What's new ?
As of 11/20/23
we have added:
An audio rendition of each mystery. They are from the Totus Tuos (All Yours) website. You can select both the Totus Tuos and an additional 50th Rose reflection set. Thus when you display only reflections you can read a reflection as you are listening / responding to each Hail Mary.
We have provided a side bar version of settings by clicking the gear at the upper left hand of the page. The settings scroll and are fixed on the page so they are available no matter where you are on the page.
In adition on the botom of the side bar settings is a list of audio renditions of the entire rosary for each of the Mystery sets. Once again you can use the included reflections as you are praying the rosary or you can display additional reflections.
When you bring up the Rosary Page the Mystery for the Day will be initialized. You may of course change the default Mystery (e.g. Joyful for Monday to any Mystery you would like.
We have added three sets of Renaissance paintings reflections so you can selelct one of the three Religious Images sets for each of the mysteries.
as of 07/18/23:
We have added and supplimented the contemplative Rosary Meditation from America Needs Fatima. There are both Mystery level meditations and 50th Rose meditations. Praying a rosary in which one is presented with a question or something to think about with each Hail Mary is quite different. I personally would find it hard to use in a group rosary because it makes me stop and think but I will use it a lot privately. We have thus also enabled them as optional default meditations.
as of 05/14/23: We have added a set of reflections called "Profound" to each Mystery and have thus also enabled them as optional default Meditations. They come from the writings of Bishop Fulton Sheen. The source can be seen by clicking on the "+" on the 10th Hail Mary of each Mystery when all the reflections are from the same source or on the last reflection from a source where multiple Hail Mary reflections are from the same source.
The Profound reflections are also available on both versions of the Seven Sorrows Rosary by setting the default Meditations for the 50th Rose Hail Mary to "Profound".
You may have noticed that we have also given you a choice of Bible for Biblical references. There are differences in numbering in Psalms and Malachi. We have automatically adjusted the links to get you to the correct place based on the Bible you are using. Every biblical reference should link to either the chapter or directly to the verse. If you find one that does not, leave a comment so it can be fixed.
Please, if you find something wrong leave a comment so it can be fixed.
Bishop Sheen used the Knox Bible exclusively. So I would suggest you set the Bible to the Knox Bible when you use the Profound Reflections as that is word for word what he wrote. (to see an alternate translation just change the Bible and reclick on the link.)
To close this just click on the Blue Question Mark above.
God Bless!
First time here? Click
as of 05/14/23: We have added a set of reflections called "Profound" to each Mystery and have thus also enabled them as optional default Meditations. They come from the writings of Bishop Fulton Sheen. The source can be seen by clicking on the "+" on the 10th Hail Mary of each Mystery when all the reflections are from the same source or on the last reflection from a source where multiple Hail Mary reflections are from the same source.
The Profound reflections are also available on both versions of the Seven Sorrows Rosary by setting the default Meditations for the 50th Rose Hail Mary to "Profound".
You may have noticed that we have also given you a choice of Bible for Biblical references. There are differences in numbering in Psalms and Malachi. We have automatically adjusted the links to get you to the correct place based on the Bible you are using. Every biblical reference should link to either the chapter or directly to the verse. If you find one that does not, leave a comment so it can be fixed.
Please, if you find something wrong leave a comment so it can be fixed.
Bishop Sheen used the Knox Bible exclusively. So I would suggest you set the Bible to the Knox Bible when you use the Profound Reflections as that is word for word what he wrote. (to see an alternate translation just change the Bible and reclick on the link.)
To close this just click on the Blue Question Mark above.
God Bless!
- There are ten types of Rosaries provided. Clicking (touching) on a Rosary Type will open the Rosary below. (You may have to scroll down to see it depending on your screen size.) To get more information about a rosary type click (touch) the plus sign + beside the name of the rosary. To close the Rosary Type that has been opened click the "Close Rosary".
- The reflections selectible with "Select a Meditation Set for each Mystery" on this page are Mystery level reflections that will appear before each Mystery. We welcome additional reflection sets and will be happy to include them as selectible options when provided. To submit one just add a comment to this page and you will be contacted.
- You will find 5 or more 50th Rose reflection sets (a short reflection for each Hail Mary) available for each Mystery on the Flame of Love and Traditional Rosaries.
- There are also four study Rosaries, one for each Mystery. If you click (touch) "Choose a Rosary Mystery" it will display the Mysteries. Clicking (touching) an individual Mystery will open it below. To close a study Mystery click/touch the "Close Rosary" radio button. The Study Rosaries will provide you with the historical and contextual background for each Mystery. Plan on an hour or two for each Mystery.
- As you read the rosary reflections you may encounter a blue + which when clicked will open up a source reference. Try it.
... To close (remove the additional information) simply click (touch) the blue elipse again. To close the source reference click (touch) the blue "-" which has replaced the blue "+".
- You may also encounter an elipse ... which is a grammatical short cut for "and so on". However if the elipse is blue, clicking on it will open up additional information pertenant to the subject at hand. Try it. (above)
- To close this intro simply click (touch) "here." again.
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The Amici di Giuseppe rosary is an implementation of the “Fiftieth Rose’s Second shorter method” described in St. Louis de Montfort’s book The Secret of the Rosary.
Amici di Giuseppe, “Friends of St. Joseph,” is a fellowship of men committed to growing in holiness in their lives as husbands and fathers according to the life of St. Joseph in the Holy Family at Nazareth. It is an organization that is an extension of Paradisus Dei, “Paradise of God”. Paradisus Dei is an organization that helps families discover the superabundance of God within marriage and family life. It has chapters in 44 states and multiple countries. Mark Hartfiel of Paradisus Dei while visiting the Franciscan University in Stuebenville, Ohio joined a group of students in saying a rosary. The students were using the Second shorter method. Mark was impressed that it focused each Hail Mary on the Mystery that was being said. Mark points out that the Hail Mary can be divided into two halves which we do when there is a leader and responders. The very center of the two halves is the name “Jesus.” Adding the reflective phrase at the name of Jesus focuses the participants on the individual mystery.
The Introductory and concluding prayers, while not necessary to the Rosary itself, tend to bring St. Joseph into the picture completing the Holy Family. That is very appropriate since Joseph spent the last almost 30 years of his life contemplating the faces of Jesus and Mary.
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This Scriptural Rosary supplements the Brazen Serpent Rosary developed by the Corps of Renewal and Charity (CORAC).
The CORAC Brazen Serpent Rosary supplements the Brazen Serpent Prayer often prayed by members of the Corps of Renewal and Charity (CORAC) for their own well-being and for that of others, especially those who have experienced adverse reactions to COVID shots.
Throughout Scripture, the Lord demonstrates His power to heal people both physically and spiritually, when they turn to Him with humble trust and with acceptance of God’s will.
The CORAC National Prayer Teams Committee has created this special Rosary using five healing passages from Scripture. We meditate upon these beautiful mysteries while praying the decades of the Rosary, asking Our Lady to intercede for us as we, in turn, intercede for those whom we encounter in our daily lives.
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The Power of the Rosary
The Blessed Virgin Mary plays an important role in salvation history. She gave birth to the Savior of the world, and because she was so closely united to Jesus in his life and death, she was also given the privilege of sharing in Christ's triumph over Satan. In this, she becomes an example to all Christians, reminding us that we are to crush the ancient serpent under our feet.
This becomes quite clear in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which shows Mary wearing a beautiful mantle; the stars in the pattern the same as the constellations in the sky when she appeared to Saint Juan Diego in 1531. Although her mantle is turquoise (a sign of royalty), she looks downward in humility, with her hands folded in prayer above a dark ribbon around her waist (a symbol of pregnancy), as she stands atop a crescent moon (a reference to Revelation 12:1).
What most people fail to notice is the head of the serpent at Mary's feet among the folds of her dress. Although we say "Guadalupe," the word Saint Juan Diego used in describing Mary was "Coatlaxopeuh" which means "she who crushes the serpent."
Pope Pius XI once said that "the rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin. If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors." His words speak to a truth that the Church has recognized for centuries. In addition to blessing us with joy and peace, the Blessed Mother also protects us from harm. The devil and his demons tremble before her. They could not tempt her into sin, and they know what a powerful intercessor she is, calling us to conversion and a return to the Lord.
This intercession and protection is what one hopes for when praying the rosary. We trust that Christ will not turn away from his mother when she looks upon him with loving eyes and pleads for mercy on our behalf.
"In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary," notes Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. "While invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal." That goal, of course, is her Son, Jesus Christ.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen knew that one of the most profound ways to find Christ is in the rosary. More than a mantra, each mystery allows us to reflect on the message of the Gospel, the pivotal moments in the life of Jesus and his mother. "The rosary is the book of the blind," he says, "where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open on the substance of the next. The power of the rosary is beyond description."
https://opwest.org/poweroftherosary
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The Flame of Love Movement
“Elizabeth Kindelmann was a laywoman from Budapest, Hungary who died in 1985. She, like St. Faustina, was given a mission by God and His Mother for His Church to emphasize a special Grace from God for His Church. She was always obedient to priests and bishops. Our Lady told her to gather 12 special pastors, four from within Budapest and 8 from outside the city to start a Movement to spread this special Grace to the whole world. Elizabeth was instructed to keep a Diary, which explains the special Grace, which God calls the “Grace from the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and “the greatest Grace given to mankind since the Incarnation”. God promised that this Grace would be spread to the whole world.
In the Diary, our Lady always speaks about the “Cause”, i.e. the Flame of Love Movement . She asks Elizabeth to be zealous and to speak often to these priests about “moving the Cause ahead.” Her priest-confessors were sometimes slow to understand and slow to act, even though our Lady asked for action. Yet, they were accepting and sympathetic toward Elizabeth.
Fr. Gabriel Rona, S.J., a Hungarian priest, was also a missionary to Latin America and translated her diary into Spanish. (His book was used for the English translations of both the entire diary and the Simplified Version). He was appointed the Spiritual Director of the Movement for many years. In 1989, Cardinal Echeverria Ruiz (Archdiocese of Guayaquil, Ecuador) approved Fr. Rona’s translation. In 1996, he approved the statutes of the Flame of Love Movement for his archdiocese and asked the Holy Father to approve the Movement for the whole world. Cardinal Stafford, prefect for the Congregation for the Laity, sent a letter encouraging the Cardinal in his work.
Cardinal Peter Erdo, Archbishop of Elizabeth’s Archdiocese of Budapest, went more deeply into the question by establishing a theological commission. In 2009, Cardinal Erdo said that the commission found her writings free from error. He gave his imprimatur; wrote about the importance of this Movement of Grace as a gift from God; and also formally established the Flame of Love as a lay movement in his archdiocese.
Since then, other Hungarian dioceses have done the same, as have other dioceses around the world. In the United States, the Flame of Love Movement is just beginning under the International Pious Association of the Faithful established to spread the Message to the whole world. This association has been in existence for many years in other countries of the world.
Anthony Mullen (who lives in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where the National Center is located) has been named National Director by the International Association. Archbishop Chaput (Philadelphia) gave his imprimatur to the English translation from the Spanish of the Flame of Love Book released by the Center.
We see ourselves as a grassroots movement, trying to faithfully and prudently put into practice the desires of God and our Mother as described in the Diary. We pledge total loyalty and obedience to the Church. We especially invite all priests and religious to help us to guide this new Movement solely for God’s glory in His Church and according to His Will.”
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The Franciscan Crown has variously been called the Franciscan Rosary, the Seraphic Rosary or the Rosary of the Seven Joys of Our Lady. The "Seven Joys" is a devotion that recalls seven joyful episodes in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The practice originated among the Franciscans in early 15th-century Italy. The themes resemble the 12th-century Gaudes, Latin praises that ask Mary to rejoice because God has favored her in various ways.
The Franciscan historian, Father Luke Wadding [1] dates the origin of the Franciscan Crown to the year 1422. In 1422 an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary took place in Assisi, to a Franciscan novice named James. As a child, he had had the custom of offering daily to the Virgin Mary a hand made crown of roses. When he entered the Friars Minor, he became distressed that he would no longer be able to offer this gift. The Blessed Virgin appeared to him to give him comfort and showed him another daily offering that he might do: to pray every day seven decades of Hail Marys, meditating between each decade on one of the seven joys that she had experienced in her life: the Annunciation, Visitation, Birth of our Lord, Adoration of the Magi, Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Resurrection of Our Lord, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and her Coronation into heaven. Friar James began this devotion. One day the Director of Novices saw him praying and an angel was with him who was weaving a crown of roses, placing a lily of gold between each of the ten roses. When the novice had finished praying, the angel placed the crown upon him. The Director asked Friar James what this vision meant. After hearing the explanation, he told the other friars and soon this devotion spread throughout the Franciscan family.
Among the Friars Minor, the promotion of this devotion is attributed to St. Bonaventure, Bl. Cherubin of Spoleto, St. John Capistran, Pelbart of Temesvár, and St. Bernadine of Siena to mention a few. St. Bernadine is also said to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary when he was meditating on the seven joys of Mary.
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There are variations in the prayers. We have included 2 of them. The Servite Rosary owes its origin to the Servite Order founded by the Seven Holy Founders in 1233. From the beginning, they dedicated their lives to Our Lady of Sorrows. The Servite Rosary is comprised of 7 decades in memory of Mary’s 7 sorrows. It is customary to begin with an Act of Contrition, to call to mind the role our sins had in Mary’ sufferings. At the beginning of each group, the sorrow is announced, followed by an Our Father and seven Hail Marys. At the end of the rosary, we say 3 Hail Marys in honor of Our Lady’s tears. See https://www.ourladymountcarmel.com/blog/pray-servite-rosary for details and promises
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Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow?" (Lamentations 1:12)
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows dates back to the Middle Ages, but it gained new popularity following the Marian apparitions in Kibeho, which have been approved by the Catholic Church. During Mary's apparitions to Marie-Claire Mukangango, she assigned the young visionary a mission to reintroduce this special rosary to the world. Before her untimely death, Marie Claire did just that, traveling widely to teach it to thousands of people, who then taught it to thousands of others. (Marie-Claire was killed in the genocide of over a million people in Rwanda, a tragedy that was foretold through visions of rivers of blood that the young people in Kibeho received several years before the killings.)
She (the Holy Virgin) promised that when prayed with an open and repentant heart, the rosary would win us the Lord's forgiveness for our sins and free our souls from guilt and remorse. She also promised that over time, the rosary would develop within us a deep understanding of why we sin, and that knowledge would give us the wisdom and strength to change or remove any internal flaws, weaknesses of character, or personality faults causing unhappiness and keeping us from enjoying the joyous life God intended for us...
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Meditations composed by Most Rev. Scott McCaig, CC. Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada and former General Superior of the Companions of the Cross Society of Apostolic Life
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In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
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 into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Credo in Deum Patrem Omnipoténtem, Creatórem caeli et terræ. Et in Iesum Christum, Fílium eius únicum, Dóminum nóstrum, qui concéptus est de Spíritu Sancto, natus ex María Vírgine, passus sub Póntio Piláto, crucifíxus, mórtuus, et sepúltus, descéndit ad ínfernos, tértia die resurréxit a mórtuis, ascéndit ad caelos, sedet ad déxteram Dei Patris Omnipoténtis, inde ventúrus est iudicáre vivos et mórtuos.
Credo in Spíritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclésiam Cathólicam, Sanctórum communiónem, remissiónem peccatórum, carnis resurrectiónem, vitam ætérnam. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Our Father in heaven, may Your name be held holy, Your kingdom come, Your 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.
Give us this day our heavenly bread; and forgive us our sins; as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Pater Noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificétur nomen tuum. Advéniat regnum tuum. Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hodie, et dimítte nobis débita nostra sicut et nos dímittimus debitóribus nostris. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem, sed líbera nos a malo. Amen.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Ave María, grátia plena, Dóminus tecum. Benedícta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui,
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace of Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace of Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace of your Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, expandit effectus gratiae a tua flamma amoris super omnes homines; nunc, et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.
Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.
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.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sáecula sæculórum. Amen.
Oh my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Dómine Iesu,
dimitte nobis débita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferni, perduc in caelum omnes ánimas, praesertim eas, quae misericórdiae tuae máxime indigent.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Veni Sancte Spiritus.
Veni per de pŏtentĭa flamma de ămōris de Immaculati cordis María.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, 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 vale 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. Oh Clement, Oh Loving, Oh Sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, Oh holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Salve Regina, Mater misericórdiæ. Vita, dulcédo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamámus éxsules filii Hevæ Ad te Suspirámus, geméntes et flentes in hac lacrimárum valle. Eia ergo, Advocáta nostra, illos tuos misericórdes óculos ad nos convérte. Et Iesum, benedíctum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsílium osténde. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo María. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Génetrix.
Ut digni efficiámur promissiónibus Christi. Amen
Let us pray, Oh God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, and may the souls of the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God. Rest in peace. Amen.
Oremus: Deus, cujus Unigénitus, per vitam, mortem et resurrectiónem suam nobis salútis ætérnæ præmia comparávit; concéde, quæsumus; ut, hæc mystéria sanctíssimo Benedicta Maríæ Vírginis Rosário recoléntes; et imitémur quod cóntinent, et quod promíttunt, assequámur. Per eúmdem Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.
Ut Divinum Auxilium maneat semper nobiscum, et ut in animabus Fidelibus Defunctis, per misericordiam Dei. Requiescant in pace. Amen.
Dominican Rosary
Flame of Love Rosary
Brazen Rosary
Holy Souls Rosary
Patriotic Rosary
Reparation Rosary
Traditional Rosary
Amici di Giuseppe Rosary
Franciscan Crown
(Seraphic Rosary)
(Seraphic Rosary)
Quaeso auge = Please increase
objectum nostram fidem.
fons nostram spei.
esempi di nostram caritatis.
focus of our faith.
source of our hope.
model of our charity.
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin whose name was Mary. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will concieve in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word."
(Lk 1:26-38)
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Mary set out snd traveled to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!"
(Lk 1:39-43)
While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her first-born Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Lk 2:6-7)
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. 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 contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
(Lk 2:22-35)
When Jesus was twelve years old, His parents went up to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. As they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind. On the third day, they found Him in the temple. Jesus went down with them to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.
(Lk 2:41-52)
The disciple John saw Jesus coming toward him, and proclaimed: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
(Jn 1:29)
Jesus did this (miraculously transformed water into wine) as the beginning of His signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed His glory, and His disciples began to believe in Him."
(Jn 2:11)
Jesus breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
(Jn 20:22-23)
"And Jesus was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.
(Mt 17:2)
"Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day."
(Jn 6:54)
They came to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray. My soul is sorrowful even to death." He prayed to His Father: "Take this cup away from Me, but not what I will but what You will."
(Mk 14:32-36)
They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed Him over to be crucified.
(Mk 15:1-15)
the soldiers led Jesus away inside the palace and assembled the whole cohort. They clothed Jesus in purple and , weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on Him. They began to salute Him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and kept striking His head with a reed and spitting on Him.
(Mk 15:16-19)
Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. So they took Jesus and, carrying the cross Himself, He went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
(Jn 19:16-17)
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Jesus. Darkness came over the whole land untill three in the afternoon. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father into Your hands I commend my spirit." And when He had said this, He breathed His last.
(Lk 23:33-46)
The angel said to the women: "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised as He said."
(Mt 28:5-6)
As the apostles were looking on, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their sight. This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way you have seen Him going into heaven."
(Acts 1:9-11)
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all on one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:1-4)
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God through Jesus, bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
(1Thes 4:14-17)
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
(Rev 12:1)
In this mystery we contemplate the Virgin Mary being greeted by the angel, who announces that she is to conceive and give birth to Christ, our Redeemer.
Let us ask the Virgin of virgins, by the holy joy that filled her Immaculate Heart, to drive from our souls the discouragement and harmful sadness caused by the difficulties of daily life in this our neopagan world.
Our Father Reflections
God's immense charity.
In this mystery we contemplate the Mother of the Creator going to visit her cousin Saint Elizabeth, whose son, John the Baptist, trembled with joy in the womb upon hearing the voice of Mary.
Let us ask the Mother of Good Counsel that we too may tremble with joy and devotion when the call of grace makes itself heard in the interior of our souls.
God's adorable majesty.
In this mystery we contemplate Our God, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
Let us ask Jesus, Mary and Joseph to give us the piety, serenity and fortitude that emanate from the holy stable of Bethlehem.
God's inexhaustible riches.
In this mystery we contemplate the Virgin Mary carrying her Son to Jerusalem to introduce Him to the Lord, His Father. In the Temple, she meets the old Simeon, who takes the Christ Child in his arms and prophesies that He will be the light to the gentiles, the glory of Israel, the rock of scandal for the perdition and salvation of many.
Let us ask the Most Holy Virgin for a fearless soul ablaze with love for Holy Mother Church, so that we also may be a light to our brethren and, if need be, a rock of scandal to our social circles.
God's eternal wisdom.
In this mystery we contemplate how the Virgin Mary, having lost her Son, found Him in the Temple after three days of wearisome search, listening to the Doctors of the Law and asking them questions.
Let us ask Mary Most Holy, by the merits of the anguish she suffered during her searching, to grant us an ever-increasing fidelity to the Church amidst the multiple perplexities that a faithful Catholic must undergo in our days.
