A Christocentric Prayer
Praying the Rosary leads the Christian soul to the contemplation of Christ in his mysteries. While Marian in nature, the Rosary is at heart a Christocentric prayer which is highly recommended by the Church. Its value flows from the fact that, at the same time, it is a vocal prayer and a meditation of the mysteries of our salvation.

The Purpose of the Holy Rosary
Praying the Rosary leads the Christian soul to the contemplation of Christ in his mysteries. While Marian in nature, the Rosary is at heart a Christocentric prayer which is highly recommended by the Church. Its value flows from the fact that, at the same time, it is a vocal prayer and a meditation of the mysteries of our salvation

The Rosary Proper
According to the recommendation of the Apostolic Letter “Rosarium Mariae Virginis” of Pope John Paul II (October 16th, 2002), to reflect more fully the Gospel, the mysteries of the New Rosary are brought to twenty and subdivided into: The Joyful Mysteries, prayed on Monday and Saturday, The Sorrowful Mysteries, said on Tuesday and Friday, The Mysteries of Light, on Thursday, and The Glorious Mysteries, prayed on Wednesday and Sunday (see no. 38).

In the same letter (nos. 30 and 31) the Pope suggests that (a) the announcement of the mysteries should be followed (b) by “the proclamation of the related Biblical passage” and then (c) by a “suitable period” of silent meditation. In addition, after the “Glory Be”, (d) a “concluding short prayer” is recommended, relating to the “fruits specific to that particular mystery” (no. 35).

Faithful to the papal recommendations we posit the following structure for the devout recitation of each mystery.

Structure of Each Mystery

1. The Announcement of the Mystery
2. The proclamation of the Word of God
3. A moment of silent meditation
4. One Our Father ....
5. Ten Hail Mary ....
6. One Glory Be
7. Mystery’s “Concluding Short Prayer”
For the mystery of ...,
Let’s always praise and thank the love of God the Father for us.
8. Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell,
lead all souls to heaven, especially those who most need your mercy.
9. A Marian Invocation
Queen of peace, pray for us.

How to start the Rosary

While holding the rosary’s Crucifix in the hand, make the sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then recite the Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of Father.He will come again 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 the life everlasting. Amen.

On the first large bead, recite one 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. Amen.

On the three small beads recite the Hail Mary for an increase in the three theologial virtues of Faith, Hope and Love

Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed are thou 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.

Then recite one Glory Be.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday)

1. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary tha she will be the mother of Jesus, the Saviour.And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:30--33,38)

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Annunciation that invites us to imitate the humility of Mary
- Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who most need your mercy.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

2. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth brings Jesus’ salvation to her son, John In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luke 1:39-42, 45)

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Visitation that invites us to imitate the kindness of Mary,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

3. Jesus, the only Son of God and of Mary, is born in the stable of Bethlehem. “And (Mary) gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in theinn. ... And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!". (Luke 2:7,10-14)

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Birth of Jesus that invites us to embrace the poor,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

4. Jesus is presented in the Temple to God the Father by his loving parents. And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"). ... And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:22-23, 34-35).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of Jesus’ Presentation that invites us to live faithfully our
baptismal consecration to God,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

5. Jesus is found among the doctors, in the house of His Father. After three
days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers,listening to them
and asking them questions... And when they saw him they were astonished; and
his mother said to him "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father
and I have been looking for you anxiously." he said to them, "How is it that
you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
(Luke 2:46,48-49).
Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the finding in the Temple that invites us to imitate Jesus
in making God supreme in our life,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

The Mysteries of Light (Thursday)
1. Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River. In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased." The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him. (Mark 1:9-13).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of Jesus’Baptism that invites us to convert and do
penance for our sins,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

2. Jesus reveals his glory at Cana, through the intervention of Mary. On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you.".... This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:1-5, 11).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....

For the mystery of the miracle at Cana, where Mary invites us to follow
the commands of his Son,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

3. Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:14-18).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of our Christian calling to work with Jesus in proclaiming
the Kingdom of God,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

4. Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor. Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem... And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" (Luke 9:28-31, 35),

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Transfiguration that invites us to contemplate
the face of God in Jesus,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

5. Jesus institutes the Sacrament of the Eucharist. And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer... And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. (Luke 22: 14-15, 19-20).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Eucharist that gives us the presence of Jesus
and allows us to worship God in Spirit and Truth
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace...

The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)

1. Jesus’s prayer and agony in the garden of Gethsemane. And when he came to the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Luke 22:40-46).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of Jesus’ agony at Gethsemane that teaches us
how to suffer, doing the will of God,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace....

2. Jesus is rejected and scourged at the pillar. Pilate went out to the Jews again, and told them, "I find no crime in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover; will you have me release for you the King of the Jews?" They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barab'bas!" Now Barab'bas was a robber. Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. (John 18:38-19:1).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of Jesus scourging, caused by our sinful rejections
of the love of God,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,...
Queen of peace....


3. Jesus is crowned with thorns. And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; they came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again, and said to them, "See, I am bringing him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him." (John 19: 2-6).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of Jesus’s crowning with thorns, that invites us to see
His face in all those who suffer,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace....


4. Jesus carries His Cross to Calvary. And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyre'ne, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. (Luke 23:26-28).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Way of the Cross that invites us to imitate
Simon the Cyrenean and repent for our sins,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace....

5. Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the Cross So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit to!» (John 19:25-30).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mysteries of Jesus’death on the Cross and Mary’s mission
to co-operate for our salvation,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,... Queen of peace....


The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday)

1. Jesus’s Resurrection from the dead. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you.". (Matthew 28:5-7).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of Resurrection that marks Jesus’ triumph over death
and the beginning of the new life in the Spirit,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus... Queen of peace....

2. Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned... So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. (Mark 16:15-16, 19-20).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Ascension that invites us to choose heaven,
over the materials things of this world,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus... Queen of peace....

3. The descent of the Holy Spirit on Mary and the Apostles in the Cenacle. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus... When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 1:14; 2::1-4).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the gift of the Holy Spirit that guides the Church
and builds our holiness,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus... Queen of peace....

4. The Most Blessed Mary is assumed into heaven to stay in body and soul with her Son, Jesus "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. and you know the way where I am going." (John 14:1-4).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of the Assumption that invites us to persevere in our
journey to eternal life,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,...
Queen of peace....

5. Mary is crowned by Jesus above all the choirs of Angels and Saints. And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelation 12:1).

Our Father .... Hail Mary (ten times)... Glory be....
For the mystery of Mary’s Coronation that invites us to recognize in
Her the surest way to Jesus,
Let’s praise and thank God, our Father for His love for us.
O my Jesus,...
Queen of peace....

The Concluding Prayers

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 valley 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! Amen.

Litany of Our Lady of Loretto

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us

Holy Mary, pray for us
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior
Virgin most prudent
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of Heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of the families,
Queen of peace
Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, spare us, o Lord. Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, o Lord. Lamb of God, You takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, o holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, unto Your servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and enter into the joy of Your eternal gladness.Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to St.Joseph
(Leo XII)
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God¹s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holily, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

Then, one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be according to the intentions of the Pope, for the poor souls in Purgatory and for gaining the Holy Indulgences.

(A plenary indulgence is granted if the Rosary is recited in a church or public oratory or in a family group, a religious Community or pious Association; a partial indulgence is granted in other circumstances).