St David's Catholic Church Swansea

The Rosary is a form of vocal and mental prayer on the Mysteries of our Redemption, divided into fifteen decades. It should be a simple and healing experience. When reciting the Rosary, let Our Blessed Lady guide you as you share her company, meditating on the secrets of her son in your heart. Thus, the recitation of each decade is accompanied by meditation on one of the fifteen events or "mysteries".

The Rosary consists of fifteen Mysteries.
The fifteen Mysteries are divided into three groups, namely: -

The Joyful Mysteries.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Glorious Mysteries

The Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries relate to events that took place in the life of Jesus Christ.
The Joyful, Glorious and Sorrowful Mysteries are outlined in more detail, as follows: -

The Joyful Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries are recited on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays of Advent.

The Legion of Mary

The Rosary

The Annunciation

The Angel Gabriel refers to Mary as being 'full of grace'. He explains to Mary that God is with her and that she is to become the mother of Jesus Christ."Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus."

Luke 1: 30-31

The Visitation

Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, to help her. When Elizabeth meets with Mary she says 'Who am I that the mother of my Lord should visit me?' "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

Luke 1: 42-43

The Nativity

Mary gives birth to the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Mary gave birth to her first-born Son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2: 7

The Presentation

The parents of Jesus present him in the Temple. Mary is told that a sword of sorrow will pierce her heart.
"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: 34-35

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple. Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man.
Luke 2: 51-52

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Sorrowful Mysteries are recited on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays of Lent

The Agony in the Garden

The Agony of Jesus in the Garden. Jesus says to his disciples 'My soul is sorrowful, unto death. Stay here and watch with me.' Jesus prayed: "Abba, Father, all things are possible to You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will"
Mark 14: 36

The Scourging

Jesus is scourged at the Pillar. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified
Mark 15: 15

The Crowning with Thorns

The soldiers remove the clothing from Jesus and place a scarlet cloak around him. They put a crown of thorns on his head and mock him. The soldiers clothed Him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on Him. And they began to salute Him, "Hail King of the Jews!"
Mark 15: 17-18

The Carrying of the Cross

Jesus is led away to be crucified. One of the disciples, Simon helped Jesus to carry the Cross, and Veronica wiped his face with a towel. They took Jesus and they went out, Jesus bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of the skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha.
John 19: 17

The Crucifixion

Jesus is nailed to the cross. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father into your hands I commit My spirit!" And having said this He breathed his last.

Luke 23: 46

The Glorious Mysteries

The Glorious Mysteries are recited on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays after Easter until Advent.

The Resurrection

Jesus rises glorious and immortal, three days after His death. "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."

Matthew 28: 5-6

The Ascension

Jesus ascends into heaven forty days after his Resurrection. As the Apostles looked on, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven."
Acts 1: 9,11

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

As the disciples and Mary prayed together, the Holy Spirit came upon them. Suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterence.
Acts 2: 2,4

The Assumption

Mary is taken body and soul into Paradise, and is united with her Divine Son. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep and so we shall always be with the Lord.
Thessalonians 4: 14,17

The Coronation

Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and of Earth. A great sign 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

Rosary Prayer

The Rosary should be prayed in the following order: -

1) Make the sign of the Cross, and say the Apostles' Creed.

2) Say the "Our Father".

3) Say three "Hail Marys" and the "Glory Be".

4) Meditate on the 1st Mystery, saying the "Our Father", ten "Hail Marys" and the "Glory Be".

5) Recite the Fatima Prayer.

6) Meditate on the 2nd Mystery, saying the "Our Father", ten "Hail Marys" and the "Glory Be".

7) Recite the Fatima Prayer.

8) Meditate on the 3rd Mystery, saying the "Our Father", ten "Hail Marys" and the "Glory Be".

9) Recite the Fatima Prayer.

10) Meditate on the 4th Mystery, saying the "Our Father", ten "Hail Marys" and the "Glory Be".

11) Recite the Fatima Prayer.

12) Meditate on the 5th Mystery, saying the "Our Father", ten "Hail Marys" and the "Glory Be".

13) Recite the Fatima Prayer.

14) Concluding prayers, "Hail Holy Queen" and "Let us Pray: O God, whose only begotten Son, etc."Note: -While it is not essential, it is common practice to perform Steps '1' to '3' as given above, before reciting the Rosary.

The Prayers of the Rosary

The Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ; His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, 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 the 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 life everlasting. Amen.

The 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.

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art 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.

Glory Be To The Father

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.

The Fatima Prayer

O Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell; lead all souls to Heaven especially those who are most in need of your mercy.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, 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 meditating upon these mysteries in 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.

Rosary Indulgences

A Plenary Indulgence

A Plenary Indulgence may be gained when the Rosary is prayed in Church, in a family group or in a religious community. A Plenary Indulgence can be gained only once a day (except by those who are in danger of death). Also: -

(a) Five (5) decades of the Rosary must be prayed continuously.

(b) The Prayers of the Rosary must be prayed vocally and one must meditate upon the Mysteries of the Rosary.

The conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence are: -

Sacramental Confession - the one confession will satisfy for the gaining of several indulgences.