God's unfathomable sanctity.
In this mystery we contemplate that Jesus began His ministry by identifying Himself with sinful humanity.
Let us ask Mary to give us a true conscience to recognize our own sinfulness.
God's mercy.
In this mystery we contemplate the miracle that caused Jesus' desciples to begin to believe.
Let us ask Mary to show us God's will as she did for her Son.
God's concern for even our everyday needs.
In this mystery we contemplate the Kingdom we are working our way toward.
Let us ask Mary to help us to undestand how our lives help build the Kingdom.
God's desire for our love.
In this mystery we contemplate the manifestation of Jesus' glory.
Let us ask Mary to help us to understand that this life is our means to join in His glory.
God's providence.
In this mystery we contemplate the spiritual Manna available to us every day.
Let us ask Mary to help us to see and to believe in Jesus real presence in the Eucharist.
God's physical presence with us in the Eucharist.
In this mystery we contemplate our Divine Redeemer praying in the Garden of Olives and sweating blood as He foresees the Passion He is to suffer. His apostles sleep.
Let us ask our dauntless Mother to remove from our souls all the cowardly optimism that invites us to sleep when we should be watching and praying, and to give us the virtue of seriousness so that we will courageously embrace suffering every time it comes our way.
God's essential felicity.
In this mystery we contemplate Our Lord Jesus Christ bound to the pillars and mercilessly flogged at the order of Pilate, who wanted to please the crowd.
Let us ask the Mother of Divine Grace to give us, whenever we are beset by tribulation, the strength and perseverance shown by her Son as the blows of the lash tore into His undefiled flesh for our sins.
God's admirable patience.
In this mystery we contemplate the King of Kings despoiled of His garments and clothed in a scarlet cloak. He is crowned with thorns, crushed with blows, overwhelmed with affronts and outrages by the procurator's brutal soldiers.
Let us ask Mary Immaculate for an unshakable faith and at least a drop of the infinite dignity of Jesus when the wicked, with their laughter, mock our faithfulness to the morality of Holy Church.
God's ineffable beauty.
In this mystery we contemplate our Divine Master "the reproach of men and the Man of Sorrows" bearing the crushing burden of the Cross, which rips His flesh.
By the shoulder wound of Christ, let us ask the Mother of Sorrows for the grace to proceed with supernatural determination in our spiritual lives and in our apostolate even when we fall under the weight of the cross.
God's unlimited omnipotence.
In this mystery we contemplate our Divine Savior nailed to the Cross and raised aloft between two thieves. He is plunged in an ocean of bitterness; He felt abandoned by the Father Himself.
Let us ask the Blessed Mother, who stands at the foot of the Cross, to grant us the grace of taking our vocation to its last consequences and of loving the sacrifices it entails.
God's frightful justice.
In this mystery we contemplate our Divine Redeemer rising through His own power on the third day. His body is in a state of glory: His wounds are now tokens of His triumph over death.
Let us ask Our Lady of Fatima for a staunch hope in the triumph of her Immaculate Heart and a jubilant enthusiasm in the anticipation of her kingdom.
God's infinite eternity.
In this mystery we contemplate the Just One withdrawing from His disciples and ascending into heaven forty days after His resurrection: it is the concluding work of redemption.
By this final elevation of Our Lord's human nature into the condition of divine glory, let us ask the Most Holy Virgin for the ultimate exaltation of Holy Mother Church and Christian civilization. And behold, I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world." (Mt 28:20)
God's boundless immensity.
In this mystery we contemplate Our Lord fulfilling His words to the Apostles: "I will ask the Father, and He shall give you another Paraclete, that He may abide with you forever" (John 14:16). The Apostles, gathered around Our Lady in the Cenacle, are now so filled with the Holy Spirit that they seem drunk (Acts 2:13).
Let us ask the Spouse of the Holy Spirit to say but a word and thus transform our weak, lukewarm and sinful souls.
God's universal providence.
In this mystery we contemplate the Virgin Mary being taken body and soul into heaven by God amidst the rejoicing of the angels.
Let us ask our celestial Mother to fill us with faith and to make us pure and strong, so that we may fight worthily for her on earth and rejoice with her in heaven forever.
God's indescribable liberality.
In this mystery we contemplate the Daughter of God, the Mother of God, the Spouse of God, addressed in the words of the Canticle of Canticles "Come: thou shalt be crowned:' and made empress and mistress of all creation.
Let us ask our Queen that, from the height of glory on which she was placed, she will be for us a Mother of Mercy, raising us when we fall, loving us at every moment, so that, like the angels, we may faithfully serve her in all things.
God's inaccessible glory.
The Agony in the Garden:
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your bloody sweat of stress that You shed on the Mount of Olives, we ask You to have mercy on the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Bring to completion their purification and console them with the Cup of heavenly comfort.
The Scourging at the Pillar:
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your painful Scourging which You tolerated so patiently for us sinners, we ask You to have mercy on the Holy Souls in Purgatory! Bring them to live for ever with Christ and give them eternal relief.
The Crowning with Thorns:
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your painful Crowning which You suffered so patiently for us sinners, we ask You to have mercy on the Holy Souls in Purgatory and give them the crown of eternal delight.
The Carrying of the Cross:
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your painful Carrying of the Cross, which You suffered so patiently for us sinners, we ask You to have mercy on the Holy Souls in Purgatory! Bring them to the everlasting peace of perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity and lead them into eternal joy.
The Crucifixion of Jesus:
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your painful Crucifixion, which You suffered so patiently for us sinners, we ask You have mercy on the Holy Souls in Purgatory! Turn Your Holy Face towards them and let them be in Paradise with You today.
THE FIRST SWORD OF SORROW:
The Prophecy of Simeon (Lk 2:22-35)
"And when the time came for Mary's purification according to the law of Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem with them to introduce him to the Lord, his Father. There, the old priest Simeon held the baby Jesus in his hands, and the Holy Spirit filled his heart. Simeon recognized Jesus as the promised Savior and held the Child high toward heaven, thanking God for granting his wish that he would live long enough to behold the Messiah. Saying: "Now Your servant may depart this life in peace, my Lord." 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.”
The Blessed Virgin knew that she had given birth to the Savior of humankind, so she immediately understood and accepted Simeon’s prophecy. Although her Heart was deeply touched by this favor of bearing the Baby Jesus, her Heart remained heavy and troubled, for she knew what had been written about the ordeals and subsequent death of the Savior. Whenever she saw her Son, she was constantly reminded of the suffering He would be subject to, and His suffering became her own.
Prayer: Beloved Mother Mary, whose Heart suffered beyond bearing because of us, teach us to suffer with you and with love, and to accept all the suffering God deems it necessary to send our way. Let us suffer, and may our suffering be known to God only, like yours and that of Jesus. Do not let us show our suffering to the world, so it will matter more and be used to atone for the sins of the world. You, Mother, who suffered with the Savior of the world, we offer you our suffering, and the suffering of the world, because we are your children. Join those sorrows to your own and to those of the Lord Jesus Christ, then offer them to God the Father. You are a Mother greater than all.
The Prophecy of Simeon (Lk 2:22-35)
"And when the time came for Mary's purification according to the law of Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem with them to introduce him to the Lord, his Father. There, the old priest Simeon held the baby Jesus in his hands, and the Holy Spirit filled his heart. Simeon recognized Jesus as the promised Savior and held the Child high toward heaven, thanking God for granting his wish that he would live long enough to behold the Messiah. Saying: "Now Your servant may depart this life in peace, my Lord." 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.”
The Blessed Virgin knew that she had given birth to the Savior of humankind, so she immediately understood and accepted Simeon’s prophecy. Although her Heart was deeply touched by this favor of bearing the Baby Jesus, her Heart remained heavy and troubled, for she knew what had been written about the ordeals and subsequent death of the Savior. Whenever she saw her Son, she was constantly reminded of the suffering He would be subject to, and His suffering became her own.
Prayer: Beloved Mother Mary, whose Heart suffered beyond bearing because of us, teach us to suffer with you and with love, and to accept all the suffering God deems it necessary to send our way. Let us suffer, and may our suffering be known to God only, like yours and that of Jesus. Do not let us show our suffering to the world, so it will matter more and be used to atone for the sins of the world. You, Mother, who suffered with the Savior of the world, we offer you our suffering, and the suffering of the world, because we are your children. Join those sorrows to your own and to those of the Lord Jesus Christ, then offer them to God the Father. You are a Mother greater than all.
THE SECOND SWORD OF SORROW:
The Flight into Egypt (Mt 2:13-15)
Mary’s Heart broke and her mind was greatly troubled when Joseph revealed to her the words of the angel: they were to wake up quickly and flee to Egypt because Herod wanted to kill Jesus. The Blessed Virgin hardly had time to decide what to take or leave behind; she took her Child and left everything else, rushing outside before Joseph so that they could hurry as God wished. Then she said, "Even though God has power over everything, He wants us to flee with Jesus, His Son. God will show us the way, and we shall arrive without being caught by the enemy."
Because the Blessed Virgin was the Mother of Jesus, she loved Him more than anyone else. Her heart was deeply troubled at the sight of her Infant Son’s discomfort, and she suffered greatly because He was cold and shivering. While she and her husband were tired, sleepy, and hungry during this long travail, Mary’s only thought was about the safety and comfort of her Child. She feared coming face to face with the soldiers who had been ordered to kill Jesus because she was aware that the enemy was still in Bethlehem. Her heart remained constantly anguished during this flight. She also knew that where they were going, there would be no friendly faces to greet them.
Prayer: Beloved Mother, who has suffered so much, give to us your courageous heart. Please pray for us to have strength so that we can be brave like you and accept with love the suffering God sends our way. Help us to also accept all the suffering we inflict upon ourselves and the suffering inflicted upon us by others. Heavenly Mother, you, in union with Jesus, purify our suffering so that we may give glory to God and save our souls.
The Flight into Egypt (Mt 2:13-15)
Mary’s Heart broke and her mind was greatly troubled when Joseph revealed to her the words of the angel: they were to wake up quickly and flee to Egypt because Herod wanted to kill Jesus. The Blessed Virgin hardly had time to decide what to take or leave behind; she took her Child and left everything else, rushing outside before Joseph so that they could hurry as God wished. Then she said, "Even though God has power over everything, He wants us to flee with Jesus, His Son. God will show us the way, and we shall arrive without being caught by the enemy."
Because the Blessed Virgin was the Mother of Jesus, she loved Him more than anyone else. Her heart was deeply troubled at the sight of her Infant Son’s discomfort, and she suffered greatly because He was cold and shivering. While she and her husband were tired, sleepy, and hungry during this long travail, Mary’s only thought was about the safety and comfort of her Child. She feared coming face to face with the soldiers who had been ordered to kill Jesus because she was aware that the enemy was still in Bethlehem. Her heart remained constantly anguished during this flight. She also knew that where they were going, there would be no friendly faces to greet them.
Prayer: Beloved Mother, who has suffered so much, give to us your courageous heart. Please pray for us to have strength so that we can be brave like you and accept with love the suffering God sends our way. Help us to also accept all the suffering we inflict upon ourselves and the suffering inflicted upon us by others. Heavenly Mother, you, in union with Jesus, purify our suffering so that we may give glory to God and save our souls.
THE THIRD SWORD OF SORROW:
The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52)
Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, but He was also Mary’s child. The Blessed Virgin loved Jesus more than herself because He was her God. Compared to other children, He was most unique because He was already living as God. When Mary lost Jesus on their way back from Jerusalem, the world became so big and lonely that she believed she couldn't go on living without Him, so great was her Sorrow. (She felt the same pain her Son felt when He was later abandoned by His apostles during the Passion.)
As the Holy Mother looked anxiously for her beloved Boy, deep pain welled in her heart. She blamed herself, asking why she didn’t take greater care of Him. But it was not her fault; Jesus no longer needed her protection as before. What really hurt Mary was that her son had decided to stay behind without her knowledge. Jesus had pleased her in everything so far: He never annoyed her in any way, nor would He ever displease His parents. She knew that He always did what was necessary, however, so she never suspected Him of being disobedient.
Prayer: Beloved Mother, teach us to accept all our sufferings because of our sins and to atone for the sins of the whole world.
The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52)
Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, but He was also Mary’s child. The Blessed Virgin loved Jesus more than herself because He was her God. Compared to other children, He was most unique because He was already living as God. When Mary lost Jesus on their way back from Jerusalem, the world became so big and lonely that she believed she couldn't go on living without Him, so great was her Sorrow. (She felt the same pain her Son felt when He was later abandoned by His apostles during the Passion.)
As the Holy Mother looked anxiously for her beloved Boy, deep pain welled in her heart. She blamed herself, asking why she didn’t take greater care of Him. But it was not her fault; Jesus no longer needed her protection as before. What really hurt Mary was that her son had decided to stay behind without her knowledge. Jesus had pleased her in everything so far: He never annoyed her in any way, nor would He ever displease His parents. She knew that He always did what was necessary, however, so she never suspected Him of being disobedient.
Prayer: Beloved Mother, teach us to accept all our sufferings because of our sins and to atone for the sins of the whole world.
THE FOURTH SWORD OF SORROW:
Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary (Lk 23:27-31)
Mary witnessed Jesus carrying the heavy cross alone—the cross on which He was to be crucified. This didn’t surprise the Blessed Virgin because she already knew about the approaching death of Our Lord. Noting how her son was already weakened by the scourging and the crowning with thorns, she was filled with anguish at His pain. He fell, exhausted, unable to raise Himself bound to the patibulum. After the mud covering his eyes was wiped away by Bernice, Mary’s eyes, so full of tender love and compassion, met her Son’s eyes. Their hearts seemed to be sharing the load; every pain He felt, she felt as well. They knew that nothing could be done except to believe and trust in God and dedicate their suffering to Him. All they could do was put everything in God’s hands.
Prayer: Beloved Mother, so stricken with grief, help us to bear our own suffering with courage and love so that we may relieve your Sorrowful Heart and that of Jesus. In doing so, may we give glory to God Who gave you and Jesus to humanity. As you suffered, teach us to suffer silently and patiently. Grant unto us the grace of loving God in everything. O Mother of Sorrows, most afflicted of all mothers, have mercy on the sinners of the whole world.
Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary (Lk 23:27-31)
Mary witnessed Jesus carrying the heavy cross alone—the cross on which He was to be crucified. This didn’t surprise the Blessed Virgin because she already knew about the approaching death of Our Lord. Noting how her son was already weakened by the scourging and the crowning with thorns, she was filled with anguish at His pain. He fell, exhausted, unable to raise Himself bound to the patibulum. After the mud covering his eyes was wiped away by Bernice, Mary’s eyes, so full of tender love and compassion, met her Son’s eyes. Their hearts seemed to be sharing the load; every pain He felt, she felt as well. They knew that nothing could be done except to believe and trust in God and dedicate their suffering to Him. All they could do was put everything in God’s hands.
Prayer: Beloved Mother, so stricken with grief, help us to bear our own suffering with courage and love so that we may relieve your Sorrowful Heart and that of Jesus. In doing so, may we give glory to God Who gave you and Jesus to humanity. As you suffered, teach us to suffer silently and patiently. Grant unto us the grace of loving God in everything. O Mother of Sorrows, most afflicted of all mothers, have mercy on the sinners of the whole world.
THE FIFTH SWORD OF SORROW:
Mary stands at the foot of the Cross (Jn 19:25-27)
The Blessed Virgin Mary continued to climb the mount to Calvary, following behind Jesus painfully and sorrowfully, yet suffering silently. She could see Him staggering trying to carry the cross with Simon the Cyrene. Stumbling and falling so frequently that Simon just took the patibulum from him. Mary deeply felt her Son’s pain and humiliation, particularly when His tormentors striped off what was left of His clothing. The Blessed Virgin felt sick at heart seeing these tyrants crucifying her Son naked, shaming Him terribly merely to amuse the jeering crowd.
The Blessed Virgin Mary felt pain beyond bearing when Jesus was stretched out on the Cross. The soldiers approached Him with hammers and nails. They sat on Him heavily so that He could not move when they spiked Him to the wood. As they hammered the nails through His hands and feet, Mary felt the blows in her heart; the nails pierced her flesh as they tore into her Son’s body. She felt her life fading away.
As the soldiers lifted Jesus to the Stipes. The pain shot through His body like liquid fire.
Jesus endured three excruciating hours skewered on the Cross, yet the physical pain was nothing compared to the agonizing heartache that He was forced to bear seeing His mother suffering below Him. Mercifully, He finally died.
Prayer: Beloved Mother, Queen of the Martyrs, give us the courage you had in all your sufferings so that we may unite our sufferings with yours and give glory to God. Help us follow all His commandments and those of the Church so that Our Lord’s sacrifice will not be in vain, and all sinners in the world will be saved.
THE SIXTH SWORD OF SORROW:
Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms. (Jn 19:38-40)
The friends of Jesus, Joseph and Nicodemus, took down His Body from the Cross and placed It in the outstretched arms of the Blessed Virgin. Then Mary washed It with deep respect and love because she was His mother. She knew better than anyone else that He was God incarnate who had taken a human body to become the Savior of all people.
Mary could see the terrifying wounds from the flogging Jesus had received while at Pilate’s. His entire body had been so lacerated that the wounds crisscrossed Him from shoulders to ankles. Mary saw the circle of blood the Crown of Thorns had made on His forehead and, to her horror, realized that many of the thorns had dug so deeply into His skull they had penetrated His brain. Looking at her broken Boy, the Holy Mother knew that His agonizing death was far worse than the torture reserved for the wickedest of criminals.
As she cleaned His damaged Body she envisioned Him during each stage of His short life, remembering her first look at His beautiful new born face as he lay in the manger, and every day in between, until this heart rending moment as she gently bathed His lifeless Body. Her anguish was relentless as she prepared her Son and Lord for burial, but she remained brave and strong, becoming the true Queen of Martyrs. As she washed her Son she prayed that everybody would know the riches of Paradise and enter the Gates of Heaven. She prayed for every soul in the world to embrace God’s Love, so her Son’s torturous death would benefit all humankind and not have been in vain. Mary prayed for the world; she prayed for all of us.
Prayer: We thank you, Beloved Mother, for your courage as you stood beneath your dying Child to comfort Him on the Cross. As our Savior drew His last breath, you became a wonderful Mother to all of us; you became the Blessed Mother of the world. We know that you love us more than our own earthly parents do. We implore you to be our advocate before the Throne of Mercy and Grace so that we can truly become your children. We thank you for Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, and we thank Jesus for giving you to us. Please pray for us, Mother.
Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms. (Jn 19:38-40)
The friends of Jesus, Joseph and Nicodemus, took down His Body from the Cross and placed It in the outstretched arms of the Blessed Virgin. Then Mary washed It with deep respect and love because she was His mother. She knew better than anyone else that He was God incarnate who had taken a human body to become the Savior of all people.
Mary could see the terrifying wounds from the flogging Jesus had received while at Pilate’s. His entire body had been so lacerated that the wounds crisscrossed Him from shoulders to ankles. Mary saw the circle of blood the Crown of Thorns had made on His forehead and, to her horror, realized that many of the thorns had dug so deeply into His skull they had penetrated His brain. Looking at her broken Boy, the Holy Mother knew that His agonizing death was far worse than the torture reserved for the wickedest of criminals.
As she cleaned His damaged Body she envisioned Him during each stage of His short life, remembering her first look at His beautiful new born face as he lay in the manger, and every day in between, until this heart rending moment as she gently bathed His lifeless Body. Her anguish was relentless as she prepared her Son and Lord for burial, but she remained brave and strong, becoming the true Queen of Martyrs. As she washed her Son she prayed that everybody would know the riches of Paradise and enter the Gates of Heaven. She prayed for every soul in the world to embrace God’s Love, so her Son’s torturous death would benefit all humankind and not have been in vain. Mary prayed for the world; she prayed for all of us.
Prayer: We thank you, Beloved Mother, for your courage as you stood beneath your dying Child to comfort Him on the Cross. As our Savior drew His last breath, you became a wonderful Mother to all of us; you became the Blessed Mother of the world. We know that you love us more than our own earthly parents do. We implore you to be our advocate before the Throne of Mercy and Grace so that we can truly become your children. We thank you for Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, and we thank Jesus for giving you to us. Please pray for us, Mother.
THE SEVENTH SWORD OF SORROW:
The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb. (Jn 19:41-42)
The life of the Blessed Virgin Mary was so closely linked to that of Jesus she thought there was no reason for her to go on living any longer. Her only comfort was that His death had ended His unspeakable suffering. Our Sorrowful Mother, with the help of John and the Holy women, devoutly placed the Body in the sepulcher, and she left Him. She went home with great pain and tremendous Sorrow; for the first time she was without Him, and her loneliness was a new and bitter source of pain. Her heart had been dying since her Son’s heart had stopped beating, but she was certain that our Savior would soon be resurrected.
Prayer: Most Beloved Mother, whose beauty surpasses that of all mothers, Mother of Mercy, Mother of Jesus, and Mother to us all, we are your children and we place all our trust in you. Teach us to see God in all things and all situations, even our sufferings. Help us to understand the importance of suffering, and also to know the purpose of our suffering as God had intended it.
