The Luminous Mysteries
The public ministry — the years when Christ is revealed openly. Given to the rosary by John Paul II in 2002, these five mysteries fill the long gap between the temple and the garden.
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 Baptism in the Jordan
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The sinless one steps into a river meant for the washing of sinners, and takes his place in the queue. Heaven opens over that act of solidarity. He begins his public life by standing where we stand.
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 Wedding at Cana
Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
His first sign is worked to save a family from embarrassment at a party — not to feed the starving or raise the dead, but to keep the wine flowing at a wedding. His mother notices the need and mentions it; that is the whole of her intercession, and it is enough.
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 Proclamation of the Kingdom
The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe the gospel.
He preaches a kingdom that belongs to the poor, the mourning and the meek, and he calls for a change of mind before anything else. The demand and the mercy arrive together — repent, and believe. Neither half survives without the other.
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 Transfiguration
His face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as snow.
For a moment on the mountain the disguise drops and three men see him as he is. Peter wants to build tents and stay. They are not allowed to stay — the vision is given as provision for the descent, and for what waits at the bottom of the hill.
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 Institution of the Eucharist
Take ye and eat: this is my body.
On the night he is betrayed — the words are always joined — he gives himself away under the form of bread. Judas is at the table. The gift is not withheld from the room because one man in it has already decided.
Ten Hail Marys
On the ten small beads, meditating on the mystery — The Hail Mary.
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
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.