Holy Communion - to be received each time one wishes to gain a plenary indulgence;

Prayer for Pope's intentions - one Pater and Ave or any other prayer according to liking, will satisfy the condition. The prayers are to be repeated for the gaining of each plenary indulgence.

It is required also that one be free from any affection for sin, even for venial sin

A Partial Indulgence

One may gain a partial indulgence for the Rosary's recitation in whole or in part in other circumstances.

The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians who recite the Rosary are:

Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.
I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
The rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the rosary, shall not perish.
Whoever shall recite the rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of his sacred mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
Whoever shall have a true devotion for the rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.
Those who are faithful to recite the rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.
I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary.
The faithful children of the rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.
You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary.
All those who propagate the holy rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
All who recite the rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only son Jesus Christ.
Devotion of my rosary is a great sign of predestination.

The above Promises were given to Saint Dominic and Blessed Alao

The Miraculous Medal

The History of the Medal

In April 1830 Catherine Laboure joined the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul, at their mother-house in the Rue du Bac in Paris. On the 27th of November 1830 Catherine saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin standing on a half-globe and holding a globe in her hands. From her hands rays shone down and Catherine heard a voice saying “These rays of light are the symbols of the graces that the Blessed Virgin obtains for those who ask them of her”. There were stars around her head, and around the figure of Our Lady were written the words “O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to you”. The entire “picture” then seemed to turn right around and on the back she saw the letter M, a cross, and the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Again a voice said to her: “A medal must be made on this model and those who carry one, when it is blessed, and say this short prayer will enjoy the special protection of the Mother of God”. She told no one about this except her priest, and he found this hard to believe. He later mentioned the matter to the Archbishop of Paris and the Archbishop told him to go ahead and have the medal made. The first medals were available in June 1831. By 1834, a large number of miraculous healings and conversions, worked by Our Lord through the intercession of his Immaculate Mother had taken place. Thus the medals became known as Miraculous Medals.

The Front of the Medal

On the front of the medal Mary stands as, “The woman” of Genesis: “I will put enmity between you and the woman” (3:15), the new Eve, the Immaculate Conception, the perfect model for all women of her time. An open channel of life and love whose “yes” to the Father’s life and love brought his Son Jesus into this world through the Power of the Holy Spirit. She is aglow with the spirit of Jesus who is the Light of the world. Standing on the serpent, she proclaims the victory of Christ her Son over Satan. She lights the path of grace for those who choose to walk with Christ. She calls us to walk by her light and seek her help; “pray for us who have recourse to you”.

The Back of the Medal

At the back of the medal is the letter M underneath the cross, symbolising Mary at Calvary, as she stood beneath the cross of her son. It stands for Mary and also for Mother. She is the Mother of God’s Son who died on the cross as she stood and watched his heart opened with a lance, while a sword of sorrow pierced her own. Mary is the “Mother of the Church” which is made up of us, her children. At this moment as the heart of the risen Jesus burns with love for us so also does the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary knows what it is to suffer, so she understands what we feel when our heart is opened by pain or pierced by grief and loneliness. The Twelve Stars represent Jesus’ first twelve followers.

The Miraculous Medal is not a “lucky charm”. It is an icon of our Immaculate Mother, designed by herself and given to us. It teaches us about who Mary is and what she can do for her children. The wearing of the medal is a beautiful sign of Mary’s love for us and a powerful witness of our devotion to her.

Novena in Honour of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

A Prayer of Saint Louise

Most Holy VirginI believe and confess your holy and Immaculate Conception. Pure and without sin, Most pure Virgin, Through you virginal purity, Your Immaculate Conception, Your privilege of being the Mother of God, obtain for us from your Divine Son, humility, charity, great purity of mind and body, the gift of prayer, a holy life and a happy death.

Memorare

Remember O most compassionate Virgin Mary
That never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
Implored your assistance, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, we fly unto you O Virgin of Virgins Our Mother.
To you we come, before you we kneel, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the word Incarnate, despise not our petitions but in your clemency hear and answer them.

Novena Prayer

O Immaculate Virgin Mary,
Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
With confidence we come to implore your unfailing help.
Bearer of Life, Mother of Our Saviour, give birth in our hearts to Jesus your Son,
Who forgives our sins and brings healing to our lives.
Mother of the Church on earth, hear the cry of the lowly and the poor
Who hunger for Jesus the Bread of Life and in your loving wisdom make our prayer your own.

(Pause to make your needs known to our Immaculate Mother)

Virgin gentle in mercy,Queen of the universe,Cover us with the veil of your protection and deliver us from the darkness of evil.Teach us by prayer and self control, the meaning of truth and the beauty of love that with minds that are healed, and hearts that are pure, we may come in the end to where you are the Queen of Angels and of Saints.Amen.

An Act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, at the message of an angelYou received the Word of God in your heart and in your womb and gave life to the world.O Temple of the Living God,Throne of the Eternal King,Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, we consecrate ourselves to you.May your promise to Saint Catherine Laboure bring grace to us and peace to all who say,O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to you.

The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians who recite the Rosary Copyright of Saint Joseph's Crusade, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan.
Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries Images Copyright of Reproducta Company Incorporated
Miscellaneous Rosary Information Copyright of Reproducta Company Incorporated
The Rosary Apostolate, Dominican Order, Ireland Concilium Legionis Mariae, Ireland.