For the recitation of the Rosary

(see Kingdom of Jesus, 184-189 or OC 1, 487-493)

The rosary is an exercise of popular religion. In it, we unite ourselves to Mary in remembering the mysteries of our Lord Jesus, the Son of God. The Church advises us to pray it either personally or communally. A particular text may be taken from the Word of God which extols the mystery in consideration. It is also possible to add a phrase which illuminates the practical aspect of the mystery being prayed. To go along with the traditional mysteries: joyful, sorrowful and glorious, John Paul II added the luminous mysteries. Being a private devotion, it is also possible, on one's own initiative, to recite it in the spirit of the current liturgical season. We will offer several possibilities as useful suggestions for a fruitful recitation.

MYSTERIES OF MESSIANIC JOY

1°. The incarnation of the Son of God (Lk. 1:26-31; Mt. 1:18-23; Jn. 1:9-14). We ask to continue in ourselves the incarnate presence of Jesus.

2°. The visit of Mary to St. Elizabeth ( Lk. 1:42-45; 1:51-55; Rev. 3:19-20). We ask Mary to always visit us with her Son Jesus, our Savior.

3°. The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ (Lk. 2:4-7; Ga. 4:4-7). With Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, let us receive our Savior and place all our hope in Him.

4°. The presentation of Jesus in the temple (Lk 2:22-24; 25-32; Mt 3:1-4). With Jesus, let us present ourselves to the Father so that in us, He may be light to the world.

5°. Loss and finding of Jesus in the temple (Lk. 2:42-47; 46-50; Ps. 24:1-6). With Jesus, let us tell our Father that we are ready to begin our part in the plan of salvation.

MYSTERIES OF THE SAVING PASSION

1°. Jesus' prayer in the garden (Lk. 22:39-43; Is. 53:1-3; Hb. 5:5-10). Let us say with Jesus: “not my will

Father, but yours be done.”

2°. The scourging of our Lord (Mk. 15:16-20; Is. 53:4-5; Col. 1:24). Let us say with St. Paul: “I complete in myself what is lacking in the passion of our Lord.”

3°. The crowning with thorns (Jn. 19:1-3; Ga. 2:19-20; Lk. 22:63-65). Let us adore Jesus as our King and Savior.

4°. Jesus carries the cross on his shoulders (Lk. 23:26-28; 14:23-27; Hb. 13:12-13). Let us carry the crosses of life and follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

5°. The crucifixion and death of the Lord Jesus (Jn. 19:28-30; Ga. 6:14). Oh Christ, grant that we may live with you, die with you, rise with you.

MYSTERIES OF THE GLORY OF GOD

1°. The resurrection of the Lord (Lk. 24:1-6; Rm. 6:1-4; Col. 3:1-4). Lord Jesus, bring us to resurrection through the grace of our baptism.

2°. The ascension of the Lord Jesus (Lk. 24:50-53; Eph. 4:7-10; Hb. 9:11-12). Lord Jesus, bring us with you, one day, to the heavenly Father.

3°. The coming of the Holy Spirit to the Church (Acts 2:1-4; Ga. 5:22-24). Spirit of God, fill us with your gifts and your fruits.

4°. The assumption of the Virgin Mary into glory (1 Cor. 15:54-57; Gn. 3:14-15). Lord Jesus, bring us, with Mary, into the fullness of your glory.

5°. The coronation of Mary in heaven (Rev. 12:1-2, 5-6; 22:1-5; Rm. 8:37-39). Lord Jesus, grant us the motherly protection of the Virgin Mary.

MYSTERYS OF DIVINE LIGHT

l°. The baptism of the Lord Jesus (Mt. 3:13-17; Jn. 1:26-31). Lord, baptize us with water and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

2°. Jesus and Mary in the wedding at Cana (Jn. 2:1-12; Is. 25:6; Rev.19:9). Lord Jesus, invite us to the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb.

3°. Jesus announces the coming of the kingdom of God (Mk. 1:14-15; Mt. 11:2-6). Lord Jesus, grant that the saving action of your kingdom comes to us.

4°. The transfiguration of the Lord (Lk. 9:28-36; 2 Pt. 1:16-18; 2 Cor. 3:18). Lord Jesus, transfigure us in your image.

5°. The Eucharist, living presence of our Lord Jesus (Jn. 6:51-59; Lk. 22:14-19). Lord Jesus, nourish us

always with this bread for the journey into glory.

