Praying the Rosary

Wednesday, October 7th is the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary. In her honor, we will discuss the rosary.

This is a very important prayer given to us by the Blessed Virgin herself. It is one of the most powerful prayers. It has even stopped a war. The Battle of Lepanto was in 1571. Christans were fighting the Muslims and they were outnumbered. It was a miracle that the Christians won. This miracle came about because in the Vatican, Pope Pius V had gathered with other Catholics to pray the rosary with him for this battle. This victory occured on Oct. 7th which is now the feast day to remember the Rosary.

Here is more information on the Rosary. http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/rosary/

The prayer consists of 4 groups of mysteries, The Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. Each of these groups has 5 decades that include an Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and a Glory Be. They are listed below with a virtue that fits that mystery. Also, our family adds a saint as well that reflects that virtue and mystery. Our choices are listed for an example. We also add a priest for each decade since this year is the Year of the Priests.

As you pray it is important to meditate on each mystery. A good way to do this is to use famous art work (http://www.setonhome.org/curriculum/seeinside.php?ToView=P-AR05-11), read scripture passages, or use pro life meditations (http://www.priestsforlife.org/prayers/pfrosary2.htm).

Can you dedicate yourself to praying the rosary daily for the conversion of sinners? This was Mary's request at Fatima.

1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation, Virtue: Humility, Saint: Gabriel

2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation, Virture: Charity towards Neighbor, Saint: Elizabeth

3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity, Virture: Spirit of Poverty, Saint: Therese of the Child Jesus

4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple, Virtue: Obedience, Saint: Simeon & Anna

5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple, Virtue: Piety, Saint: Joseph

1st Luminous Mystery: Baptism of Jesus, Virtue: Living out your Baptismal promises, Saint: John the Baptist

2nd Luminous Mystery: Wedding at Cana, Virtue: Doing what Jesus tells us, Saint: John Vianney

3rd Luminous Mystery: Preaching of the Kingdom, Virtue: Seeking God's forgivness, Saint: Francis of Asissi

4th Luminous Mystery: Transfiguration, Virtue: Becoming a new person in Christ, Saint: James

5th Luminous Mystery: Eucharist, Virture: Active participation in Mass, Saint: Pius X

1st Sorrowful Mystery: Agony in the Garden, Virtue: True Contrition, Saint: Barbara

2nd Sorrowful Mystery: Scourging at the Pillar, Virtue: Purity, Saint: Stephen

3rd Sorrowful Mystery: Crowning with Thorns, Virtue: Moral Courage, Saint: Rita

4th Sorrowful Mystery: Carrying of the Cross, Virture: Patience, Saint: John of the Cross

5th Sorrowful Mystery: Death on the Cross, Virtue: Final perserverence, Saint: Helena of the True Cross of Jeus

1st Glorious Mystery: Resurrection, Virture: Faith, Saint: Mary Magdalen

2nd Glorious Mystery: Ascension, Virture: Hope, Saint: Mathias

3rd Glorious Mystery: Pentecost, Virture: Love of God, Saint: Peter

4th Glorious Mystery: Assumption of Mary, Virtue: Unity with God, Saint: John the Apostle

5th Glorious Mystery: Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven, Virtue: True Devotion to Mary, Saint: St. Elizabeth of Hungary