You yourself were conceived and born without sin, were preserved from sin, yet you suffered more than anybody else. You accepted suffering and pain with love and with unsurpassed courage. You stood by your Son from the time He was arrested until He died. You suffered along with Him, felt His every pain and torment. You accomplished the Will of God the Father; and according to His will, you have become our Mother. We beg you, dear Mother, to teach us to do as Jesus did. Teach us to accept our cross courageously. We trust you, most Merciful Mother, so teach us to sacrifice for all the sinners in the world. Help us to follow in your Son’s footsteps, and even to be willing to lay down our lives for others.
Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.
The First Sword of Sorrrow:
Simeon announces the suffering destiny of Jesus (Lk 2:34-35)
O Mother of Sorrows, how deeply your heart was pierced with sorrow when Simeon announced that Jesus, your beloved Child, was to be a sign that would be rejected. Your heart knew that He was to be the suffering Messiah the prophets had foretold, the man of sorrows, who would carry all our sins and heal us by His wounds. Through this bitter sorrow obtain for us the grace never to reject Jesus or refuse Him anything. Help us to completely surrender our lives to Him and to live according to His most holy will in everything.
Simeon announces the suffering destiny of Jesus (Lk 2:34-35)
O Mother of Sorrows, how deeply your heart was pierced with sorrow when Simeon announced that Jesus, your beloved Child, was to be a sign that would be rejected. Your heart knew that He was to be the suffering Messiah the prophets had foretold, the man of sorrows, who would carry all our sins and heal us by His wounds. Through this bitter sorrow obtain for us the grace never to reject Jesus or refuse Him anything. Help us to completely surrender our lives to Him and to live according to His most holy will in everything.
The Second Sword of Sorrow
Mary escapes into Egypt with Jesus and Joseph (Mt 2:13-15)
O Mother of Sorrows, what pain filled your heart as you fled your home and country knowing that the tyrant Herod was intent on murdering your little Child whom you loved above all else. The hardships of travel, the long journey, and life as a refugee was nothing compared to the torment of such demonic malice directed toward Jesus. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace never to risk the life of Jesus in our souls through deliberate sin.
Mary escapes into Egypt with Jesus and Joseph (Mt 2:13-15)
O Mother of Sorrows, what pain filled your heart as you fled your home and country knowing that the tyrant Herod was intent on murdering your little Child whom you loved above all else. The hardships of travel, the long journey, and life as a refugee was nothing compared to the torment of such demonic malice directed toward Jesus. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace never to risk the life of Jesus in our souls through deliberate sin.
The Third Sword of Sorrow
Mary seeks Jesus lost in Jerusalem (Lk 2:41-51)
O Mother of Sorrows, what grief filled your heart as you and Joseph searched desperately for Jesus when you could not find Him among your relatives and friends returning home from Jerusalem. When your Son replied that He must be in His Father's house, you accepted that He had begun the mission that would lead to His sacrificial death. The sorrow of those three days of separation prepared you for the three days of suffering you endured while His body lay lifeless in the tomb. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to accept the ways of Divine Providence even when we do not understand them.
Mary seeks Jesus lost in Jerusalem (Lk 2:41-51)
O Mother of Sorrows, what grief filled your heart as you and Joseph searched desperately for Jesus when you could not find Him among your relatives and friends returning home from Jerusalem. When your Son replied that He must be in His Father's house, you accepted that He had begun the mission that would lead to His sacrificial death. The sorrow of those three days of separation prepared you for the three days of suffering you endured while His body lay lifeless in the tomb. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to accept the ways of Divine Providence even when we do not understand them.
The Fourth Sword of Sorrow
Mary meets Jesus as He carries His Cross to Calvary (Lk 23:26-31)
O Mother of Sorrows, how it must have wounded your tender maternal heart to see your beloved Son Jesus carrying His Cross to Calvary, the place of execution! How it must have pained you to see Him so bloodied, beaten, and reviled as He strained to fulfill His deepest desire: to give His life as a ransom for us. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus with perseverance and love.
Mary meets Jesus as He carries His Cross to Calvary (Lk 23:26-31)
O Mother of Sorrows, how it must have wounded your tender maternal heart to see your beloved Son Jesus carrying His Cross to Calvary, the place of execution! How it must have pained you to see Him so bloodied, beaten, and reviled as He strained to fulfill His deepest desire: to give His life as a ransom for us. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus with perseverance and love.
The Fifth Sword of Sorrow
Mary stands near the Cross of her Son Jesus (Jn 19:25-27)
O Mother of Sorrows, here the prophecy of Simeon comes to its ultimate fulfillment: the sword of sorrow impales your heart as you stand beneath the Cross of your Son. Crucified spiritually with your crucified Son, you offered Him to the Father and united yourself completely to His self-offering and sacrificial death. We simply cannot fathom the pain of your offering or the depth of love that inspired it. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to unite all our sufferings to our crucified Lord with unselfish generosity and love.
Mary stands near the Cross of her Son Jesus (Jn 19:25-27)
O Mother of Sorrows, here the prophecy of Simeon comes to its ultimate fulfillment: the sword of sorrow impales your heart as you stand beneath the Cross of your Son. Crucified spiritually with your crucified Son, you offered Him to the Father and united yourself completely to His self-offering and sacrificial death. We simply cannot fathom the pain of your offering or the depth of love that inspired it. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to unite all our sufferings to our crucified Lord with unselfish generosity and love.
The Sixth Sword of Sorrow
Mary receives into her arms the body of Jesus taken down from the Cross (Jn 19:38)
O Mother of Sorrows, your heart was drowned in grief as you embraced the lifeless corpse of your Son. He who was your very life was now dead. Your light in this life was extinguished. Yet you accepted this sorrow with love knowing that it was all part of the Father’s plan of salvation. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to accept with patience and love the sorrows that befall us in this vale of tears, firmly believing that God works all things to the good for those who love Him.
Mary receives into her arms the body of Jesus taken down from the Cross (Jn 19:38)
O Mother of Sorrows, your heart was drowned in grief as you embraced the lifeless corpse of your Son. He who was your very life was now dead. Your light in this life was extinguished. Yet you accepted this sorrow with love knowing that it was all part of the Father’s plan of salvation. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to accept with patience and love the sorrows that befall us in this vale of tears, firmly believing that God works all things to the good for those who love Him.
The Seventh Sword of Sorrow
Mary helps place the body of Jesus in the tomb (Jn 19:39-42)
O Mother of Sorrows, who could express the cruel anguish of this moment? The same Child that you once wrapped in swaddling clothes amidst unspeakable joy, you now wrap silently in His burial shroud. Your tears mingle with the life blood that covers His broken body. But even in this moment your trust in His promise did not die. Your mourning was not without hope, for you knew that He would rise again from this grave just as He promised. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to believe with unshakable hope in the victory of our Lord even in the darkest moments of life.
Mary helps place the body of Jesus in the tomb (Jn 19:39-42)
O Mother of Sorrows, who could express the cruel anguish of this moment? The same Child that you once wrapped in swaddling clothes amidst unspeakable joy, you now wrap silently in His burial shroud. Your tears mingle with the life blood that covers His broken body. But even in this moment your trust in His promise did not die. Your mourning was not without hope, for you knew that He would rise again from this grave just as He promised. Through this bitter sword of sorrow obtain for us the grace to believe with unshakable hope in the victory of our Lord even in the darkest moments of life.
Holy Mother hear my prayers, and renew in my heart each wound of Jesus my Savior.
1st Mystery: The Annunciation
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In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. (Lk 1:26-38)
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. (Lk 1:26-38)
2nd Mystery: The Visitation
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." ... Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
(Lk 1:39-45, 56)
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." ... Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
(Lk 1:39-45, 56)
3rd Mystery: The Nativity
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Lk 2:1-7)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Lk 2:1-7)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."...And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mt 2:1-2, 9)
5th Mystery: The Finding in the Temple
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
On the third day they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. (Lk 2:41-51)
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.On the third day they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. (Lk 2:41-51)
But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them.
They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, "Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has risen. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day." And they remembered his words. (Lk 24:1-8)
7th Mystery: Assumption and Coronation of Mary
Hence the revered Mother of God, from all eternity joined in a hidden way with Jesus Christ in one and the same decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, a most perfect virgin in her divine motherhood, the noble associate of the divine Redeemer who has won a complete triumph over sin and its consequences, finally obtained, as the supreme culmination of her privileges, that she should be preserved free from the corruption of the tomb and that, like her own Son, having overcome death, she might be taken up body and soul to the glory of heaven where, as Queen, she sits in splendor at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages.The Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus , 41. 42. Pope Pius XII
Reflection: (Lk 1:26-38) ...the angel Gabriel was sent from God...to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus." ...and Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
Reflection: (Lk 1:39-56) ...[Mary] entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth...and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb..." And Mary said, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name..."
Reflection: (Lk 2:1-14) And Joseph too went up...to the city of David that is called Bethlehem...to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child...and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Reflection: (Lk 2:22-35) ...[Mary and Joseph] took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord...and to offer a sacrifice...Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon...It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord...Simeon blessed [Mary and Joseph] and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Reflection: (Lk 2:41-52) ...and when he was twelve years old, they went up [to Jerusalem] according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it...On the third day they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers...his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
Reflection: (Lk 3:15-22) The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I...will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
Reflection: (Jn 2:5-7) His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."...Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them up to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine...the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now. Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
Reflection: (Mk 1:14-18) After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they left their nets and followed him.
Reflection: (Lk 9:28-35) ...he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem...Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him."
Reflection: (Mt 26:26-30) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father." Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Reflection: (Lk 22:44-46) He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test."
Reflection: (Lk 23:13-25) [Pilate] said to them, "You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him...Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him." With loud shouts, however, [the crowd] persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed...and he handed Jesus over to them, to deal with as they wished."Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, could find no reason to put Jesus to death. In order to stop the Jews from demanding Jesus be crucified Pilate had Jesus scourged. The objective of the soldiers scourging Jesus was to mark His entire body from His ankles to His shoulders with bruises and torn skin.
Reflection: (Mk 15:16-20) They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. They began to salute him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him. They knelt before him in homage. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him."
Reflection: (Lk 23:26-32) And as they led him away...they laid the cross on [Simon of Cyrene] to carry after Jesus...Women...bewailed and lamented him..."Weep not over me; but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For behold, the days shall come, when they will say: Blessed are the barren...Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: Fall upon us; ...Cover us. For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry?"
Reflection: (Lk 2:23-46) Jesus was nailed to the cross from noon until 9th hour. While on the cross He forgave those crucifying Him, told the Good Thief, “This day you will be with me in Paradise”, took care of His Mother, pointed out the Psalm He was fulfilling, and finished the Last Supper. Finally, Jesus said, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit” and he died. His disciples buried him in a new grave owned by a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea. Everyone knew exactly where he was buried because they were eye-witnesses. They buried Jesus quickly because the Sabbath rest began at sundown.
Reflection: (Lk 24:36-48) And [Jesus] said to them, "Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem."
Reflection: (Acts 1:6-11) When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
Reflection: (Acts 2:1-4) When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Reflection: (Jdt 15:9-10) You are the glory of Jerusalem, the surpassing joy of Israel; you are the splendid boast of our people...God is pleased with what you have wrought. May you be blessed by the Lord Almighty forever and ever!
Reflection: (Rev 12:1) A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
Reflection: (Lk 1:26-38) When Mary was a young woman, God sent the angel Gabriel, who told Mary that she was filled with God’s grace and that she would conceive a boy named Jesus, who would rule forever. The angel also explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon Mary and her son would be called the Son of God. Although Mary was frightened, she knew that God wanted this, so she said, “Let it be done to me according to God’s word.” Then the angel went back to heaven.
Reflection: (Lk 1:39-56) Because the angel Gabriel told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth, was also going to have a child, (John the Baptist), Mary visited Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the little baby in her womb leaped up because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she understood that Mary was to be God’s mother. She said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb. Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? You are blessed, Mary, because you believed God’s word.”
Reflection: (Lk 2:1-20 and Mt 2:1-12) The Roman Emperor demanded a census. So, Joseph and Mary had to travel 90 miles to Bethlehem, to enroll their names. When they arrived, there was no room at the inn where travelers usually stay. Therefore, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable. Also, angels appeared to shepherds telling them to go to Bethlehem. There, they would find the child who was their Lord and Savior. When they came to the stable they told Joseph and Mary what happened. Mary always remembered their words. Later, three wise men came from the east. A star guided them to Jerusalem and to Bethlehem. They gave Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Reflection: (Lk 2:22-35) Forty days after giving birth, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to the temple to fulfill the Jewish law, regarding the purification of Mary after giving birth to a son and to introduce Jesus to His Father. A man named Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit to prophesy that Jesus would be a light to the nations and the glory of Israel. He also told Mary that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction and that her own heart would be pierced with suffering. A woman prophet, Anna, told everyone that the child would bring about the deliverance of Jerusalem.
Reflection: (Lk 2:41-52) Every year, the Holy Family went to Jerusalem (90 miles from Nazareth) for the Passover feast. When Jesus was 12 years old, he stayed behind in the temple. Soon, Joseph and Mary realized that Jesus was lost, and they returned to Jerusalem. On the third day they found him in the temple, speaking and asking questions. All were amazed at his learning. However, Mary was confused. “Why did you do this to us?” she asked. Jesus replied, “Did you not realize that I had to be in my Father’s house?” Jesus returned with them to Nazareth. For the next 18 years, Jesus studied to become a rabbi helping to support hmself and His family as a carpenter. At 30, he was baptized and began his preaching mission.
Reflection: (Mt 3:1-17) John the Baptist preached at the Jordan River, where large crowds came and were baptized. One day, Jesus came and was baptized by John. At that moment, the clouds opened up. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, came upon Jesus and God the Father said, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert where he was tempted for forty days.
Reflection: (Jn 2:1-12) Jesus and His disciples were invited to a wedding at Cana, in Galilee at which Mary was also present. However, a problem arose. They had no more wine. Mary told Jesus about the lack of wine and, then instructed the waiters, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus had them fill six large jars with water and take it to the headwaiter. After tasting the miraculous wine, the headwaiter wondered why the groom had kept the best wine until last. This miracle was Jesus’ first sign and his disciples began to believe in him.
Reflection: (Mk 1:35-39) Jesus gathered his twelve apostles and his disciples (men and women) and visited all the towns of Galilee. He told everyone to believe in God because the Kingdom of Heaven was coming soon. To prove that the Kingdom was at hand, Jesus healed many people and even raised some from the dead. He drove out demons and told them to be quiet. The crowds grew larger and the disciples believed more and more.
Reflection: (Mt 17:1-8) One day, Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain. When they were alone, Jesus clothes became extremely white and his whole body was transfigured and his face shone like the sun. When Moses and Elijah began speaking to Jesus, Peter wanted to build three tents, one for each of them. A cloud came and God the Father said, “This is my Beloved Son, listen to him.” Jesus told the three apostles not to tell the vision to anyone until he rose from the dead.
Reflection: (Mt 26:26-30) On the night before He began His passion, Jesus gathered his apostles in Jerusalem for the Last Supper. During the meal, Jesus took bread, broke it and gave it to his apostles saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” Then he took the chalice filled with wine and said, “Take and drink. This is the chalice of the blood of the new and eternal covenant which will be shed for the remission of sins. Do this in memory of me.” This Last Supper was the first mass. The apostles became priests and received their First Communion.
Reflection: (Mt 26:36-46) After the Last Supper, Jesus went with his Apostles to his favorite place of prayer, the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas had left the Last Supper to betray Jesus and to lead the soldiers to the Garden. As Jesus arrived, he told his apostles to pray, but they fell asleep. Jesus began to sweat blood and said, “Oh Father, if it is possible, let this suffering pass from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” After three hours, Judas and the soldiers came to capture Jesus.
Reflection: (Mk 15:11-15) Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, could find no reason to put Jesus to death. In order to stop the Jews from demanding Jesus be crucified Pilate had Jesus scourged. The objective of the soldiers scourging Jesus was to mark His entire body from His ankles to His shoulders with bruises and torn skin.
Reflection: (Mk 15:1-20) These soldiers took Jesus and put a military cloak on him and placed on his head a crown of thorns. They made fun of him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews”, striking Jesus on the head and spitting on him. Finally, they again clothed Jesus in his own robe.
Reflection: (Mk 15:21-22) When the crowd chose Barabbas, Pilate handed Jesus to the soldiers to lead him to Calvary. The soldiers made Jesus carry his cross. When Jesus grew too weak, they made Simon, the Cyrenean help him. Many women from Galilee and Jerusalem followed Jesus and wept for him.
Reflection: (Mt 27:45-61) Jesus was nailed to the cross from noon until the 9th hour. While on the cross He forgave those crucifying Him, told the Good Thief, “This day you will be with me in Paradise”, took care of His Mother, pointed out the Psalm that He was fulfilling, and finished the Last Supper. Finally, Jesus said, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit” and he died. His disciples buried him in a new grave owned by a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea. Everyone knew exactly where he was buried because there were eye-witnesses. They buried Jesus quickly because the Sabbath rest began at sundown.
Reflection: (Mt 28:1-10) After the Sabbath rest, early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalen and other women went to Jesus’ tomb. However, the stone was rolled away and an angel greeted them. “You are seeking the living among the dead. He is not here.” The women were frightened but filled with joy. As they returned home, Jesus came to them and said, “Go and tell my disciples to meet me in Galilee.” After this, Jesus appeared many times to his disciples, to prove that he was alive and to instruct them about their future work.
Reflection: (Lk 24:50-53) For the next 40 days, Jesus frequently appeared to his disciples. On one occasion, he came to 500 of them gathered together. He also came to Peter, to the two disciples, to the 11 apostles in the Upper Room, to Thomas (who doubted at first) and to many others. His final appearance came on the Mount of Olives. As they looked on, Jesus was taken up to heaven. An angel appeared to the disciples saying, “Why are you still looking up to heaven? Jesus will return to earth the same way you saw him go up.” They returned to Jerusalem and waited for the Holy Spirit whom Jesus had promised to send.
Reflection: (Acts 2:1-4) For 9 days, the 12 apostles gathered with Mary, Jesus’ mother, in the Upper Room. On the 10th day, (Pentecost – 50 days after Easter), there came a noise like a strong driving wind. A fire appeared and it separated into tongues of fire that settled upon the disciples’ heads. They all received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages. Soon a large crowd gathered. Peter explained to them that the people had made a mistake in crucifying Jesus. However, they could receive Jesus’ Spirit by being sorry for their sins and by being baptized. 3000 people were baptized. On this day, the Catholic Church was born.
Reflection: At the cross, Jesus asked the Beloved Disciple to care for his mother. At the end of Mary’s time on earth, Jesus took her body and soul directly into heaven. What Jesus did for Mary, he will also do for you. At the end of the world, He will take you, body and soul, into heaven.
Reflection: (Rev 12:1) Mary is God’s greatest creature. She is even above all the angels. When she got to heaven, she was made the queen. The Beloved Disciple wrote that she is the “Woman Clothed With the Sun with the moon under her feet and with a crown of twelve stars.” As Queen of Heaven and Earth, God gives her all power to help us. That is why we say the Hail Mary.
Reflection: Grant us, Mary, by the graces of this mystery, a listening heart that responds to the call of the Lord with a loving yes joined to yours.
Mary tells us: “I place in your hands a ray of Light. It is the Flame of Love of My Immaculate Heart! I am your caring Mother who loves you, and united with you hand in hand I shall save you.
Reflection: Open our hearts, Mary, to give joyfully and without counting and in a gratuitousness of love, as you did at the Visitation.
Mary tells us: "There is so much sinning in the world! Help Me save souls! I place in your hands a ray of light: the Flame of Love of My Immaculate Heart. Ignite your own heart with it and pass it on to others, at least to one more soul!"
Reflection: Mary, tenderness of the poor, make us discover the true wealth of the Kingdom, You who lived the wealth of the Kingdom at the birth of Jesus.
Mary tells us: "This Flame of graces springing from My Immaculate Heart has to go from heart to heart. This will be the great miracle whose light will blind Satan."
Reflection: Grant us, Mary, that we may recognize the Light of God in our lives, as Simeon recognized it at the Presentation of Jesus.
Mary tells us: "I will spread the flow of graces from My Flame of love over all peoples and nations. Not just those belonging to the Catholic Church but over all those marked with the sign of the Cross of My Divine Son."
Reflection: Mary, who welcomed in faith the mystery of the mission of your Son in the Temple, make us obedient to God's plan.
Mary tells us: "I can no longer suppress My Flame of Love within Me, let it flow toward you! Those who grant shelter to My Flame of Love will be empowered by an infusion of graces, and will proclaim to the whole world that such an outpouring of graces has never been seen since the Word became Flesh ... "
Reflection: Oh Mary, who kept everything in your Heart, make us attentive to God's presence and grateful for the privileged grace of our baptism.
Jesus tells us: “Let him who walks with Me look into My penetrating eyes and merge himself in them!”
Reflection: Oh Mary, Virgin of Cana, ask Jesus to change our hearts so that we may live ever more in the great freedom of God's children.
Mary tells us: “The many graces that I give you, if you make good use of them –and you must always use them better and better, cause a great number of souls to become better.”
