How to Pray the Holy Rosary

How to Pray The Rosary

1. (A) - Rosary Cross

Make the Sign of the Cross

Pray the "Apostles' Creed."

2. Metal Chain before the (B) Bead

State your intention for this Rosary.

3. (B) - Bead with a White Dot above the Cross

Pray the "Our Father."

4. (C) – Beads with Red Dots - Cluster of 3

Pray the "Hail Mary" on these three beads while reflecting on the three divine virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love.

5. Metal Chain before the (D) Bead

Pray the "Glory Be"

Pray the "Oh My Jesus"

6. (D) Large Bead with a Yellow Dot

Announce the First Mystery – For example, The First Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation.

Pray the "Our Father"

Note: Skip the (F) Joiner until the end of the Rosary

7. (E) 10 small beads with a Reddish Brown Color

The first decade - Pray 10 Hail Marys while reflecting upon the mystery, for example, The Annunciation.

8. Metal Chain before the (D) Bead

Pray the "Glory Be"

Pray the "Oh My Jesus"

- Move on again to the next decade, which is the second mystery.

- Announce the Next Mystery – For example, The Second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation.

- Pray the "Our Father"

- Pray 10 Hail Marys while reflecting upon the mystery.

- Complete the third, fourth, and fifth decades.

9. Metal Chain before the Joiner

Pray the "Glory Be"

Pray the "Oh My Jesus"

10. (F) with a Blue Dot - The Joiner

Pray the "Hail, Holy Queen"

Pray the "O God"

Pray the St. Michael's Prayer

Make the Sign of the Cross

Rosary Prayers

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 to the dead. On the third day, He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there, 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.

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. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The "Hail Mary"

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you 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 "Hail, Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

The "O God"

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

The Mysteries of The Rosary

1. Joyful Mysteries

(Monday & Saturday)

• The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary

• The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

• The Birth of Jesus

• The Presentation of Jesus

• The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

2. Luminous Mysteries

(Thursday)

• The Baptism of Jesus

• The Wedding at Cana

• The Kingdom of God

• The Transfiguration

• The Last Supper

3. Sorrowful Mysteries

(Tuesday & Friday)

• The Agony in the Garden

• The Scourging at the Pillar

• The Crowning with Thorns

• The Carrying of the Cross

• The Crucifixion

4. Glorious Mysteries

(Wednesday & Sunday)

• The Resurrection

• The Ascension

• The Descent of the Holy Spirit

• The Assumption of Mary

• The Coronation of Mary

Promises of Mary

Part One: The Promises of Mary: An Examination of Marian Apparitions and Their Associated Messages

Introduction

Marian apparitions represent a significant part of Christian history and religious belief, especially within Catholicism. Central to these apparitions are what believers often call the "Promises of Mary," messages purportedly delivered by the Virgin Mary. These promises, diverse in their content and scope, tend to center around guidance, hope, and encouragement for humanity in times of struggle. This paper explores the significance and impact of the Promises of Mary on Christian tradition and belief.

Historical Context of Marian Apparitions

Marian apparitions have been reported for centuries across various cultures and continents. Some of the most well-known apparitions include Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico (1531), Our Lady of Lourdes in France (1858), and Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal (1917). Each event brought unique messages and promises that have subsequently shaped the local culture, devotion, and even global Christian theology.

Promises of Mary: Content and Interpretation

While the Promises of Mary vary between apparitions, specific themes pervade. There are messages of penance, repentance, and the need for humanity to return to faith. Specific prophecies have been made in some cases, like in Fátima, where the "Three Secrets" were given. Often, Mary's promises offer hope, consolation, and a path toward spiritual healing. These messages have profoundly affected believers, inspiring acts of faith, devotion, and social justice.

Impact of the Promises of Mary on Christian Tradition and Practice

The Promises of Mary have undeniably influenced Christian tradition and practice, particularly in Catholicism. Places of apparitions have become pilgrimage sites for millions of believers worldwide. The promises often form the basis for special devotions, prayers, and Feast days, such as the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe or the Feast of Our Lady of Fátima. These events commemorate the apparitions and reflect the enduring influence of the messages received.

The Promises of Mary and Modern Society

In contemporary society, the Promises of Mary continue to resonate with believers. They provide spiritual comfort and guidance in turbulent times and are often interpreted in the context of current events. Their relevance is spiritual and social, as Mary's messages often call for peace, unity, and care for the less fortunate. Thus, the promises become a guiding beacon for humanitarian actions, promoting solidarity and compassion within society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Promises of Mary, derived from Marian apparitions, have significantly impacted Christian history and continue to influence the lives of millions of believers. They form a bridge between the spiritual and social realms, encouraging faith and good deeds. Despite the differences in the specific promises given at each apparition, the underlying themes of hope, guidance, and compassion remain consistent, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the enduring significance of Mary's role within Christianity.