The Joyful Mysteries
The Incarnation and the hidden years — from the angel’s word at Nazareth to the boy found teaching in the temple. These are the mysteries of a God who arrives quietly, among poor people, and is not immediately recognised.
The Sign of the Cross
Holding the crucifix: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Three Hail Marys
On the three small beads, for an increase of faith, hope and charity — The Hail Mary.
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The Annunciation
Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word.
The angel waits on the answer of a girl in a small town, and the whole of salvation waits with him. God does not compel her. He asks, and she consents, and the Word is made flesh. Every grace that follows in this rosary begins in that free and unhesitating yes.
Ten Hail Marys
On the ten small beads, meditating on the mystery — The Hail Mary.
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The Fatima Prayer
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
The Visitation
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Carrying Christ within her, Mary goes into the hill country to help her elderly cousin — the first act of the new covenant is a long walk undertaken for someone else’s sake. The child in Elizabeth leaps before a word is spoken. Christ borne to another is recognised before he is explained.
Ten Hail Marys
On the ten small beads, meditating on the mystery — The Hail Mary.
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The Fatima Prayer
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
The Nativity
She brought forth her firstborn son, and laid him in a manger.
The Almighty enters the world in a stable, and the news is given first to shepherds — men whose testimony no court would then accept. God chooses the small entrance and the unimpressive witness. Nothing about the manger is an accident.
Ten Hail Marys
On the ten small beads, meditating on the mystery — The Hail Mary.
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The Fatima Prayer
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
The Presentation in the Temple
Now dost thou dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace.
They bring the offering of the poor, two young pigeons, and an old man who has waited his whole life takes the child in his arms and asks to be let go. He also tells the mother that a sword will pierce her heart. The joy of this set is already shadowed; it was never naive.
Ten Hail Marys
On the ten small beads, meditating on the mystery — The Hail Mary.
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The Fatima Prayer
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
The Finding in the Temple
Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?
Three days of searching — the same three days that will one day pass between the cross and the empty tomb. They find him teaching men far older than himself. Then he goes home to Nazareth and is subject to them for eighteen more silent years.
Ten Hail Marys
On the ten small beads, meditating on the mystery — The Hail Mary.
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The Fatima Prayer
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
The Closing 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 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 the same Christ our Lord.”
Amen.
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.