“The rosary is the weapon for these times.”
These words spoken by Saint Padre Pio ring true in every age. The Rosary is a powerful weapon in our times just as it was in his. The simplicity and repetitiveness of the Rosary do not take away the power it contains.
When Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the three shepherd children on May 13, 1917, her message was clear, “Pray the Rosary every day in order to obtain peace for the world.” Her message reaches into our times as well, and serves as a valuable reminder.
The Rosary begins with the Apostles’ Creed, followed by an Our Father, three Hail Marys (offered for an increase in Faith, Hope, and Charity), and a Glory Be.
The Mysteries of the Rosary
There are four mysteries in the Rosary: the Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous, and Glorious Mysteries. Through praying the Rosary, we contemplate the mysteries and events in the lives of Jesus and Mary and unite ourselves more closely to them.
The Joyful Mysteries are usually prayed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and during Advent – on Sundays. The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple.
The Sorrowful Mysteries are usually prayed on Tuesdays, Fridays, and during Lent – Sundays. The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, The Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord.
The Glorious Mysteries are usually prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays (except during Lent or Advent). The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Decent of the Holy Spirit, The Assumption of Mary, and The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
The Luminous Mysteries were instituted in 2002 by Pope Saint John Paul II and are usually prayed on Thursdays. The Baptism of Jesus, The Wedding Feast at Cana, Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, The Transfiguration, and The Institution of the Eucharist.
After praying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Queen, and end with the following:
Leader: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: 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 while meditating on 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.
We’ve got special short stories and coloring sheets too!
Our Lady of Fatima Saint Francisco Saint Jacinta
Plus we have some beautiful articles to share about the Rosary!!