Reflection: By your unceasing prayer, Mary, obtain for us to be authentic witnesses of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Jesus tells us: “Should you want to speak publicly or if you were asked to do so, I will then be there to comfort you. Each word should be like a seed which must bear many fruits among your listeners.”
Reflection: May our lives be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and may Your Flame of Love, Mary, warm our hearts.
Jesus tells us: “The aim is to make known the value of the work of salvation! Ah! If only your aspirations for salvation could reach the Throne of the Heavenly Father! The success would then be greater! Burn! Like the bush in flames of fire that did not burn up! I need a sacrifice that does not consume itself and whose fire reaches Me!”
Reflection: Oh Mary, Virgin of Contemplation, help us to increase our intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist, the Bread of Life of every day.
Jesus tells us: “Participation in the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass increases to the highest degree the blindness of Satan.”
Reflection: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by, nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it." With You, Mary, may it become our prayer in our trials.
Jesus tells us: "My table is always set, without interruption. I, the Master, have sacrificed everything! My Self, I give you."
Reflection: May our suffering, united to the scourging of Jesus, become a prayer of offering to the world, with You, Mary.
Jesus tells us: "When receiving Holy Communion, look deeply into your soul and feel the effects My Precious Blood produces within you. Do not be insensitive to that! It is not by habit that you should come to My table, but rather propelled by a love that will be fueled as it touches Mine, and which through Me, and in union with you, will burn away the sins of your soul..."
Reflection: May the thorns of our heart make the garden of our life blossom in faith with You, Mary.
Jesus tells us: “Without faith and trust, no virtue can take roots in you. They are the foundation of this holy project for which we are preparing."
Reflection: May our daily cross be enlightened by the sorrowful Cross of Jesus, which has become glorious by His Resurrection.
Jesus tells us: "We give you the strength and courage to take the first steps, but you should not delay accomplishing My will, or simply dismiss it with the back of your hand."
Reflection: May the loving words uttered by Jesus on the Cross become seeds of life, love and forgiveness in all the hearts.
Jesus tells us: "If you do not come to Me, how then can I bestow My graces upon you? The fullness of graces is stored up in My Heart. My Heart is an unending source of love."
Reflection: Through the power of Your Resurrection, grant us Lord the taste of life, and reach out to those who have lost its meaning.
Mary tells us: "When the consecrated and the laity observe absolute fasting on Monday, they deliver also many poor souls from Purgatory at each Holy Communion during that week at the time they receive the Holy Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Reflection: "Why are you standing here looking into the sky?” “Go out proclaim the Good News." May we become, oh Lord, authentic witnesses of Your Resurrection.
Jesus tells us: “The Church is in great danger and you cannot remedy the situation with earthly means or efforts. The Most Holy Trinity and the Holy Virgin alone, the Angels and all the Saints, and with the assistance of all the souls delivered by you from Purgatory, are still able to provide for the needs of the Militant Church.”
Reflection: Send forth Your Spirit, Lord, and give us the audacity of Your true disciples.
Jesus tells us: “I could compare this torrential flood to the first Pentecost. It will submerge the earth by the power of the Holy Spirit. All mankind will take heed at the time of this great miracle. Here comes the torrential flow of the Flame of Love of My Most Holy Mother. The world, darkened already by the lack of faith, will undergo formidable tremors and then people will believe!"
Reflection: "I am the Resurrection and the Life." May these words, Mary, maintain us in the hope and the certainty of an eternal tomorrow.
Mary tells us: “Only through speech can My Flame of Love become known. I am standing with sadness in My Heart by the side of the world. You have no right to remain silent, neither by cowardice nor pride, neither by negligence nor fear of sacrifice. The words you speak about Me must be impregnated with all the fervor of your soul so that mankind can be touched by the mystery of Heaven."
Reflection: Oh Mary, crowned in glory, kindle us continually by the Flame of Love of Your Immaculate Heart.
Mary tells us: “I grant to all of you the grace to be able to see the success of your effort with regard to the diffusion of My Flame of Love, as well as in each heart taken individually, as well as in your country and the whole world. You who toil and make sacrifices, you will see that My Flame of Love will submerge very soon the whole humanity.”
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES(Misteria Gaudiosa)
Jesus speaking to the soul:
In your daily life you also experience the mysteries of spiritual joy and peace. All people on earth experience them, but fail to recognize it. It is a joy to do God’s Will: Ecce ancilla Domini, (Behold the handmaid of the Lord). It is a joy to practice charity for the love of God: Visitavit Elisabeth, (She visited Elizabeth). It is a joy to receive Me truly present, even in the poor stable of a simple heart. It is a joy to perform your religious devotions in Church, offering yourself to God and purifying yourself of the sins committed in your fallen human nature. It is a joy to recover Me after you have lost Me. See, my child, that among the five joys, there are two great sorrows: The prophecy of Simeon to Mary and the loss of Me in the Temple. In the joy of the Spirit there is also suffering and dryness in your life. But in the Divine Will you can find peace. I give you my blessing.
The Annunciation
Jesus: You become too anxious in the way you live and too impulsive in the way you act. Always perform your tasks without hurrying. Look first for the Divine Will in everything you do, offering yourself to God, in Mary’s words: “Behold your handmaid, Oh Lord. Be it done to me according to Your Word.”
The soul: Oh my Jesus, allow me to understand the mysteries of Your love for me, so that I may do only Your will. I have not been grateful for Your love for me and often I am doubtful. Now I do believe in Your love and I offer myself to You: Ecce Ancilla Domini, Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
The Visitation to St. Elisabeth
Jesus: You make many sacrifices for others, but you do not always make them for God. Never work for human convenience, but only for the virtue of charity. Call on the Most Holy Mary, that she may come to sanctify your soul for the glory of God: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, My soul magnifies the Lord.
The soul: Deign, oh my Jesus, to turn Your Face toward this insignificant one of Yours. You give Yourself to me, real and alive in the Holy Eucharist, with Your infinite love. May I never be ungrateful for this gift. I beg You, and may I glorify You with all my love: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, My soul magnifies the Lord.
The Birth of Jesus
Jesus: Everyday I come to you in the Holy Eucharist and everyday I rest in you as in the stable of Bethlehem. I was born in the silence of the night and in the silence of love. I want to work in your soul. Do not waste My gift with anxiety of soul. Trust in Me because I am faithful and will not permit in you the evil of deceit and illusion.
The soul: Come, oh my Jesus, I believe in You. I adore You. Come into my poor heart and let me warm You with my love. I believe it is You who comes to me and I want to be faithful to You till death.
The Presentation of The Child Jesus in the Temple
Jesus: The most Holy Mary presented Me in the Temple and you present Me to God in the Eucharistic offering, through the hands of Mary. When I sacrifice Myself in you, you accept the sorrows of your life just as Mary accepted the sorrows prophesied to Her by the saintly old Simeon. Be faithful to Me in all the discomfort and sorrows of your day. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Eternal Father, I offer Jesus to You in reparation for my sins and the sins of the whole world. I offer Him up especially for all sins of impurity and that all souls, consecrated to You, may not offend You. I offer You all the sorrows of my life. Jesus I trust in You.
The Finding of Young Jesus disputing with the teachers in the Temple
Jesus: How many times I gave Myself to you with great love! And without trusting in Me, you lost Me. When You lose Me, my child, you think I am not yours anymore. Come to the Church and you will find My Tabernacle. Do not become lost in My ways of love. Come to me regularly in the Eucharist. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Oh my Jesus, my love is for You alone and I want to love You always above all things. Never allow the love of others to prevail in me. I only want to love You who are above all things. In this way I shall never lose You and You will be with me always.
The Baptism of Jesus
Thou are my beloved Son, in Thee I am well pleased. (Lk 3:21-22)
The life of John the Baptist represented for the Hebrew people a marvel, and even though he did not perform any miracles, many thought that he was the Christ, the awaited Savior. This suspicion, instead of being an honor for John, was a burden for him. Immediately, he tried to clear up this mistake as much as he possibly could, explaining openly the truth: He was baptizing with water, which was a symbol of penance and humiliation. The Savior, being God, infinitely more powerful than he, for Whom he was not worthy to unloosen the latchet of His sandals, would baptize pouring out the graces of the Holy Spirit and the fire of love. Hence His Baptism would be a true rebirth. John threatened the punishments of God but he had no power over souls. The Savior, instead, would have the ‘candelabra’ in His Hand, that is, He would be the Judge of souls. He would save the righteous and condemn the reprobates as useless straws for the eternal fire of hell. It would be wrong to exchange the symbol for the reality or the servant for the Master. God Himself took care to confirm the witness of John. Even Jesus Christ, in fact, went to be baptized. When he received the water and was covered by all our sins, the sky opened up, and appeared a strong light, almost as if the sky had been turned asunder, showing the eternal light. In that splendor the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus as a halo of light, in the shape of a dove with dazzling light and the voice of the Father could be heard, Who said: “Thou are my beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.” The white Dove of Light and the voice of the Father revealed the sanctity of Jesus Christ and His Divinity. The Holy Spirit consecrated His Humanity in the fullness of grace that touched the infinite and the voice of the Father expressed clearly that He was his Eternal Son, the object of His satisfaction. In this way the testimony of John was sealed and his mission could be said to have come to an end with the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. (From: The Commentary on St. Luke’s Gospel by Fr. D. Ruotolo –2ndEd. 2002 pp. 108 & following)
The Wedding at Cana
“They have no more wine” (Jn 2:1-11). “They have no more wine!” How many times Mary must have uttered this prayer, when in the house of Nazareth there was no more bread or what else She wanted to give to the poor? She was sure to receive what She wanted, as it was enough for Her to ask Her Divine Son. She knew by experience of the power of mediation that she had over the Heart of Jesus. It is nonsense to think that the Lord wanted to be independent of his Mother in his work of Redemption, when He entrusted all to Her from the beginning, and He wanted to have Her Co-Redemptrix at the foot of the Cross. It is even more nonsense to think that He wanted to reproach Her, when She was making a request out of charity. He then answered Her: “What there is between you and Me, Woman? My hour is not yet come”. And He wanted to say exactly this, as it is very clear in the context of what Jesus did thereafter: What difference is there between you and Me and what can I do that you cannot do? My hour is not yet come, the hour of my glorious manifestation, and that miracle that you want from Me, you can do it too. Mary with the words: “They have no more wine” claimed a miracle, either the multiplication of the last bit of wine remaining in some of the vessels or the transubstantiation of the water. “My hour is not yet come”. Was Jesus thinking already in that moment of the hour of the Eucharistic banquet of the Last Supper? When He spoke in the Cenacle of His hour, and of the desire he had desired it (Lk 22:15) make us believe that He always was thinking about it because the very purpose of His love was that of giving of Himself. His love had almost an aversion to give wine... He wanted to give his Blood; since his hour had not yet come he would have preferred that Mary perform the miracle. The Most Holy Virgin did not want only to give wine, but She wanted to give His apostles a reason for faith in Jesus. She wanted to strengthen them with a miracle and for this reason She persisted with Jesus for an action, saying to the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” By quick insight, She immediately understood the allusion of Her Son to transubstantiation and engaged the servants to provide the water for the miracle. As we can see, instead of being apart or almost stranger to each other, Jesus and Mary understood each other at once. Mary, as Mistress and Queen, entered into the intimacy of that Divine Heart and Jesus entered the delicate desires of the Immaculate Heart of his Mother. ...
In the courtyard or in the vestibule of the house, there were six stone vessels called idrie. These were vessels for the water, each to contain two barrels of it, in Greek three metrete, some smaller, some bigger. The metreta, which means measure, was the biggest measure of capacity for liquids. It equaled 40 liters. Every vessel, then, had about 80 to 120 liters and all together between 480 to 720 liters.Jesus gave order to the servants to fill them. With an interior act of omnipotent will, He ordered the water for those people who took care of the wine for the banquet; He
ordered it like He did when in the beginning, when He created things from nothing and ordered harmony. The chief of the banquet in that moment was to distribute wine and not water and Jesus bidding him draw it, changed it into excellent wine. His hour to give his own Blood had not yet come, but He desired, with that miracle, to withhold that greatest miracle of His love. Interiorly He said to that water: “This is the wine for the chief of the banquet”, like one day He would say on that wine: “This is my Blood that shall be shed for you.” The water immediately became wine.
“And His disciples believed in Him”. (From: The Commentary on the Gospel of St. John by Father Dolindo Ruotolo 2nd Ed. Napoli, Italy 1989 pp. 62-65)
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” (Lk 4:16-22). In the Synagogue of Nazareth was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah to Jesus. He unrolled the scroll and found a passage that spoke of Himself. The Prophet was talking about the Messiah to come, saying: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, hence he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, he has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and restore sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God. (Is 61:1ff). This was the mission of the labor of Jesus till the end of time, the synthesis of His spiritual mission and the marvelous work that would accompany it. ...
He, then anointed of the Holy Spirit was to evangelize the eternal truth to the poor, that is to the people, the sinners, the ignorant, all those deprived of light and supernatural grace; He was to heal the brokenhearted, that is, the afflicted, the timid and those who being humiliated by their own sins wished to be healed. While redeeming the people, He would announce to them their freedom. With the words of truth He would give light to the blind; with the spreading of the Gospel over all the earth He would give freedom to captives filling their heart with the joy of the grace of God; with the propagation of the Divine Mercies He would announce the year of favor, that is, the time of great grace for souls, and the final Judgment. However these benefits represented greater things that He would propagate for his Church through the centuries.
He made seven great annunciations that can be regarded as prophesies of the seven periods of the History of the Church:
- The evangelization to the poor.
- The renewal of human society, brought low by paganism.
- The triumph of the Church, reduced to bloody servitude by the Caesars of Rome.
- The illumination of the truth throughout the world through the Doctors of the Church.
- Freedom from persecutions at the time of the apostasy of nations and the triumph of the Church oppressed by tyranny.
- The Year of Favor, that is, a period of great graces and the triumph of the Church of God, the Church in the Kingdom of God.
- Finally the last deception and the Final Judgment. Jesus, rolling up the scroll again, handed it back to the attendant of the Synagogue and sat down. He looked around to gather all in his Heart and said to them: “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The Transfiguration of Jesus
“And while Jesus was praying his Face changed in appearance...” (Lk 9:29).
Jesus wanted to show himself to three witnesses on earth and two witnesses from Heaven: Peter, James and John representing mankind and Moses and Elijah representing the many who longed for the Redemption in the Old Testament. Hence Jesus took with him Peter, James and John and went up the mountain to pray. ...
Since he often prayed during the night, we are right to believe that it was already dark when he began to go up with the apostles. This is clear also because the apostles were overcome with sleep: after a day busy with activities, in the calm solitude of the mountain, in the humidity of the night, it is understandable that they fell asleep. However they had gone with Jesus to pray and they were trying to stay awake, as it can be understood from the Greek Text which says that “they were awake in spite of their drowsiness”, and that they became aware of the grandiose scene that took place on the mountain. Jesus prayed and His Transfiguration makes it possible for us to understand what His prayer was. He was inflamed by infinite love in front of the Father and all rapt by His glory. His face changed in appearance and became dazzling white by divine light and this intense light made his clothing also white. It was the most sublime ecstasy. It was the Word coming forth, we could say: His assumed humanity becoming completely diaphanous by the divine light and being enlightened. The sight was sublime, immense, and so great that it is not possible to imagine it. The true God was visible in it, just as in His concealment He was perceived as the true man. The Word glorified the Father knowing and appreciating Him and the assumed humanity shined in Jesus and through Him like a flame of holocaust.
Jesus prayed in that mysterious splendor. His prayer raised up so far above the poor earthly atmosphere, just as his divine splendor had to reach far beside and well past the immensity of the firmament. Jesus prayed and the splendor of his Soul and Body was proportioned to the humiliation that he was going to be subject to, during His Passion. It was, in fact, conforming to the divine Glory, that the Man-God was sacrificed, but it was a demand of His glory that He was recognized for what He was.
Jesus prayed as He spoke of His departure with Moses and Elijah; it was a sublime canticle rising to the One and Triune God, like a grandiose Psalm going through a dazzling parallel because Moses and Elijah exalted God for His promises, and Jesus exalted Him accepting in Himself the accomplishment of them, showing the perfect harmony in his life. The two Testaments were side by side, the shadow became the light of reality and the reality enlightened the truth of the symbols and of the figures. In this canticle was the entire ancient story of infinite harmony, answered in the Man-God with a triumphant harmony of love. The great light did not yet completely awake the apostles, and Peter spoke without knowing what he was saying. When they saw the light wrapped around Jesus, Moses and Elijah, because of the sudden contrast between the intense light and the shadow of the cloud, they woke up completely and they became frightened because in that cloud appeared the Father solemnly pointing to His Son as Master of humanity. From the cloud indeed came forth a voice that said: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him!” Tabor was truly the Sinai of the New Covenant from which the Son revealed Himself, just as the Cenacle was the mountain where the Holy Spirit was revealed. On Tabor the cloud represented also the Holy Spirit which unites the Father with the Son, and the Son to the Father in Infinite Love; but in the Cenacle the manifestation was special as that of the Son on Tabor and that of the Father in heaven on Sinai. (From: The Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke by Father Dolindo Ruotolo –2nd Ed. Napoli, Italy 2002 pp. 254 & following)
The Institution of the Eucharist
“With desire I have desired to eat this Pasch with you” (Lk 22:14).
Jesus was at the center of the table; His appearance was spiritualized and divine. ...
His most beautiful face had an air of majesty, of love, goodness, and peace and of a sweet inner sorrow like the shadow of a most beautiful painting that made Him even more beautiful. The Divinity hidden by the most holy Humanity surfaced from his features,
mysteriously incisive and most beautiful; His eyes were sparkling and Heaven was mirrored in them. He was the Bridegroom of the Canticles, who in that moment was offering himself, opening the door of his Mercy and love. He embraced the souls of all ages; embraced His Church and offered His life to her; He gazed around at His disciples and his sight embraced all of them with love, like a bare and wet rock in the rising sun. They were needy and poor of heart and did not even understand what He was going to do, but they were His and He loved them immensely. He had come to earth to make right the human failure and he was offering Himself as He gave them His life. The very misery of his Apostles increased his tenderness and He said: “With desire I have desired to eat this Pasch with you before I suffer”. The moment was solemn, and the Angels came down from Heaven to see it. In that moment the greatest miracle of God was accomplished, and it was accomplished in one moment with a single utterance of the Incarnate Word. He was already transfigured, but became even more transfigured. His face was like the face of God: Power, Wisdom and Love. He had the assurance of one who can do everything, the vigor of one who knows everything and accomplishes all with wisdom, the gentleness of one who gives with a most pure love.The Angels were in sublime awe and the Heavens stopped their music.
He took the bread, looked up to Heaven, and gave thanks, that is, He prayed fervently and thanked the Father for this great gift He was giving to mankind, broke the bread, hand[ed] it to the Apostles and spoke with a calm and loving tone. Before that the law of creation stopped in adoration and obeyed, as if vanishing before Him: “This is my Body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me”. The substance of the bread was as if struck by the Omnipotent Word and disappeared, giving place to the substance of the Body of the Redeemer; and because He did not pronounced His Omnipotent Word on the quantity of the bread it remained, together with the accidents, suspended like a veil over that divine substance. But He was not satisfied. He had given Himself as food, He wanted to give Himself also as drink; He had given His whole Body, now he wanted to give His Blood as well, in a sacrifice of love. He wanted to separate it, at all cost, from his Body, to anticipate its outpouring and perpetuation in all ages until the end of time. And He took the cup full of wine and giving it to His dear apostles, spoke with the same Omnipotent and Transubstantiating Word: “This chalice is the New Testament of My Blood, which shall be shed for you.” He not only shed it, He gave it; and making it sacramental, separated from his Body, he gave it as a sacrifice of love. It was his real Blood, not just a symbol: it was the same Blood that would be shed, not just a figure. It was the Blood of the same sacrifice of the Cross which would shortly be consummated by the betrayal of Judas; and for this reason, Jesus, to eliminate all doubts, added: “But yet behold, here is the hand of him who betrays Me. He is here with Me at the table”.(From: The Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke by Father Dolindo Ruotolo – 2nd Ed. Napoli, Italy 2002 pp. 487-490)
THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES(Misteria dolorosa)
Jesus: Unite yourself to Me in your suffering and the bitterness will become for you like incense, through the joy of offering them with Me for the salvation of souls. Suffer with patience. Do not lose your temper. Do not make others suffer for your impatience. Be at peace with everyone and forgive those that make you suffer, because forgiveness for others is a pledge of forgiveness for yourself, on the part of Divine Mercy. I bless your suffering and it will be highly regarded for your eternal life. Be at peace. I give you my blessing.
Jesus Prays in the Garden
Jesus: Fulfill the Divine Will in the sufferings of your life and especially in the agony of your sensitive heart. Do not become disheartened in your life. Keep your eyes on your final destination, which is Heaven. Do not grieve, but trust in God and confide entirely in Him. Do not become despondent but bear all things with patience and spread peace around you.