Here, we suggest a way of praying the Rosary along with the liturgical seasons. It is recommended that popular devotions, as much as possible, are used in harmony with the liturgy. This enriches our experience of both, and keeps us from praying without paying attention to the liturgical seasons given to us by the Church.

FOR ADVENT

1°. The divine promise of a Messiah and Savior (Lk. 2:25, 36 & 38; Is. 45:8). With the desire of the holy ones in the first covenant, let us hope for the Messiah

2°. The wedding of Mary and Joseph (Lk. 1:26-27; 2:4-5; Mt. 1:18). God our Father, you prepare a home in the world for your Son, Jesus.

3°. Mary waits for the promised birth of her Son, Jesus Christ (Lk. 1:38; 2:4-5). Together with Mary, let us wait with love for the coming of Jesus, our Lord.

4°. God entrusts St. Joseph with the care of his Son, Jesus. (Mt. 1:19-21). With Joseph, let us accept the mystery of the virgin birth of the Messiah.

5°. The glorious coming of the Lord at the end of time (Mk. 14:61-62; Rev. 1:7). With the first Christians, let us acclaim: Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!

Another option, inspired by the “Oh” antiphons from the office of vespers leading up to Christmas.

1°. Jesus, eternal Wisdom, come and fill the Church with divine wisdom.

2°. Jesus, Lord and King, hoped for by all mankind, come in your power to save our humanity.

3°. Jesus, Key of David, come and open to all the gates of your kingdom.

4°. Jesus, Morning Star, come bring light and warmth to your Church and to the world.

5°. Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, come and dwell in our home on earth.

FOR CHRISTMAS

1°. The Father announces to us the temporal birth of his Son (Lk. 2:9-11). Let us ask for peace and salvation to come into our world.

2°. Mary and Joseph receive Jesus, the Messiah (Lk. 2:6-7; Mt. 1:24-25). With Mary and Joseph, let us lovingly receive the Emmanuel, God with us.

3°. The shepherds seek and find Jesus the Savior (Lk. 2:15-17). We, the poor of the world, let us go meet the Savior.

4°. The magi come from afar to seek the Savior (Mt. 2:1-2, 11-12). Let us pray that all the people of the world come to know Jesus, the Savior.

5° The life of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Lk. 2:51-52). Let us imitate, in our own families and communities, the life of this holy Family.

FOR LENT

1°. Jesus is tempted in the desert (Mt. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:1-13). Let us cling to the will of the Father through all temptation.

2°. Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). Through your passion, Lord, purify us from all our sins.

3°. Jesus calls us to conversion (Mk. 1:14-15; Lk. 13:2-5). Grant, oh Lord, that we may definitively abandon our evil ways.

4°. Jesus asks us to believe in Him and in the Gospel (Jn. 14:1; Mk. 1:13; 8:35). May the Lord grant us the gift of faith.

5°. The Lord has baptized us with fire and the Holy Spirit (Lk. 3:16) Let us renew our commitments and baptismal promises.

FOR HOLY WEEK

1°. The messianic entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Mk. 11:1-11; Jn. 12:12-19). As the poor of the world, today we cry out: “Hosanna! Save us, oh Lord.”

2°. The anointing in Bethany (Jn. 12:1-8; Mt. 26:6-13). We prepare ourselves with you, Lord, for your death and burial.

3°. The pascal feast of the new covenant (Lk. 22:14-23; Mk. 14:22-26). Lord, may we always joyfully celebrate your Eucharist.

4°. The crucifixion and death of Jesus, the Son of God (Jn. 19:18-30). I am crucified with Christ; He lives in me! (Ga. 2:19-20).

5°. The burial of Jesus, Messiah and Lord (Jn. 19:38-42; Mt. 27:57-60). In baptism, we have been buried with Christ (Rm. 6:4).

FOR EASTER

1°. The mystery of the resurrection of the Lord (Lk. 24:36-41). Lord Jesus, grant that we may always live

and rejoice in the Pascal commitment.

2°. The ascension, the glorification of the Lord Jesus fulfilled (Lk. 24:50-52). Lord, in you and with you, bring us to the heavenly Father.

3°. The Spirit, gift of the resurrected Christ to His Church (Jn. 19:30; 20:19-23). Lord Jesus, grant that we may live by your Holy Spirit.

4°. The joy of the Virgin Mary in the resurrection of her Son (Act. 1:14). Together with Mary, let us live the joy of the resurrection.

5°. The life of the resurrected Christ in the Church today (Mt. 28:16-20). In the Word, the sacraments and the community, we meet our risen Lord.

Read this information in our Website CJM...

Lea en español...