christ.
Devotion to my rosary is a great sign of predestination.
"Jesus, Mary, I love You, Save Souls"