The soul: Oh Jesus, I am so weak. Teach me to follow Your Divine Will and strengthen me in my suffering. Soothe my nerves and tame my lively nature. May You be blessed, my God, in each of my sufferings. Amen.
Jesus is Scourged
Jesus: As I was scourged for love of you, so you must bear your physical pains for love of Me. Offer your tiredness for those who are weary in the ways of God; offer your suffering for those who seek pleasures of the flesh. Be holy in your suffering and give the example of your peace and your union with the Divine Will.
The soul: Oh my Jesus, I offer You all my suffering in union with Yours for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of souls. Grant me consolation. Give me strength.
Jesus is crowned with thorns
Jesus: I was crowned with thorns to expiate the faults of leaders and to restore to health poor lost minds. Pray to the wounds of My Head to keep in sound health your mind and the ones who are dear to you, because every disorder of the conscience has its roots in the disorder of the mind. Do not indulge in daydreams but ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you, that you may know how to act with confidence and peace in all your deeds.
The soul: Oh my Jesus, I beg You that I may I never, either stray from your truths or dishonor Your Name with strange and unholy ideas. Make me wise and prudent in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus carries His Cross to Calvary
Jesus: I go on carrying My Cross for love of you and you follow Me for love of Me. You hesitate to carry the cross because your nature seeks joy. But how can you have joy if you don’t carry the cross? So many souls would like to create their own cross and they want to make them light. When they do this by themselves, the Cross instead becomes much heavier, causing great distress and discouragement. Unite yourself to the Divine Will and bear your daily crosses with patience, with courage and submission. Trust in Me, for I am your Simon of Cyrene. I will help you. What good are impatience and rebellion? Why must you seek your will in everything, which can only cause you problems? Live with patience and you shall live in peace. I give you my blessing.
Jesus dies on the Cross
Jesus: Gaze on Me crucified and all your pains will become sweeter. Don’t be afraid. From My Cross I open My arms of Mercy to you and I save you. Trust in Me. Trust in Me. You are not on the wrong path because it is I who am leading you on your way with special love. Be at peace and join Me at the foot of the Cross, sacrificing yourself for Me. I give you My blessing.
The soul: My Jesus, make me faithful to You until death. Let me be like the holy women who always followed You with a lively faith. Like them, keep me committed to your truth.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES(Misteria gloriosa)
Jesus: Suffer in peace and hope in the happiness waiting for you. Life is a test and death itself is but sleep. Bear your suffering now and later you will be happy. You will rise from the tomb to be united to Me in body and soul. Bear your suffering. The sorrows of your life will be overcome, because every pain, suffered patiently, ends and it is transformed into glory. Lift high your aspirations; live in the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Love the Most Blessed Virgin Mary and follow Her, imploring Her protection and invoking Her as your Queen, the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary. Do not lose yourself in dark thoughts, do not see everything black and beyond repair. Trust, trust because what is lost shall be found and what is dead in you shall be revived. I give you my blessing.
The Resurrection of the Lord
Jesus: I am the Resurrection and the Life. Trust in Me through every pain and be certain of the triumph of My glory in your life. Be strong and live by My love and charity. Rise to a new life after you have crucified all your miseries on the cross of penance and mortification. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Oh my Jesus, restore me in Your grace, because I remain the same, in spite of all the many graces you bestow upon me. Put in my heart a new grace of contrition, that I may change my life and do Your Holy Will
The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
Jesus: Rise up and detach yourself from earthly things. You cannot rise if you do not first become small, humble and full of charity. Submit yourself because you are still full of yourself and you know that if a balloon is not filled with air, it cannot ascend. You need to empty your nature and be filled with the Holy Spirit. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Oh my Jesus, I am mortified by the very little progress I made since You called me to a more perfect life! Have mercy on me. Stretch out Your Hand to me that I may follow You, with all my heart, to the heights of a holy life.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Jesus: As you are bound by your physical nature, you allow yourself to be guided more by impulses and enthusiasm, rather then by Grace. When you sense a bit of fervor, you believe that all is well, yet you do not know to be faithful to Me, in the darkness and the anguish of the spirit. Invoke the Holy Spirit that He may lead you. Place your whole being in His Hands that He may lead you to God in the ways of Love. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Come, Oh God the Holy Spirit, come and fill my heart completely. Oh Mary, Mother dear, pray for me that the Holy Spirit will inspire me that, like the Apostles, I may be transformed and renewed.
The Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary
Jesus: You contemplate the Most Holy Virgin Mary assumed into Heaven with Her body and Her soul, yet you do not consider that the way, which brought Her to this great triumph, was the way to Calvary. If Mary suffered so much for Me, should you not also? It seems to you that you only have pains in your life here, and yet if you suffer for love of God, every bitter disappointment becomes a seed of Eternal Life. Accept your cross if you want to reach the glory of eternal triumph. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Draw me near to You, Oh Immaculate Virgin, and give me a great spirit of patience and peace. Draw my family and my children to God and pray for our salvation.
Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth
Jesus: The Most Holy Mary is your dearest Queen. Give Her the homage of your soul and love Her with all your heart. Devotion to Mary is the last hope of salvation for this troubled world and for your soul. Cultivate in your soul this devotion, contemplating the glory of your Mother and reciting the Holy Rosary with devotion. The Rosary is your special love for Her, I know. The Rosary saves you from despair and opens to you the luminous ways of charity and holiness. The Rosary is your comfort in your life and the sweet chain that unites you to God. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Thank You, Oh Jesus, for all the graces You bestow upon me. I beg you for perseverance in charity. In Your goodness, give me the crown in Heaven!
Reflection: The Annunciation – Fruit of Humility Reflection Credit
Mary said yes. God was asking a great amount of her. She could face disapproval. Joseph could abandon her. She might not be believed. Mary risked a lot because she had faith in God’s goodness. I imagine her kneeling in wonderment at the angel Gabriel, his hands encompassing hers, his forehead pressed against hers as he tells her of God’s great plan. She whispers “yes” knowing that her life is forever changed and possibly going to be much harder. She allows God’s will to be done and with that fiat the salvation of the world is set in motion. I pray that I can put God’s will before my own.
Reflection: The Visitation – Love of Neighbor
Newly pregnant, Mary walks several days to visit her cousin Elizabeth. She is greeted with great joy and exclaims her Magnificat. She spends several months serving Elizabeth. I imagine her performing the tasks of life so that Elizabeth, in her third trimester when the physical burden of pregnancy is greatest, can rest. Despite her own possible exhaustion and morning sickness, she serves her cousin. I imagine them at the end of the day sitting together and sharing their feelings about these two miraculous babies. I pray that I can serve as Mary did.
Reflection: The Nativity – Poverty of Spirit
Mary and Joseph are far from home and she is about to give birth. They find nowhere to stay. Rather than panicking, they rely on God who leads them to a safe, warm place for his son’s birth. I imagine their worry but also their sense of calm. They know God cares for them and he will not abandon them on this holy journey. As the angels announce Jesus’ birth and the shepherds come to pay him homage, Mary and Joseph are surrounded by God’s love. I pray for the grace to depend on God completely.
Reflection: Presentation in the Temple – Obedience
Mary and Joseph obey the law and bring their newborn son to the temple and offer a sacrifice. There they meet Simeon who has waited many years to meet the Messiah. I imagine Simeon gazing at Jesus. The Christ for whom he has waited has arrived just as God promised. He raises his eyes to heaven in thanks. He also warns Mary that her own heart will be pierced. She continues to trust God, not knowing what lies ahead. I pray for trust in God’s plan and patience in waiting for it to unfold.
Reflection: Finding Jesus in the Temple – Piety
After not knowing where he was for three days, Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple. I imagine the fear they felt when they realized Jesus was not with them as they returned from Jerusalem. I imagine how scared they felt as they looked for him and the increasing anxiety they experience as time passed. At last they find him in his father’s home. What relief and joy. We look for Jesus too and we can always find him in church. He is there waiting for us. I pray that I will not find reasons to avoid visiting Jesus regularly.
Reflection: Baptism of Jesus – Openness to the Holy Spirit
Though Jesus is without original sin, John baptizes him and God announces that Jesus is his son and He is pleased. I imagine standing in that cool river, feeling the water rush past me. The sounds of the crowd are muffled as my head goes below the surface. I imagine hearing God’s great voice proclaiming He is pleased with his son. I desire God to be pleased with me too, and pray that I can accept the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Reflection: Wedding at Cana – Jesus Through Mary
It is here Jesus’ public life is put into motion. I imagine Mary noticing that the wine is running out and hearing her ask Jesus for help, confident in his assistance. His respect for Mary is so high, he performs his first miracle at her request. Her command, “Do whatever he tells you” is for us too. The wine stewards listen and water is turned into wine. When we pray the Rosary she intercedes with her Son on our behalf. I pray to grow closer to Jesus with Mary’s help.
Reflection: Proclamation of the Kingdom – Repentance
Jesus went about the land preaching the coming of the kingdom of heaven. He healed the sick and cast out demons. I imagine the awe of the people watching this man proclaim the importance of repenting of our sins as he healed people of their paralysis or leprosy. He preached about love and forgiveness. We too need healing and repentance. I pray for the ability to be humbly and genuinely sorry for my sins against others and against the God who loves me and made me.
Reflection: The Transfiguration – Desire for Holiness
Peter, James and John accompany Jesus up Mount Tabor where Jesus is transformed before them in glorious light and Moses and Elijah appear. Peter desires to build tents for them so they may stay. God again proclaims pleasure in Jesus, his beloved Son and tells them to listen to him. I imagine the disciples seeing Jesus with the prophets of the past and hearing God’s voice. They received a beautiful gift from God and comforting words from Jesus to not be afraid. I pray for the desire to spend time with Christ thinking about his message and striving for holiness.
Reflection: Institution of the Eucharist – Eucharistic Adoration
Jesus gives us the greatest of gifts in his presence in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul and divinity. I imagine the disciples hearing these words of the New Covenant and the directive to do this in his remembrance. We reflect on this at every Mass as we genuflect before the tabernacle. We are also invited to visit Jesus in adoration. It takes great faith to believe in the Real Presence. I pray for the grace to have that faith, to seek him in adoration and surrender myself humbly to his service.
Reflection: The Agony in the Garden – conformity to God’s will
Jesus knows torture and death lie ahead and he prays that the cup will pass. He also prays God’s will be done. In his agony, he carries the weight of our sins so that we may be saved. I imagine the courage it took to give himself to God’s plan. We too suffer and while we may pray the suffering will end, we are given support from Our Lord to endure, as Jesus received strength from the angel in the garden. I pray for the courage to conform to God’s will especially when it may be difficult.
Reflection: The Scourging – Mortification
Jesus is brutally tortured to near death. Scourging was more than mere beating; it involved using instruments to inflict the most pain and blood loss possible without actually killing. Jesus was beaten for our sins. His mother watched as her son’s blood spilled on the ground. I imagine the horror she felt watching her precious child be brutalized, and how hard it must have been to not run to his rescue. I pray for forgiveness for my sins, the sins that contributed to the torture of my Lord.
Reflection: The Crowning with Thorns – Moral Courage
Jesus is clothed with a scarlet robe and crowned with thorns. He is mocked and spit upon by the soldiers. The people demand his crucifixion. Despite his innocence, he does not defend himself. He is strong in the face of hatred. I imagine his sadness at the people’s ignorance, his sorrow at their contempt. I pray for courage to defend God’s truth and strength to withstand the criticism and hatred of others.
Reflection: The Carrying of the Cross – Patience
Jesus’ humiliation continues, as he carries the Cross that he will be crucified on, through the town and people continue to mock him. I imagine the pain of the heavy wood against his back, rubbing against the open wounds from the scourging, the hot sun on him, the thirst, and hunger. I imagine his grief at seeing Mary, knowing she is watching her son die. Jesus is patient in enduring this suffering for us. I pray for more forgiveness, knowing my sins add to the weight of that Cross. I pray for patience in my own times of difficulty.
Reflection: The Crucifixion – Salvation
Jesus arrives and is nailed to the cross. As he hangs, slowly dying, he is comforted by the presence of his mother, Mary, her sister[-in-law], John, and Mary Magdalene. Mary [His Mother] is strong. She has watched him suffer and now die and she never leaves him. I imagine her heartache. In his words to Mary, “Woman, behold, your son” all of us are entrusted to her love. I pray in thanksgiving for Christ’s suffering and sacrifice so that I may be saved.
Reflection: The Resurrection – Faith
Jesus did as he foretold, he rose from the dead, thus securing for us everlasting life in heaven with him and his father. The women who went to visit his grave are greeted by an angel who gives them this good news and he tells them to tell the disciples of his resurrection. I imagine the joy they feel when they see the one they love living again, the celebration of the disciples and Mary when they are able to touch him and talk to him. I pray for faith that I too may one day be with Jesus in heaven.
Reflection: The Ascension – Hope
As Jesus ascends to heaven he tells his followers to go and make disciples. He sends them to the world to share his story and he promises he will always be with them. I imagine their surprise at seeing him lifted up into the clouds, and their wonderment at all that occurred. I imagine them considering what will happen next and how they will accomplish what he told them to do. They are filled with hope and maybe fear. I pray for hope when I don’t know the way forward or when times seem dark.
Reflection: The Coming of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom
The apostles and Mary are praying in the upper room in fear of the future. When the Holy Spirit, the Advocate Jesus said he would send, comes to them they are filled with the gifts they need to go out into the world: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, modesty, generosity, and chastity (Gal 5:22-23). ...
The fruits in purple type are omitted in several of the Greek and Latin manuscripts.
We receive these same gifts at our baptism and confirmation. I pray that I can use these gifts to share the love of Jesus and the story of his good news.Reflection: The Assumption of Mary – Devotion to Mary
Mary is taken to heaven to her rightful place with Jesus where she intercedes for us in prayer. I imagine her excitement at being with her son again, and her pleasure at being in heaven with God. I pray for her intercession and help in growing closer to Jesus, while asking her to help me love him more. She will keep pointing the way toward her son.
Reflection: The Coronation of Mary – Eternal Happiness
Mary is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. She listened to God’s will and stayed true to his plan for her life. Mary was not spared suffering but her reward in heaven is great. She is our queen too, and if asked she will help us in all facets of our life. I imagine her lovingly looking down at us and her happiness at our requests for help. I pray for her humility, patience, and trust.
Reflection: The Annuciation
IN THE ANNUNCIATION, the birth of the Son of God in the flesh is made to hinge on the consent of a woman, as the fall of man in the garden of Paradise hinged on the consent of a man. God in His power might have assumed a human nature by force, as the hand of a man lays hold of a rose. But He willed not to invade His great gift of freedom without a creature’s free response. Through the angel who salutes Mary in words that have become the first part of the Hail Mary, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,” Mary is asked if she will give God a man!
Mary learning that she will conceive without human love, but with the overshadowing of divine Love, consents, and a new humanity begins, with Mary as the new Eve, and Christ the new Adam.
The Annunciation is the Mystery of the joy of freedom. Our free will is the only thing in the world that is our own. God can take away anything else, our health, wealth, power, but God will never force us to love Him or to obey Him. The charm of Yes lies in the possibility that one might have said No.
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Mary has taught us to say Fiat to God. “Be it done to me according to Thy word.” But God Himself has taught us that, since He would not invade the freedom of a woman, then a man should never do so.
Reflection: The Visitation
THE GOSPEL tells us, “In the days that followed, Mary rose up and went with all haste to a city of Judea, in the hill country, where Zachary dwelt; and there entering in she gave Elizabeth greeting. No sooner had Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, than the child leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth herself was filled with the Holy Spirit; so that she cried out with a loud voice, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke :39-42).
Reflection: The Visitation
The first miracle worked by our Lord on earth was performed while He was still in His Mother’s womb. He stirred the unborn John and brought consciousness of His presence to Elizabeth, the cousin, of His Mother. Thus, long before Cana, our Lord shows that it is through His Mother that He works His unseen wonders in the heart and through her that He is brought into the souls of men.
The joy of the second Joyful Mystery is that of the Old Testament meeting the New, and of the young maiden greeting the old woman, as Mary burst into the most revolutionary song that was ever sung, the Magnificat, foretelling the day when the mighty would be unseated from their thrones, and the poor would be exalted.
Yet at that moment, when Elizabeth is the first to call her the Mother of God, even before our Lord is born, Mary answers in her song that her greatness is due to Him, and that she was chosen because she was lowly. It may very well be that Mary was chosen to be the Mother of God after she had in her vow renounced the honour. Though greater than Elizabeth, she visits her in her hour of need. Only as we become little do we ever become great in the eyes of God.
Reflection: The Nativity
ALL LOVE TENDS to become like that which it loves. God loved man; therefore, He became man. Thanks to His human nature, He could take on our woes and our sorrows, and feel the effects of sin as if they were His very own.
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But all this was conditioned upon Mary’s giving Him a human nature. Without her He would never have had eyes to see the multitude hungry in the desert, or ears to hear the pleading of the lame man of Jericho, or hands to caress children, or feet to seek the lost sheep.
For nine months, her own body was the natural Eucharist, in which God shared communion with human life, thus preparing for that greater Eucharist, when human life would commune with the Divine.
Mary’s joy was to form Christ in her own body; her joy now is to form Christ in our souls. In this Mystery, we pray to become pregnant with the Christ spirit, giving Him new lips with which He may speak of His Father, new hands with which He may feed the poor, and a new heart with which He may love everyone, even enemies.
Reflection: The Presentation
EVERY CHILD is an arrow shot out of the bow of its mother, but its target is God. Children have come through mothers, but they do not belong to them. Mary acknowledges this claim of divinity on her Child by presenting Him back again to God, as she offers the temple of His Body in the temple made by hands.
Mary here anticipated the joy of every mother who brings her child to the baptismal font, where God may claim His own. But in the case of Mary, the Child was claimed for sacrifice, as the aged Simeon said that He was a sign to be contradicted, for the cross is the contradiction.
Mary was even told that a sword her own soul would pierce. That would happen when her Son would have His heart pierced with a lance. Through His Body and her soul would go that one stroke of the sword.
She was the only mother who ever brought a life into the world to die.
Reflection: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
THERE ARE two kinds of souls in the world; those who hide from God and those from whom God hides. But when God hides, He hides in order that He might be sought the more, as if to draw out a deeper love.
During the three days when the divine Child was lost, the Blessed Mother became the mother of sinners. The essence of sin is the loss of God, and Mary lost God, not spiritually, but physically. During those three days, she came to know something of the solitariness of the sinner, the loneliness of the guilty, and the aloneness of the frustrated. Her divine Son, 21 years later, would feel it for Himself on the cross, when He would ask why God had abandoned Him.
Let no sinner ever despair of Divine Mercy, because Mary understands the tortures of the heart, but above all, because she knows where to find Christ. She also knows how to bring the sinner to her Divine Son. As the Madonna of the Empty Arms, she awaits your embrace.
Reflection: The Baptism of Jesus
THE OBJECT OF JESUS' BAPTISM was the same as the object of his birth, namely to identify Himself with sinful humanity. Had not Isaiah foretold that he would be "numbered with the transgressors?" (Is 53:12) In effect, Our Lord was saying, "Suffer this to be done; it does not seem fitting to you, but in reality, it is in complete harmony with my purpose in coming." Christ was not doing this as a private Person but as a representative of sinful humanity, though Himself without sin.
Reflection: The Wedding at Cana
THERE IS A COUNTERPOINT of joy and sorrow in the life of Christ that is found again in His first miracle which took place in the village of Cana. It is part of His pattern, that He Who came to preach a crucifixion of disordered flesh, should have begun His Public Life by assisting at a marriage feast.
Reflection: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT is so much at variance with all that our world holds dear that the world will crucify anyone who tries to live up to its values. Because Christ preached to them, He had to die. Calvary was the price He paid for the Sermon on the Mount.
Reflection: The Transfiguration
THREE IMPORTANT SCENES of Our Lord’s life took place on mountains. On one, He preached the Beatitudes, the practice of which would bring a Cross from the world; on the second, He showed the glory that lay beyond the Cross; and on the third, He offered Himself in death as a prelude to His glory and that of all who would believe in His name.
Reflection: The Establishment of the Eucharist
SINCE OUR DIVINE LORD came to die, it was fitting that there be a Memorial of His death! Since He was God, as well as man, and since He never spoke of His death without speaking of His Resurrection should He not Himself institute the precise Memorial of His own death and not leave it to the chance recollection of men? And that is exactly what He did the night of the last Supper.
Reflection: The Agony in the Garden
AS A KIND PERSON in the face of pain seeks to relieve the sufferings of his friend, so does moral kindness in the face of evil take on the punishment which evil deserves. Every mother would willingly, if she could, bear the aches of her child. A father will pay the debts of his wayward son as if they were his own. Our Lord, though guilty of no sin, nevertheless in His agony in the garden permitted Himself to feel the inner effects of sin, as on the cross He experienced also the external effects of sin. These internal effects were sadness, fear, and a sense of loneliness. “I looked for one that would grieve together with Me, and I found none.” (Ps 69:20)
He permits His head to feel blasphemies as if His lips had pronounced them; His hands to feel the sins of theft, as if He had stolen; His body to sense the guilt of defilement, as if it were the cause. Innocence knows sin better than the guilty, because the guilty are already part of it.
