The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Passion — from the sweat of blood in Gethsemane to the last breath on Calvary. Prayed slowly, this is the set that keeps the rosary from becoming sentimental.
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 Agony in the Garden
Not as I will, but as thou wilt.
He asks to be spared, and means it. The prayer of the God-man in the garden is not serene; it is sweat like drops of blood, and friends who cannot stay awake an hour. He is obedient not because it costs him nothing, but because it costs him everything.
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 Scourging at the Pillar
Then therefore Pilate took Jesus and scourged him.
One sentence in the gospel covers it. Pilate, who has already judged him innocent, has him whipped anyway — hoping the crowd will be satisfied by a lesser cruelty. It is the cowardice of a man who knows better and does it regardless.
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 Crowning with Thorns
Hail, King of the Jews!
The soldiers are not merely cruel; they are making a joke. A reed for a sceptre, a rag for a robe, thorns for a crown — the mockery of kingship by men who have no idea they are staging a coronation. He says nothing to correct them.
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 Carrying of the Cross
And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place called Calvary.
He carries it himself until he cannot, and then a stranger coming in from the fields is pressed into service. Simon of Cyrene did not volunteer. Much of the weight any of us carry was never chosen either.
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 Crucifixion
It is consummated. And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost.
From the cross he provides for his mother, forgives a thief and pardons the men driving the nails. Then the last word — it is finished — which is not a complaint but a completion. His mother stands. She does not look away, and neither should this decade.
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.