Sin is in the blood. The drunkard, the libertine, the tyrant have registered sin not only in their souls, but in their brains, the cells of their body, and the very expressions of their faces. If, therefore, sin is in the blood, to atone for it, blood must be poured out. Our Lord never intended that any other blood than His own should be shed in expiation for sins. Because men have not invoked the blood of Christ for their sins, they are now at war shedding one another’s blood.
The agony in the garden is not a triumph of the plans and the schemes of betrayers and enemies, but is permitted by divine decree. “This is your hour,” our Lord said to His enemies. Evil has its hour, but God has His day!
Reflection: The Scourging
SEVEN CENTURIES BEFORE, it had been foretold that our Lord would be so wounded for our sins that we would have “thought Him, as it were, a leper, and as one struck by God and afflicted.” The time has come for the fulfilment of that prophecy. Omnipotence is bound to a pillar in the hour of His death, as He was bound in swaddling clothes in the very hour of His birth.
The scourging at the pillar must have been terrible, because whenever our Lord foretold His passion, He always made particular reference to His scourging, as if to emphasise the outrage of His suffering. St. Peter, after the Resurrection, recalling how he stood in the outer court listening to the fall of thongs upon His flesh, and yet heard our Lord not complain, wrote: “Who when He was reviled, did not revile; when He suffered, did not threaten.”
The scourging is an act of reparation for the excessive cult of the body. “The body is for the Lord.” In expiation for self-indulgence, His body, as the second Ark of the Covenant, is disclosed to profane eyes, as the Spouse of souls now becomes the plaything of mockers. How many strokes He received, no one knows. The prophet foretold that He would be so scourged that the bones of His body would be numbered. We are saved by other stars and stripes than those on the flag; namely, by the stars and stripes of Christ, by whose stars we are illumined – by whose stripes we are healed.
Reflection: The Crowning with Thorns
AS THE SCOURGING was the reparation for the sins of the flesh, so the crowning with thorns was the atonement for the sins of the mind—for the atheists who wish there were no God, for the doubters whose evil lives becloud their thinking, for the egotists, centred on themselves.
The soldiers cursed as the thorns pricked their fingers. Then they cursed the Lord, as they drove the crown of thorns into His head, as a mockery of a royal diadem. Into His hands they placed a reed, the symbol of His kingdom, presumed to be false and unstable like the reed. He is now covered with a purple robe to ridicule His claim to kingship of hearts and nations. Blindfolding Him, they struck Him, asking Him to prophesy, or tell who it was that delivered the blow. They then bowed down before Him in mock reverence, spitting in His face, that all the subsequent Mindszentys, Stepinacs, and martyrs of the world might have courage in their hour of martyrdom.
In this Mystery is verified the truth of our Saviour’s warning: “If the world hates you, be sure that it hated Me before it learned to hate you. If you belonged to the world, the world would know you for its own and love you; it is because you do not belong to the world, because I have singled you out from the midst of the world, that the world hates you.” He who expects to preserve His faith without being mocked by the world is either weak in it, or else not so bold in goodness as to draw upon himself the mocking insults of another purple robe and a torturing circle of thorns.
Reflection: The Carrying of the Cross
ANY CROSS would be easy to bear if we could only tailor it to fit ourselves. Our Lord’s cross was not made by Him, but for Him. Crosses and burdens are thrust upon us. Our acceptance makes them personal. Our Lord even said that there would be at least seven crosses a week: “Take up your cross daily and follow Me.”
Crosses are of two kinds: pure ones, which come from the outside, such as pain, persecution, and ridicule; and inner, or impure crosses, which come as the result of our sins, such as sadness, despair, and unhappiness. These latter crosses can be avoided. They are made by contradicting the will of God. The vertical bar of the cross stands for God’s will; the horizontal bar stands for our wills. When one crosses the other, we have the cross.
Our Lord never promised that we would be without a cross; He only promised that we would never be overcome by one. St. Peter so loved the cross that when the time came for his execution he asked to be crucified upside down.
May He who was found guilty of no other crime than that of the excess of love make us hate the load of sin that made His cross. The whole cross borne in union with His will and following in His footsteps is easier to bear than the splinters against which we rebel.
Reflection: The Crucifixion
OUR LORD spent 30 years of His life obeying, three years teaching, three hours redeeming! But how did He redeem? Suppose a golden chalice is stolen from an altar and beaten into a large ash tray. Before that gold can be returned to the altar, it must be thrown into a fire, where the dross is burned away; then the chalice must be recast, and finally blessed and restored to its holy use.
Sinful man is like that chalice which was delivered over to profane uses. He lost his Godlike resemblance and his high destiny as a child of God. So our blessed Lord took unto Himself a human nature, making it stand for all of us, plunged it into the fires of Calvary to have the dross of sin burned and purged away. Then, by rising from the dead, He became the new head of the new humanity, according to which we are all to be patterned.
Reflection: The Crucifixion THE CROSS reveals that unless there is a Good Friday in our lives, there will never be an Easter Sunday. Unless there is a crown of thorns, there will never be the halo of light. Unless there is the scourged body, there will never be a glorified one. Death to the lower self is the condition of resurrection to the higher self. The world says to us, as it said to Him on the cross: “Come down, and we will believe!” But if He had come down, He never would have saved us. It is human to come down; it is divine to hang there. A broken heart, O Saviour of the world, is love’s best cradle! Smite my own, as Moses did the rock, that Thy love may enter in!
Reflection: The Resurrection
OUR BLESSED LORD compared Himself to a seed, saying that unless the seed fell to the ground and died, it would not spring forth to life. He now by the power of God rises with the flowers of springtime in the newness of life, and gives to the earth the only serious wound it ever received the irreparable wound of an empty grave.
The birth of the Son of God in the form of man was announced to a Virgin; the first announcement of His Resurrection was made to a repentant sinner, Magdalen, that none of us would be without hope. Thomas the Apostle would not believe until he had put his hand into His side, and his fingers into our Lord’s hands. Thus do we know that our Lord kept not His wounds but His scars as proof of His love: “With these was I wounded in the house of those who love Me.”
The Resurrection begins to affect our lives the day of Baptism. When baptised, we are plunged into the waters as if “buried in the sepulchre to sin and death; emerging from the waters clothed with grace as the principle of Divine Love, we are like the Christ rising from the tomb in the glory of the Resurrection.”
Though we are risen in spirit with Christ, so that “our conversation is in heaven,” our bodies will not share that glory until our own final resurrection. In the meantime our body must be crucified with Christ’s that we may rise with Christ.
On the road to Emmaus on Easter Sunday, our Lord said to His disciples, “Was it not to be expected that the Christ should undergo these sufferings, and enter so into His glory?”
But if that be the law of Innocence, then how shall we, the guilty, hope to escape from it?
Reflection: The Ascension
OUR BLESSED LORD did not ascend to heaven immediately after the Resurrection but remained on earth for 40 days, speaking to the Apostles about the Kingdom of God. It was during these days that He gave the details of His Church, which He said would have its visible manifestation on Pentecost.
“And so the Lord Jesus, when He had finished speaking to them, was taken up to heaven, and is seated now at the right hand of God.” “Seated” is a figurative expression of eternal repose, which He has merited by His victory over sin. “At the right hand” is a symbol of His power of eternal intercession before His heavenly Father on our behalf.
The Ascension of Christ is the assurance of our own ascension into heaven after the Last Judgment. Not yet ascended in body, we nevertheless enjoy the ascension of our minds in union with Him. We find our true home in heaven. It is to heaven that we look expectantly for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to save us; He will form this humbled body of ours anew, modelling it into the image of His glorified body, so effective is His power to make all things obey Him.
O heavenly Magnet, in each Communion draw our body and blood to Thy own, that already following Thee in heart, we may later ascend with Thee in the flesh!
Reflection: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
MANY HAVE WISHED that Our Blessed Lord had remained on earth, that we might have heard His voice, seen His compassionate eyes, and brought our children to be blessed by His hands. But He said, “I can say truly that it is better for you I should go away; He who is to befriend you will not come to you unless I do go, but if only I make my way there, I will send Him to you.”
If our Lord had remained on earth, He would have been only a symbol to be copied – not a life to be lived. By returning to His heavenly Father, He could then send both from the Father and Himself the Holy Spirit that would make Him live on earth in His new Body, which is the Church.
The human body is made up of millions of cells, and yet is one because vivified by one soul, presided over by a visible head, and governed by an invisible mind. So on Pentecost, the Apostles, who were like the cells of a body, became Christ’s Mystical Body, because vivified by His Holy Spirit, governed by one visible head, Peter, and presided over by one invisible head, Christ in heaven. Our glorious Church is not an organisation, but an organism. As our Lord once thought, governed, and sanctified through a human body, which He took from the womb of His blessed Mother, so now He teaches, governs, and sanctifies through His Mystical Body, the Church, which He took from the womb of humanity overshadowed by His Holy Spirit.
Christ was infallible when He talked through a human body; He is still infallible when He teaches through a mystical Body. Christ sanctified when He forgave sins with human lips; He sanctifies still when He forgives sins through the power of His priests. Christ governed through His human Body, and He governs still. “He that heareth you, heareth Me.”
As a drop of blood can live in the body, but cannot live apart from the body, so neither can any of us live the fullness of the Christ Life except in His Mystical Body, the Church.
Reflection: The Assumption
WHAT THE ASCENSION WAS to our Lord, that the Assumption is to our Lady. Certainly she, the new Garden of Paradise, in which grew the Lily of divine sinlessness and the red Rose of the Church, should not be delivered over and forgotten by the heavenly Gardener. She, in whose womb was celebrated the nuptials of eternity and time is more of eternity than time. If husband and wife in marriage are made two in one flesh, then shall not she, who is the new Eve of the new Adam, be also made two in one spirit with Him?
As Christ ascended into heaven to the unity of the divine nature, so Mary is assumed into heaven in the unity of Christ’s human nature. Her mystical flight is the event to which our whole generation moves.
Our age of carnalities, which loves the “body beautiful,” is lifted out of its despair by the Assumption, to honour a body that is beautiful because it is a temple of God, a gate through which the Word of heaven passed to earth, a Tower of Ivory up which climbed divine Love to kiss upon the lips of His Mother a mystic rose. *
To this daughter of the new Eve goes up our prayer:
The celestial traitress play
And all mankind to bliss betray;
With sacrosanct cajoleries
And starry treachery of your eyes,
Tempt us back to Paradise.
[* See Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto)]
And all mankind to bliss betray;
With sacrosanct cajoleries
And starry treachery of your eyes,
Tempt us back to Paradise.
[* See Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto)]
Reflection: The Coronation
Our Lady went into a strange country
And they crowned her for a queen,
For she needed never to be stayed or questioned
But only seen;
And they were broken down under unbearable beauty
As we have been.
But ever she walked till away in the last high places
One great light shone
From the pillared throne of the king of all that country
Who sat thereon;
And she cried aloud as she cried under the gibbet
For she saw her Son.
Our Lady wears a crown in a strange country,
The crown He gave
But she has not forgotten to call to her old companions,
To call and crave;
And to hear her calling a man might arise and thunder
On the doors of the grave.
—REGINA ANGELORUM by G. K. Chesterton
Reflection on the Annunciation
Sweet Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to thee with the tidings that thou wert to become the Mother of God; greeting thee with the sublime salutation, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee!” And thou didst humbly submit thyself to the will of the Father, responding; “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word” I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Visitation
Sweet Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Visitation, when, upon thy visit to thy holy cousin, Elizabeth, she greeted thee with prophetic utterance, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” And, thou didst answer her with that Canticle of Canticles, the Magnificat, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Nativity
Sweet Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Nativity of our Lord, when, thy time being completed, thou didst bring forth, Oh Holy Virgin, the Redeemer of the World in a stable at Bethlehem; where upon choirs of angels filled the heavens with their exultant song of praise “Glory to God in the Highest, on earth peace to men of goodwill,” I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Presentation
Sweet Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Presentation, when, in obedience to the Law of Moses, thou didst purify thyself before introducing your Son to His Father in the Temple, where the holy prophet Simeon, taking the child in his arms, offered thanks to God for sparing him to look upon his Savior and foretold thy sufferings by the words: “Thy soul also a sword shall pierce…” I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Sweet Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple, when having sought him for three days, sorrowing, thy heart was gladdened upon finding him in the Temple speaking to the teachers; and when, upon thy request, He obediently returned home with thee, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River
Oh courageous Mother Mary, meditating on the mystery of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, when your son, as an example to all, insisted on being baptized by his cousin John and the sky opened and the Holy Spirit came down to him like a dove and a voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear son in whom I am well pleased,” I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Wedding at Cana, The First Miracle of Jesus
Oh courageous Mother Mary, meditating on the mystery of the First Miracle of Jesus at the Wedding Feast at Cana, when your urging your son to perform the first of his many miracles by helping a couple celebrate their marriage by changing water into wine of such quality that the chief steward upbraided the host by saying, “Usually people serve the best wine first and save the cheaper wine for last, but you have saved the choice wine for last.” I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Oh courageous Mother Mary, meditating on the mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, when your son revealed that the reign of God has already begun “within us” and we are called to conversion and forgiveness, praying “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Transfiguration
Oh courageous Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Transfiguration, when your son revealed his glory to his three disciples, appearing on a mountain with Moses and Elijah, his face shining like the sun and a voice from heaven proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son… Listen to him”, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Institution of the Eucharist
Oh courageous mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, when on the day your son celebrated the Passover with his disciples and took bread and gave it to them saying “Take and eat; this is my body.” And when dinner was finished took a cup of wine and shared it with them saying, “Take and drink; this is my blood, which will be given up for you; do this in memory of me,” I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Agony
O most sorrowful Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Agony of Our Lord in the Garden, when, in the Garden of Olives, Jesus saw the sins of the world unfold before Him by Satan, who sought to dissuade Him from the sacrifice He was about to make: when, His soul shrinking from the sight, and His precious blood flowing from every pore at the vision of the torture and death He was about to undergo, thy own sufferings, dear Mother, the future sufferings of His Church, and His own sufferings in the Blessed Sacrament, He cried in anguish, "Abba! Father! if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me!"; but immediately resigning Himself to His Father's will, He prayed, Not as I will, but as Thou wilt!" I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Scourging
O most sorrowful Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Scourging of Our Lord, when, at Pilate's command, thy divine Son, stripped of his garments was lacerated from head to foot with cruel scourges and His flesh torn away until His entire body was marked, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Crowning with Thorns
O most sorrowful Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Crowning with Thorns, when, the soldiers binding about His head a crown of sharp thorns, showered blows upon it driving the thorns deeply into His head; then in mock adoration, knelt before Him, crying, "Hail King of the Jews!" I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Carrying of the Cross
O most sorrowful Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Carrying of the Cross, when, with the heavy wood of the cross upon His shoulders, thy divine Son was dragged, weak and suffering, yet patient, through the streets, amidst the revilements of the people, to Calvary; I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Crucifixion
O most sorrowful Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Crucifixion, when, having been stripped of His garments, thy divine Son was nailed to the cross, upon which He died after three hours of indescribable agony, during which time He begged His Father forgiveness for His enemies, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Resurrection
O glorious Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Resurrection of Our Lord from the Dead, when, on the morning of the third day after His death and burial, He arose from the dead and appeared to thee, dear Mother, and filled thy heart with unspeakable joy: then appeared to the holy women, and to His disciples, who adored Him as their risen God, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Ascension
O glorious Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Ascension, when, thy divine Son, after forty days on earth, went to Mount Olivet accompanied by His disciples and thee, where all adored Him, after which He promised to remain with them until the end of the world; then extending His pierced hands over all in a last blessing He ascended before their eyes into heaven, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Descent of the Holy Spirit
O glorious Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, when, the apostles being assembled with thee in a house in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of fiery tongues, inflaming the hearts of the apostles with the fire of divine love, teaching them all truths, giving to them the gifts of tongues, and filling thee with the plentitude of His grace, inspired thee to pray for the apostles and the first Christians, I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven
O glorious Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of Thy Assumption into Heaven, when, consumed by the desire to be united with thy divine Son in heaven, thy soul united itself to Him, Who out of the excessive love He bore for thee, His Mother, whose virginal body was His first tabernacle, took thee body and soul into heaven and there, amidst the acclaims of the angels and saints glorified thy body. I humbly pray:
Reflection on the Coronation of our Blessed Mother in Heaven as its Queen
O glorious Mother Mary, meditating on the Mystery of Thy Coronation in Heaven, when, upon being taken up to heaven, thou wert triply crowned as the August Queen of Heaven by God the Father as His beloved daughter, by God the Son as His dearest Mother, and by God the Holy Spirit as His chaste Spouse; the most perfect adorer of the Blessed Trinity, pleading our cause as our most powerful and merciful Mother through thee, I humbly pray:
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate Jesus' agony in the garden - for pardon for sins of the mind and heart against the Will of God.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate the Scourging of Jesus - for pardon for the sins of torture.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate Jesus' crowning with thorns - for pardon for sins of mockery.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate Jesus carrying His cross - for pardon for sins committed every day in the world around us.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate the Crucifixion of Jesus - for pardon for sins of unjust death and cruelty.
THE FIRST MYSTERY:
The Brazen Serpent
From Mount Hor, they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food." Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses, and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. and the Lord said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live." (Numbers 21:4-9)
The Brazen Serpent
From Mount Hor, they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food." Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses, and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. and the Lord said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live." (Numbers 21:4-9)
THE SECOND MYSTERY:
The Lord's Compassion on His Afflicted
"Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted. (Isaiah 49:13)
The Lord's Compassion on His Afflicted
"Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted. (Isaiah 49:13)
THE THIRD MYSTERY:
The Lord Heals the Woman Who Touched His Garment
And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment: for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. (Matthew 9:20-23)
The Lord Heals the Woman Who Touched His Garment
And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment: for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. (Matthew 9:20-23)
THE FOURTH MYSTERY:
The Lord Heals the Man in the Synagogue on the Sabbath
And he went on from there, and entered their synagogue. And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. And they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?" so that they might accuse him. He said to them, "What man of you if he has one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath." Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, whole like the other. (Matthew 12:9-13)
The Lord Heals the Man in the Synagogue on the Sabbath
And he went on from there, and entered their synagogue. And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. And they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?" so that they might accuse him. He said to them, "What man of you if he has one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath." Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, whole like the other. (Matthew 12:9-13)
THE FIFTH MYSTERY:
The Lord Raises Lazarus Back to Life
Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, unbind him, and let him go." (John 11:38-44)
The Lord Raises Lazarus Back to Life
Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, unbind him, and let him go." (John 11:38-44)
Reflection on the Annunciation to Mary
From the Gospel according to Luke:
The angel said, "Don't be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over Jacob's house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
The Lord's words are also for each one of us: Give me your heart. Do not waste the encouragement of such a tender and caring Father. Open the door of your heart to Him with total trust and abandonment.
Reflection on the Visitation of Mary
From the Gospel according to Luke:
Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she blurted out, "God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Reflect upon the great humility of the Mother of God, our Mother, and constantly keep it within your mental gaze. The more she was filled with heavenly gifts, the more deeply did she humble herself. Let it be for you like for her: the more gifts you receive, the more you want to humble yourself.
Reflection on the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ
From the Gospel according to Luke:
The angel said, "Don't be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you - wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David's city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and laying in a manger". Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, "Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Our heart feels too small to contain the heavenly favours and our soul seems to almost disintegrate in the presence of this God who took human flesh for our own sake. How can we help loving Him more and more fervently? Oh, let us draw near to the Child Jesus with our hearts free from sin, that we may discover how sweet and delightful it is to love Him.
Reflection on the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple
From the Gospel according to Luke:
Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said, "Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation. You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. It's a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Holiness means loving our neighbour as ourselves, all for the love of God. In this connection holiness means loving those who curse us, who hate and persecute us, and even doing good to them. Holiness means living humbly, being disinterested, prudent, just, patient, kind, chaste, meek, diligent, carrying out one's duties for no other reason than that of pleasing God and receiving from Him alone the reward we deserve.
Reflection on the Finding of Our Lord in the Temple
From the Gospel according to Luke:
When his parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother said, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We've been looking for you!" Jesus replied, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father's house?".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
You may be fearful, if you like, but let your fear be a holy fear, which is never separated from love. When fear and love are united, they help each other, like sisters, to remain on their feet and to walk securely in the Lord's paths.
Reflection on the Baptism in the Jordan
From the Gospel according to Matthew:
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying: “This is my beloved Son (Ps 2:7) in whom I am well pleased” (Is 42:1); (Mt 3:17, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22).
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
We believe that Jesus will invariably sustain us by his grace. We shall fight as strong men, through the strength of our souls, and the prize will not be far off.
Reflection on the Wedding at Cana
From the Gospel according to John:
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They don't have any wine". Jesus replied, "Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn't come yet". His mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you". Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water", and they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter", and they did. The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn't know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. The headwaiter called the groom and said, "Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Be patient and persevere in the holy exercise of meditation and be content with taking small steps, until you have the legs to run, or better still, wings to fly. Be content with obedience, which is never an easy matter for a soul which has chosen God as its portion, and resign yourself for now, to being a little bee in a hive, that will soon become a big bee capable of making honey.
Reflection on the Proclamation of the Kingdom
From the Gospel according to Mark:
After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God's good news, saying, "Now is the time! Here comes God's kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!"
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Jesus said: Unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And before teaching this by his words, he had already put it into practice. He became a child and gave us the example of that simplicity he was to teach us later also by his words.
Reflection on the Transfiguration
From the Gospel according to Mark:
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, "Rabbi, it's good that we're here. Let's make three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah". He said this because he didn't know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, "This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
I am consumed by the love for God and the love for my neighbour. God is continually fixed in my mind and imprinted in my heart. I never lose sight of him.
Reflection on the Institution of the Eucharist
From the Gospel according to Matthew:
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take and eat. This is my body". He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven. I tell you, I won't drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father's kingdom".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Let us approach to receive the bread of angels with great faith and with a great flame of love in our hearts. Let us await this most tender lover of our souls in order to be consoled in this life with the kiss of His mouth. Happy are we if we succeed in receiving from the Lord the consolation of this kiss in the present life! Then indeed will we feel our will inseparably bound to Jesus will at all times and nothing in the world will prevent us from willing what our divine Master wills.
Reflection on the Agony of Christ in the Garden
From the Gospel according to Mark:
Jesus and his disciples came to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to them, "Sit here while I pray". He took Peter, James, and John along with him. He began to feel despair and was anxious. He said to them, "I'm very sad. It's as if I'm dying. Stay here and keep alert". Then he went a short distance farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if possible, he might be spared the time of suffering. He said, "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible. Take this cup of suffering away from me. However - not what I want but what you want".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Hence it is, Father, that the bitterness of the trial is sweetened by the balm of God's goodness and mercy. Praise be to God who can so marvellously alternate joy and tears so as to lead the soul by unknown paths to the attainment of perfection.
Reflection on Scourging at the Pillar
From the Gospel according to Matthew:
Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was starting. So he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I'm innocent of this man's blood" he said. "It's your problem". All the people replied, "Let his blood be on us and on our children". Then he released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus whipped, then handed him over to be crucified.
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Never fall back on yourselves, but place all your trust in God and don't be too eager to be set free from your present state. Let the Holy Spirit act within you.
Reflection on the Crowning with Thorns
From the Gospel according to John:
The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. Over and over they went up to him and said, "Greetings, king of the Jews!" And they slapped him in the face.
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
May faith and the reassurance of the Christian hope always offer you continual support. If you act in this way the heavenly Father will ease your trials with the balm of His goodness and mercy.
Reflection on the Carrying of the Cross
From the Gospel according to Matthew:
When they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Skull Place, they gave Jesus wine mixed with gall to drink. But after tasting it, he didn't want to drink it. After they crucified him, they divided up his clothes among them by drawing lots. They sat there, guarding him. They placed above his head the charge against him. It read, "Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
What are you afraid of with regard to your own soul? Don't you know that Jesus is with you and is doing everything within you? Calm yourself and do not heed those vain and useless fears; fill up the empty places in our heart with a fervent love of God.
Reflection on the Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord on the Cross
From the Gospel according to Luke:
It was now about noon, and darkness covered the whole earth until about three o'clock, (Am 8:9) while the sun stopped shining. Then the curtain in the sanctuary tore down the middle. Crying out in a loud voice, Jesus said, "Father,into your hands I commend my spirit." After he said this, he breathed for the last time.
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
I am all aflame, although there is no fire. I feel myself bound to the Son by means of this Mother, without seeing the chains which bind me so tightly. A thousand flames consume me; I feel I am constantly dying, yet I am still alive.
Reflection on the Resurrection
From the Gospel according to Matthew:
The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn't here, because he has risen from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him. Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, “He's been raised from the dead. He's going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.” I've given the message to you".
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Let yourself be guided by Jesus by means of authority as he pleases. Be assured that all is well with you and will always be well. Jesus is and will be yours; you are his and will always be his!
Reflection on the Ascension
From the Acts of the Apostles:
After his suffering, he showed them that he was alive with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days, speaking to them about God's kingdom. "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth". After Jesus said these things, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight.
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Peace is simplicity and serenity of the mind, tranquillity of the soul, the bond of love. Peace means order, harmony in our whole being, it means continual contentment springing from the knowledge of a good conscience; it is the holy joy of a heart in which God reigns. Peace is the way to perfection, indeed perfection is to be found in peace.
Reflection on the descent of the Holy Spirit
From the Acts of the Apostles:
When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Let us always trust in God and may our lively faith and the comfort of Christian hope assist us in this. We must pray continually, moreover, that peace may soon smile on the nations.
Reflection on the Assumption
From the Gospel according to Luke:
With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favoured
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
I wish I had a voice strong enough to invite the sinners of the whole world to love Our Lady. But since this is not within my power, I have prayed and will pray to my dear Angel to perform this task for me.
Reflection on the crowning of Our Lady Queen of Heaven
From the Book of Revelation:
Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.
From the writings of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
The external doors open, and the mother of God enters. As soon as the blessed ranks see her, they are struck by the splendor of her beauty and so they all move to greet her joyfully and with rejoicing; they salute and honour her with the most exalted titles, prostrate themselves at her feet, present their compliments to her, and unanimously proclaim her Queen. The Holy Trinity joins the feast of angels. The Father welcomes His beloved one and invites Her to take part in his power.
The First Mystery:
"No one can rejoice more than I do at every step the people of this great country take to preserve the Union, establish good order and government, and to render the nation happy at home and respectable abroad. No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wondrously strange then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means, and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us, so plainly; I cannot believe it will ever come to pass. The Great Governor of the Universe has led us too long and too far on the road to happiness and glory, to forsake us in the midst of it. By folly and improper conduct, proceeding from a variety of causes, we may now and then get bewildered; but I hope and trust that there is good sense and virtue enough left to recover the right path before we shall be entirely lost."
George Washington, June 29, 1788
"No one can rejoice more than I do at every step the people of this great country take to preserve the Union, establish good order and government, and to render the nation happy at home and respectable abroad. No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wondrously strange then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means, and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us, so plainly; I cannot believe it will ever come to pass. The Great Governor of the Universe has led us too long and too far on the road to happiness and glory, to forsake us in the midst of it. By folly and improper conduct, proceeding from a variety of causes, we may now and then get bewildered; but I hope and trust that there is good sense and virtue enough left to recover the right path before we shall be entirely lost."
George Washington, June 29, 1788
The Second Mystery:
It may be the will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting and distresses yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect, at least: it will inspire us with many virtues, which we have not, and correct many errors, follies, and vices, which threaten to disturb, dishonor, and destroy us. The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals. And the new governments we are assuming, in every part, will require a purification from our vices, and an augmentation of our virtues or there will be no blessings... But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence; in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe."
John Adams, July 3, 1776
The Third Mystery:
"Review the great scenes of history: you will find mankind has always been obliged to pay dear for the blessings they enjoyed... The struggles of a great people have almost always ended in the establishment of liberty.... Such a people are spoken of with admiration by all future ages...." "Their souls glow with gratitude for the virtue and self-denial of their forefathers. They consider them as patterns for their own conduct on similar occasions and are continually pointing them out to the reverence and imitation of their children. These are the glorious effects of patriotism and virtue. These are the rewards annexed to the faithful discharge of that great and honorable duty, fidelity to our country.... I pray to God that the fair character I have described may be that of America to the latest ages."
James Iredell, May 1, 1778
The Fourth Mystery:
"To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now enjoys. In proportion as the genuine effects of Christianity are diminished in any nation, either through unbelief, or the corruption of its doctrines, or the neglect of its institutions; in the same proportion will the people of that nation recede from the blessings of genuine freedom, and approximate the miseries of complete despotism."
"All efforts to destroy the foundations of our holy religion, ultimately tend to the subversion also of our political freedom and happiness."
"Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government, and all the blessings which flow from them, must fall with them."
Jedediah Morse, 1799
"Soldiers! Let us humble ourselves before the Lord, our God, asking through Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, beseeching the aid of the God of our forefathers in the defense of our homes and our liberties, thanking Him for His past blessings, and imploring their continuance upon our cause and our people."
"Knowing that intercessory prayer is our mightiest weapon and the supreme call for all Christians today, I pleadingly urge our people everywhere to pray. Believing that prayer is the greatest contribution that our people can make in this critical hour, I humbly urge that we take time to pray - to really pray."
"Let there be prayer at sunup, at noonday, at sundown, at midnight - all through the day. Let us pray for our children, our youth, our aged, our pastors, our homes. Let us pray for the churches."
"Let us pray for ourselves, that we may not lose the word 'concern' out of our Christian vocabulary. Let us pray for our nation. Let us pray for those who have never known Jesus Christ and His redeeming love, for moral forces everywhere, for our national leaders. Let prayer be our passion. Let prayer be our practice."
General Robert E Lee, 1863
For the Presidency of the United States of America
For the Supreme Court of the United States of America
For the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America
For the office of the Governors of the United States of America
For all County and Municipal Offices of the United States of America
Rosary Title
Introductory Prayers (Spoken by Priest, Deacon or Lay-Leader)
Make the Sign of the Cross. (τ)
Make the Sign of the Cross. (τ)
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayers
V.
R.
V. O Lord, open my lips;
R.And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
R.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
V. O Lord, open my lips;
R.And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Come Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord.
For the Conversion of our Nation's Capital
fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord.
For the Conversion of our Nation's Capital
V. O Lord, open my lips.
R. And I shall praise your name.
V. O God, come to my aid.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V.
R.
R. And I shall praise your name.
V. O God, come to my aid.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
R.
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Opening Prayers:
My God, I offer You this Rosary for Your glory, so I can honor your Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, so I can share and meditate upon her suffering. I humbly beg you to give me true repentance for all my sins. Give me wisdom and humility, so that I may receive all the indulgences contained in this prayer.
Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend You, my God, You Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend You, my God, You Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
Opening Prayers:
My God, I offer you this rosary for your glory. I want to honor your Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, by meditating upon and sharing in her suffering. O my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, trusting in your infinite love I turn to you for forgiveness and mercy. I am truly sorry for the pains you suffered in your most bitter Passion because of my sins. For love of you, and before your holy presence, I utterly renounce and forsake all the sins of my whole life. I ask pardon of you with all my heart. I firmly resolve to amend my life and would rather die than offend you again.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, you are our tender Mother and the refuge of sinners. I run to you with confidence and love. Hide me under your mantle of love and protection. As I meditate upon the swords of sorrow that pierced your Immaculate Heart, obtain for me the forgiveness of my sins and the grace to live a life of heroic holiness. O Blessed Mother, I unite my heart to yours and offer this rosary for priests: for their growth in holiness, obedience to the Magisterium, boldness in the proclamation of the Gospel, and a profound love for the people of God. May all priests humbly lead the souls entrusted to their care into an intimate relationship with the Lord.
[I also pray for the following particular intentions...]
V. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
R. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, you are our tender Mother and the refuge of sinners. I run to you with confidence and love. Hide me under your mantle of love and protection. As I meditate upon the swords of sorrow that pierced your Immaculate Heart, obtain for me the forgiveness of my sins and the grace to live a life of heroic holiness. O Blessed Mother, I unite my heart to yours and offer this rosary for priests: for their growth in holiness, obedience to the Magisterium, boldness in the proclamation of the Gospel, and a profound love for the people of God. May all priests humbly lead the souls entrusted to their care into an intimate relationship with the Lord.
[I also pray for the following particular intentions...]
V. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
R. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Hail Mary:
1st of 3.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus
,
focus of our Faith.
source of our Hope.
model of our Charity.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.
Unity Prayer:
My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together. May our hands gather in unity. May our hearts beat in unison. May our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one. May our ears listen to the silence together. May our glances profoundly penetrate each other. May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen
We offer ourselves to the Heavenly Father through all the wounds of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Head, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Feet, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of your Sacred Hands with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Shoulder with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Side with sorrow deep and true. τ
My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together. May our hands gather in unity. May our hearts beat in unison. May our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one. May our ears listen to the silence together. May our glances profoundly penetrate each other. May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen
We offer ourselves to the Heavenly Father through all the wounds of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Head, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Feet, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of your Sacred Hands with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Shoulder with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Side with sorrow deep and true. τ
Rosary Novena Introductory Prayers:
Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail!
At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys, each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace.
Oh Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee, thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding.
As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother!
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. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail!
At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys, each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace.
Oh Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee, thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding.
As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother!
Rosary Novena Introductory Prayers:
Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail!
At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses full blown white roses, tinged with the red of the passion, to remind thee of thy glories, fruits of the sufferings of thy Son and thee, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace.
Oh Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee, thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding.
As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother.
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. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail!
At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses full blown white roses, tinged with the red of the passion, to remind thee of thy glories, fruits of the sufferings of thy Son and thee, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace.
Oh Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee, thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding.
As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother.
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 into hell;
on the third day He rose again
from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
For the Holy Father
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.
We pray for an increase in Faith, Hope, and Charity:
For Bishops, Priests, Religious
Hail Mary:1st of 3.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus
,
Please increase our Faith.
Please increase our Hope.
Please increase our Charity.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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.
Fatima Prayer:
Oh my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Invocation to the Holy Spirit:
Intention:
We pray this rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory: our family members who have gone before us, our loved ones who have preceded us, those who are forgotten, and those in most need of our prayers. Thus we pray:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses celebrated throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
We also pray for all the special intentions expressed herein this day, as well as for the special intentions held in the hearts and souls of each one of the participants in this rosary and Cenacle. Amen.
All you holy men and women in heaven Pray with us.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Intention:
We pray this rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory: our family members who have gone before us, our loved ones who have preceded us, those who are forgotten, and those in most need of our prayers. Thus we pray:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses celebrated throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
We also pray for all the special intentions expressed herein this day, as well as for the special intentions held in the hearts and souls of each one of the participants in this rosary and Cenacle. Amen.
All you holy men and women in heaven Pray with us.
The Introductory and concluding prayers, while not necessary to the Rosary itself, tend to bring St. Joseph into the picture completing the Holy Family.
That is very appropriate since Joseph spent the last almost 30 years of his life contemplating the faces of Jesus and Mary.
Praying the Amici di Giuseppe Rosary
- Contemplation starter (Spoken by Priest, Deacon, or Lay-Leader)
As we begin this Rosary, let us do our best to pray well.
First - Let us Amplify with Focused Contemplation:
"The Rosary ... at heart is a Christocentric prayer [which] has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety ... The center of the gravity in the Hail Mary, the hinge that joins its two parts, is the name of Jesus ... It is precisely the emphasis given to the name of Jesus and to his mystery that is the sign of a meaningful and fruitful Rosary ... The contemplation of Christ has an incomparable model in Mary. With the Rosary, the soul sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love" (Pope St. John Paul II). "Without contemplation, the rosary is a body without a soul" (Pope St. Paul VI).
As we contemplate the mysteries of Christ’s life, we become more like St. Joseph, who spent thirty years contemplating the face of Christ together with Our Lady.
Second - Let us Weaponize with Intentionality:
The Rosary is one of the most powerful weapons against the principalities and powers, the wickedness and snares of the devil. "The decades of the Rosary are like a machine gun: every bead is a shot, every affection of the soul is an explosion of faith that frightens off Satan, and Mary once more crushes his head" (Servant of God Dolindo Puotolo).
As we enter into the spiritual battle on behalf of our family, our Church and our society, we become more like St. Joseph, who God chose to be the Guardian of the Holy Family and the Patron of the Universal Church. Like St. Joseph, may we become a terror of demons on behalf of our families.
Let us be inspired by the testimonies of countless Saints, Popes, visionaries and Our Lady herself:
- “Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?” (Our Lady to St. Dominic).
- “The rosary is ’the weapon’ for these times” (St. Padre Pio).
- “There is no surer means of calling down God’s blessings upon the family ... than the daily recitation of the Rosary” (Pope St. Pius XII).
- “There is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all spiritual, in the personal life of each one of us, of our families ... that cannot be solved by the Rosary” (Sister Lucia of Fatima).
- “Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world” (Pope Blessed Pius IX).
Let us conquer the world through prayer! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
- Consecration to our Lady (Prayed by all participants)
Heavenly Mother, Spotless Bride of the Spotless Lamb, Your children stand gathered together before you. With St. Joseph and Apostle John we wish to bring you into our home, so that you may open to us the treasures of your Immaculate Heart.
Reveal to us the hidden face of your Son, present in our midst.
Teach us to trust in the abundance of the Father’s mercy.
Make us docile to the voice of the Spirit echoing in our depths.
Grant that the seeds of grace sown in us would not be lost but blossom forth into life everlasting.
Dawn of Salvation, Star of the New Evangelization, grant that the darkness may not prevail over the light. Together with St. John Paul II, we consecrate ourselves to you in the mystery of your Immaculate Conception. Totus Tuus.
Send us into the great mission field of the family, so that among all the nations, the praise of God may resound on the lips of infants and babes.
By the grace of God, in the Power of the Holy Spirit, help us to build a civilization worthy of the human person, created male and female, created in the image and likeness of the Triune God who is Love. Amen.
- The Holy Rosary
Introductory Prayers (Spoken by Priest, Deacon or Lay-Leader)
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 into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come again to judge the living and the dead.*I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Our FatherOur 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.
Hail Mary x3 (for an increase in the virtues of faith, hope, and charity)
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. Amen.
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.
Fatima Prayer
Oh my Jesus,forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Mysteries of the Rosary (Each Mystery led by a different person)
Mysteries(Select)
Joyful
1st Decade: The Annunciation
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the Word made flesh.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Visitation
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, sanctifying.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Nativity
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the joy of the world.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Presentation
Intention - We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Intention - We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the Glory of Israel.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Next Decade: The Adoration of the Magi
Intention - Pray for the Holy souls in Purgatory.
Let us pray for the souls of our relatives and friends who have died and all those souls in Purgatory who are forgotten and need our prayers.
Intention - Pray for the Holy souls in Purgatory.
Let us pray for the souls of our relatives and friends who have died and all those souls in Purgatory who are forgotten and need our prayers.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, sought by the Magi.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Finding in the Temple
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God.
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, in the Temple.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Luminous
1st Decade: The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, beloved Son of the Father.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, performing miracles.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, proclaiming the kingdom.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Transfiguration
Intention - We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Intention - We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, transfigured.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Institution of the Eucharist
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the Bread of Life.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Sorrowful
1st Decade: The Agony in the Garden
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, in His agony.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Scourging at the Pillar
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, scourged.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Crowning with Thorns
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, crowned with thorns.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Carrying of the Cross
Intention - We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Intention - We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, carrying His cross.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Crucifixion
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, who died for me.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Glorious
1st Decade: The Resurrection
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, risen.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Ascension
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, ascending to Heaven.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. . We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. . We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, sending His Spirit.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Assumption
Intention -We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Intention -We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, assuming His Mother.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, crowning the Queen.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Select the Mystery (ies):
Joyful Mysteries
1st Mystery: The Annunciation
Intention:
We pray for our spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world. Let us also
pray for our spouse’s ancestors that are still in Purgatory that our prayers may shorten the time of their suffering.
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.
1st 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
Please refresh meditations: click the "None" button above and then click the "Context Button".
2nd 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
Jesus' Mother was visited by the Archangel Gabriel.
3rd 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
Jesus' Mother was addressed by Gabriel with both name and title.
4th 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
Jesus' Mother was concerned to keep her vow of celibacy.
5th 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
Jesus, whose Mother’s desire was to do God’s will.
6th 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
Jesus' Mother was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit
7th 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
Jesus' Mother was the location of the Incarnation
...
The Incarnation, the greatest event in human history, took place on the “Little Celebration of Light”, the eighth day of Chanukah - Hanukkah. Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after it had been profaned in 139 B.C. (The year 3760 on the Jewish Calendar.) The Israelites began the annual celebration
of Chanukah the following year in 138 B.C. and is fulfilled with the Incarnation which is the beginning of the new relationship between God and all men.
8th 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
Jesus' Mother’s “yes” changed the relationship between God and Man.
9th 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
Jesus' Mother became the first Tabernacle.
10th 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
Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
For the Conversion of our Country
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.
Oh my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. Mary’s love for God was beyond all others.
- Jesus, whose Mother was visited by the Archangel Gabriel.
- Jesus, whose Mother was addressed by Gabriel with both name and title.
- Jesus, whose Mother was concerned to keep her vow of celibacy.
- Jesus, whose Mother’s desire was to do God’s will.
- Jesus, whose Mother was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus, whose Mother was the location of the Incarnation ...The Incarnation, the greatest event in human history, took place on the “Little Celebration of Light”, the eighth day of Chanukah - Hanukkah. Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after it had been profaned in 139 B.C.(The year 3760 on the Jewish Calendar.) The Israelites began the annual celebration of Chanukah the following year in 138 B.C. and is fulfilled with the Incarnation which is the beginning of the new relationship between God and all men.
- Jesus, who with his Mother’s “yes” changed the relationship between God and Man.
- Jesus, whose Mother became the first Tabernacle.
- Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Show middle reflection?
- Mary’s love for God was beyond all others.
- Mary was visited by the Archangel Gabriel.
- Mary was addressed by Gabriel with both name and title.
- Mary was concerned to keep her vow of celibacy.
- Mary’s desire was to do God’s will.
- Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.
- Mary was the location of the Incarnation ...The Incarnation, the greatest event in human history, took place on the “Little Celebration of Light”, the eighth day of Chanukah - Hanukkah. Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after it had been profaned in 139 B.C.(The year 3760 on the Jewish Calendar.) The Israelites began the annual celebration of Chanukah the following year in 138 B.C. and is fulfilled with the Incarnation which is the beginning of the new relationship between God and all men.
- Mary’s “yes” changed the relationship between God and Man.
- Mary became the first Tabernacle.
- Jesus is the Word made flesh.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary had committed herself to a vow of celibacy as part of a “prayer chain” to bring the Messiah.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary’s private prayer was to be allowed to be the handmaid of the mother of the Messiah.
- Jesus. On Monday Tevet 2, December 9, ...December 9th was also the date Mary chose to begin the apparitions under the name of our Lady of Guadalupe.the last day of Chanukah - Hanukkah, Archangel Gabriel appeared to her saying: “Hail Mary full of grace! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God” (Lk 1:28).
- Jesus. Gabriel said: “You will conceive and bear a son and you will name him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). “He will be great and will be called ‘Son of the Most High’, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of David forever, and of his kingship there will be no end” (Lk 1:28-33).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary asked: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” [I am under a vow of celibacy] (Lk 1:34).
- Jesus. Gabriel responded: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” (Lk 1:35).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary replied: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be it done to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her” (Lk 1:38).
- Jesus, who with His Mother, Mary’s “Yes” came the Incarnation: God assumed human nature! God entered his own creation!
- Jesus. Chanukah - Hanukkah that year marked a radically new beginning in the relationship between man and God. The Light has come into the world.
- Jesus. God has answered Mary’s prayer, Joseph’s prayer, and the prayers of all Israel! What joy she must feel!
Show middle reflection?
- Mary had committed herself to a vow of celibacy as part of a “prayer chain” to bring the Messiah.
- Mary’s private prayer was to be allowed to be the handmaid of the mother of the Messiah.
- On Monday Tevet 2, December 9, ...December 9th was also the date Mary chose to begin the apparitions under the name of our Lady of Guadalupe.the last day of Chanukah - Hanukkah, Archangel Gabriel appeared to her saying: “Hail Mary full of grace! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God” (Lk 1:28).
- Gabriel said: “You will conceive and bear a son and you will name him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). “He will be great and will be called ‘Son of the Most High’, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of David forever, and of his kingship there will be no end” (Lk 1:28-33).
- Mary asked: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” [I am under a vow of celibacy] (Lk 1:34).
- Gabriel responded: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” (Lk 1:35).
- Mary replied: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be it done to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her” (Lk 1:38).
- With Mary’s “Yes” came the Incarnation: God assumed human nature! God entered his own creation!
- Chanukah - Hanukkah that year marked a radically new beginning in the relationship between man and God. The Light has come into the world.
- God has answered Mary’s prayer, Joseph’s prayer, and the prayers of all Israel! What joy she must feel!
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. 'The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.' (Lk 1:26-27)
- Jesus. 'Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you!' (Lk 1:28)
- Jesus. 'But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.' (Lk 1:29)
- Jesus. 'But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." ' (Lk 1:30)
- Jesus. 'And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus.' (Lk 1:31)
- Jesus. 'He will be great and will be called 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 forever;and of his kingdom there will be no end.' (Lk 1:32,33)
- Jesus. 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.' (Lk 1:35)
- Jesus. 'Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.' (Lk 1:35)
- Jesus. 'Mary said , "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word." ' (Lk 1:38)
Show middle reflection?
- 'The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.' (Lk 1:26-27)
- 'Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you!' (Lk 1:28)
- 'But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.' (Lk 1:29)
- 'But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." ' (Lk 1:30)
- 'And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus.' (Lk 1:31)
- 'He will be great and will be called 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 forever;and of his kingdom there will be no end.' (Lk 1:32,33)
- 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.' (Lk 1:35)
- 'Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.' (Lk 1:35)
- 'Mary said , "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word." ' (Lk 1:38)
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. The Word made flesh is the only person in history ever pre-announced.
- Jesus. Tacitus (1st century Roman Historian), speaking for the ancient Romans, says, “People were generally persuaded in the faith of the ancient prophecies, that the East was to prevail, and that from Judea was to come the Master and Ruler of the world.”
- Jesus. In the 24th year of Tchao-Wang of the dynasty of the Tcheou (1029 B.C.E.), on the 8th day of the 4th moon, a light appeared in the Southwest which illuminated the king’s palace. The monarch, struck by its splendor, interrogated the sages. They showed him books in which this prodigy signified the appearance of the great Saint of the West whose religion was to be introduced into their country.
- Jesus. Cicero (106-63 B.C.E.), after recounting the sayings of the ancient oracles and the Sibyls about a “King whom we must recognize to be saved,”
- Jesus. Plato (428-399 B.C.E.) and Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.) also spoke of the Logos and of the Universal Wise Man “yet to come.”
- Jesus. Aeschylus (525-455 B.C.E.) in his Prometheus six centuries before His coming, wrote, “Look not for any end, moreover, to this curse until God appears, to accept upon His Head the pangs of thy own sins vicarious.”
- Jesus. Confucius (551-458 B.C.E.) spoke of “the Saint” the Sibyls, of a “Universal King”
- Jesus. Suetonius (1st century A.D. Roman Historian)quoted a contemporary author to the effect that the Romans were so fearful about a king who would rule the world that they ordered all children born that year to be killed—an order that was not fulfilled, except by Herod.
- Jesus. Once He appeared, He struck history with such impact that He split it in two, dividing it into two periods: one before His coming, the other after it.
- Jesus. If a woman played such a role in the fall of mankind, should she not play a great role in its restoration? +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 8 - 15). Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- The Word made flesh is the only person in history ever pre-announced.
- Tacitus (1st century A.D. Roman Historian), speaking for the ancient Romans, says, “People were generally persuaded in the faith of the ancient prophecies, that the East was to prevail, and that from Judea was to come the Master and Ruler of the world.”
- In the 24th year of Tchao-Wang of the dynasty of the Tcheou (1029 B.C.E.), on the 8th day of the 4th moon, a light appeared in the Southwest which illuminated the king’s palace. The monarch, struck by its splendor, interrogated the sages. They showed him books in which this prodigy signified the appearance of the great Saint of the West whose religion was to be introduced into their country.
- Cicero (106-63 B.C.E.), after recounting the sayings of the ancient oracles and the Sibyls about a “King whom we must recognize to be saved,”
- Plato (428-399 B.C.E.) and Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.) also spoke of the Logos and of the Universal Wise Man “yet to come.”
- Aeschylus (525-455 B.C.E.) in his Prometheus six centuries before His coming, wrote, “Look not for any end, moreover, to this curse until God appears, to accept upon His Head the pangs of thy own sins vicarious.”
- Confucius (551-458 B.C.E.) spoke of “the Saint” the Sibyls, of a “Universal King”
- Suetonius (1st century A.D. Roman Historian) quoted a contemporary author to the effect that the Romans were so fearful about a king who would rule the world that they ordered all children born that year to be killed—an order that was not fulfilled, except by Herod.
- Jesus. To Christ, death was the goal and fulfillment of His life, the gold that He was seeking.
- Jesus. If a woman played such a role in the fall of mankind, should she not play a great role in its restoration? +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 8-15). Kindle Edition.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. In the fullness of time an Angel of Light came down from the great Throne of Light to a Virgin kneeling in prayer, to ask her if she was willing to give God a human nature.
- Jesus. Her answer was that she “knew not man” and, therefore, could not be the mother of the “Expected of the Nations.”
- Jesus. At the moment that Mary pronounced Fiat or “Be it done,” something greater happened than the Fiat lux (Let there be light) of creation; for the light that was now made was not the sun, but the Son of God in the flesh.
- Jesus. When the angel appeared to Mary, God was announcing His love for humanity.
- Jesus. It was the beginning of a new earth, and Mary became “a flesh-girt Paradise to be gardened by the new Adam.”
- Jesus. The “passionless passion and wild tranquility” of the Holy Spirit overshadowed the woman and begot in her Emmanuel or “God with us.”
- Jesus. As in the first garden Eve brought destruction, so in the garden of her womb, Mary would now bring Redemption.
- Jesus. When the Divine Child was conceived, Mary’s humanity gave Him hands and feet, eyes and ears, and a body with which to suffer.
- Jesus. God asked a woman, representing humanity, freely to give Him a human nature with which He would start a new humanity.
- Jesus. As there was an old humanity in Adam, so there would be a new humanity in Christ, Who was God made man through the free agency of a human mother. +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 15-17). Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- In the fullness of time an Angel of Light came down from the great Throne of Light to a Virgin kneeling in prayer, to ask her if she was willing to give God a human nature.
- Her answer was that she “knew not man” and, therefore, could not be the mother of the “Expected of the Nations.”
- At the moment that Mary pronounced Fiat or “Be it done,” something greater happened than the Fiat lux (Let there be light) of creation; for the light that was now made was not the sun, but the Son of God in the flesh.
- When the angel appeared to Mary, God was announcing His love for humanity.
- It was the beginning of a new earth, and Mary became “a flesh-girt Paradise to be gardened by the new Adam.”
- The “passionless passion and wild tranquility” of the Holy Spirit overshadowed the woman and begot in her Emmanuel or “God with us.”
- As in the first garden Eve brought destruction, so in the garden of her womb, Mary would now bring Redemption.
- When the Divine Child was conceived, Mary’s humanity gave Him hands and feet, eyes and ears, and a body with which to suffer.
- God asked a woman, representing humanity, freely to give Him a human nature with which He would start a new humanity.
- As there was an old humanity in Adam, so there would be a new humanity in Christ, Who was God made man through the free agency of a human mother. +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 15-17. Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. We contemplate the unfortunate state of disobedient Adam, his just condemnation, and that of all his children.
- Jesus. We contemplate the desires of the Patriarchs and Prophets who ask for the Messiah.
- Jesus. We contemplate the wishes and prayers of the Most Holy Virgin, which hastened the coming of the Messiah, and her marriage to Saint Joseph.
- Jesus. We contemplate the charity of the Eternal Father, Who gave us His Son.
- Jesus. We contemplate the love of the Son, Who gave Himself for us.
- Jesus. We contemplate the Archangel Gabriel's mission and salutation.
- Jesus. We contemplate Mary's virginal fear.
- Jesus. We contemplate the Most Holy Virgin's faith and consent.
- Jesus. We contemplate the fusion of the human and the divine nature of Jesus' soul and the formation of the body of Jesus Christ in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus. We contemplate the angels adoration of the Incarnate Word in the womb of Mary. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 9).
Show middle reflection?
- We contemplate the unfortunate state of disobedient Adam, his just condemnation, and that of all his children.
- We contemplate the desires of the Patriarchs and Prophets who asks for the Messiah.
- We contemplate the wishes and prayers of the Most Holy Virgin, which hastened the coming of the Messiah, and her marriage to Saint Joseph.
- We contemplate the charity of the Eternal Father, Who gave us His Son.
- We contemplate the love of the Son, Who gave Himself for us.
- We contemplate the Archangel Gabriel's mission and salutation.
- We contemplate Mary's virginal fear.
- We contemplate the Most Holy Virgin's faith and consent.
- We contemplate the fusion of the human and the divine nature of Jesus' soul and the formation of the body of Jesus Christ in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit.
- We contemplate the angels adoration of the Incarnate Word in he womb of Mary. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 9).
Show middle reflection?
• Glory Be- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Alabama and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Alaska and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Arizona and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Arkansas and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over California and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Colorado and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Connecticut and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Delaware and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Flordia and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Georgia and every soul in that state.
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
My country, 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From ev'ry mountain side,
Let freedom ring.
My native country thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and reels,
Thy woods and template hills,
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song:
Let mortal tongues awake,
Let all that breathe partake,
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.
Our father's God, to thee,
Author of liberty,
To thee we pray.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom's holy light.
Protect us by thy might,
Great God, our King.
Concluding Prayer:
I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of humility and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
2nd Mystery: The Visitation
Intention:
We pray for each of our children by name.
(Give people a moment to whisper the name(s))
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and minds in truth, goodness, and beauty.
That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us pray for all parents suffering from the loss of a child, born or unborn. Let us also pray for our deceased ancestors still in Purgatory.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.
1st 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
His Mother was given a sign.
2nd 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
His Mother traveled to Ein Karem.
3rd 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
His Mother was recognized as the Mother of the Messiah.
4th 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
His Mother turned everything to God.
5th 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
His Mother’s betrothed, arriving for the Seder, realized she was pregnant.
6th 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
His relative, under stress from Mary’s situation, gave birth 4 weeks early
...
Her son, named John by the Angel, had the spirit of Elijah, fulfilling the expectation of the Jews that Elijah would return for the Seder Meal.
7th 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
Joseph chose to give his own life (reputation) rather than allow Mary to be stoned.
8th 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
The Angel appeared to Joseph.
9th 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
Joseph took Mary into his home.
10th 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
Sanctifying His family.
Holy Mary
For the Conversion of our Country
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.
Oh my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
• Fatima Prayer
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose Mother was given a sign.
- Jesus, whose Mother traveled to Ein Karem.
- Jesus, whose Mother was recognized as the Mother of the Messiah.
- Jesus, whose Mother turned everything to God.
- Jesus, whose Mother’s betrothed, arriving for the Seder, realized she was pregnant.
- Jesus, whose relative under stress from Mary’s situation, gave birth 4 weeks early ...Her son, named John by the Angel, had the spirit of Elijah, fulfilling the expectation of the Jews that Elijah would return for the Seder Meal.
- Jesus. Joseph chose to give his own life (reputation) rather than allow Mary to be stoned.
- Jesus. The Angel appeared to Joseph.
- Jesus. Joseph took Mary into his home.
- Jesus, sanctifying His family.
Show middle reflection?
- Mary was given a sign.
- Mary traveled to Ein Karem.
- Mary was recognized as the Mother of the Messiah.
- Mary turned everything to God.
- Mary’s betrothed, arriving for the Seder, realized she was pregnant.
- Elizabeth under stress from Mary’s situation, gave birth 4 weeks early ...Her son, named John by the Angel, had the spirit of Elijah, fulfilling the expectation of the Jews that Elijah would return for the Seder Meal.
- Joseph chose to give his own life (reputation) rather than allow Mary to be stoned.
- The Angel appeared to Joseph.
- Joseph took Mary into his home.
- Jesus, sanctifying His family.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. Gabriel had given Mary a sign: “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God!” (Lk 1:36-37).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary traveled with a caravan leaving Nazareth the next morning for Jerusalem, staying with the caravan until reaching the turn off to Ein Karem on the seventh day.
- Jesus. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leapt in her womb (Lk 1:40), and Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).
- Jesus. By following the sign given by Gabriel, Mary was rewarded with a confirmation of the angel’s message. Responding with the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55), Mary turned everything to God.
- Jesus, whose Mother and Elizabeth decided it would be presumptuous to say anything to Joseph, since the angel did not mention him.
- Jesus. Joseph joined Mary’s extended family celebration of Passover in Jerusalem and realized Mary is pregnant.
- Jesus. Elizabeth, under stress because of Mary’s situation, went into labor and gave birth to a son. A son who had the spirit of Elijah (Lk 1:17), just as the Angel had told Zechariah, and who arrived on Passover for the Seder meal fulfilling the expectations of the Jews as to the timing of Elijah’s return.
- Jesus. Joseph retired for the night and began to pray about Mary’s situation. He decided to take Mary’s guilt on himself to save her life. Then the angel appeared to Joseph saying: “Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary, your wife, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit: she will bear a son and you [will adopt him and] will name him Jesus [‘Yahweh saves’], for He will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:20-21).
- Jesus. Early the following morning Joseph and Mary shared the stories of their respective angelic visits.
- Jesus. They formalized their marriage, celebrating the nisu’in and planned on returning for the fall festivals when they would be relocating to Bethlehem, where they knew the messiah was to be born.
Show middle reflection?
- Gabriel had given Mary a sign: “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God!” (Lk 1:36-37).
- Mary traveled with a caravan leaving Nazareth the next morning for Jerusalem, staying with the caravan until reaching the turn off to Ein Karem on the seventh day.
- When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leapt in her womb (Lk 1:40), and Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).
- By following the sign given by Gabriel, Mary was rewarded with a confirmation of the angel’s message. Responding with the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55), Mary turned everything to God.
- Mary and Elizabeth decided it would be presumptuous to say anything to Joseph, since the angel did not mention him.
- Joseph joined Mary’s extended family celebration of Passover in Jerusalem and realized Mary is pregnant.
- Elizabeth, under stress because of Mary’s situation, went into labor and gave birth to a son. A son who had the spirit of Elijah (Lk 1:17), just as the Angel had told Zechariah, and who arrived on Passover for the Seder meal fulfilling the expectations of the Jews as to the timing of Elijah’s return.
- Joseph retired for the night and began to pray about Mary’s situation. He decided to take Mary’s guilt on himself to save her life. Then the angel appeared to Joseph saying: “Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary, your wife, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit: she will bear a son and you [will adopt him and] will name him Jesus [‘Yahweh saves’], for He will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:20-21).
- Early the following morning Joseph and Mary shared the stories of their respective angelic visits.
- They formalized their marriage, celebrating the nisu’in and planned on returning for the fall festivals when they would be relocating to Bethlehem, where they knew the messiah was to be born.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. 'Mary set out at that time and went to the hill country. And she went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.' (Lk 1:39-40)
- Jesus. 'Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.' (Lk 1:41)
- Jesus. "She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.'" (Lk 1:42)
- Jesus. 'Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.' (Lk 1:45)
- Jesus. 'And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid."' (Lk 1:46-48)
- Jesus. 'Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blest, for the Almighty has done great things for me.' (Lk 1:48-49)
- Jesus. 'Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.' (Lk 1:49)
- Jesus. 'He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart.' (Lk 1:51)
- Jesus. 'He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.' (Lk 1:52)
- Jesus. 'The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.' (Lk 1:53)
Show middle reflection?
- 'Mary set out at that time and went to the hill country. And she went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.' (Lk 1:39-40)
- 'Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.' (Lk 1:41)
- "She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.'" (Lk 1:42)
- 'Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.' (Lk 1:45)
- 'And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.' (Lk 1:46-48)
- 'Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blest, for the Almighty has done great things for me.' (Lk 1:48-49)
- 'Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.' (Lk 1:49)
- 'He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart.' (Lk 1:51)
- 'He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.' (Lk 1:52)
- 'The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.' (Lk 1:53)
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. Mary was given a sign that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. Her elderly cousin Elizabeth had already conceived a son in her old age, and was now in her sixth month.
- Jesus. The mother of the herald asked the mother of the King: "How have I deserved to be Thus visited by the Mother of My Lord?" (Lk 1:43)
- Jesus. John the Baptist, still cloistered in his mother’s womb, leaped with joy at the mother who brought Christ to their home.
- Jesus. Yet at that moment, when Elizabeth is the first to call her the Mother of God, even before our Lord is born, Mary answers in her song that her greatness is due to Him, and that she was chosen because she was lowly. It may very well be that Mary was chosen to be the Mother of God after she had in her vow renounced the honour. Though greater than Elizabeth, she visits her in her hour of need. Only as we become little do we ever become great in the eyes of God.
- Jesus. Israel’s Messiah was on His way, and God was about to manifest Himself on earth and in the flesh.
- Jesus. Mary even prophesied the qualities of the Son Who was to be born of her as full of justice and mercy.
- Jesus. Her poem ends by acclaiming the revolution He will inaugurate with the unseating of the mighty and the exaltation of the humble.
- Jesus. The Lord to be born of Mary is the only Person in the world Who ever had a prehistory; a prehistory to be studied not in the primeval slime and jungles, but in the bosom of the Eternal Father.
- Jesus. His beginning in time as man was without beginning as God in the agelessness of eternity.
- Jesus. St. John at the beginning of his Gospel relates Jesus' prehistory as the Son of God: In the beginning was the Word, And the Word was with God; And the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, And without Him nothing was made. (Jn 1:1-3) +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 18-20. Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- Mary was given a sign that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. Her elderly cousin Elizabeth had already conceived a son in her old age, and was now in her sixth month.
- The mother of the herald asked the mother of the King: "How have I deserved to be Thus visited by the Mother of My Lord?" (Lk 1:43)
- John the Baptist, still cloistered in his mother’s womb, leaped with joy at the mother who brought Christ to their home.
- Yet at that moment, when Elizabeth is the first to call her the Mother of God, even before our Lord is born, Mary answers in her song that her greatness is due to Him, and that she was chosen because she was lowly. It may very well be that Mary was chosen to be the Mother of God after she had in her vow renounced the honour. Though greater than Elizabeth, she visits her in her hour of need. Only as we become little do we ever become great in the eyes of God.
- Israel’s Messiah was on His way, and God was about to manifest Himself on earth and in the flesh.
- Mary even prophesied the qualities of the Son Who was to be born of her as full of justice and mercy.
- Her poem ends by acclaiming the revolution He will inaugurate with the unseating of the mighty and the exaltation of the humble.
- The Lord to be born of Mary is the only Person in the world Who ever had a prehistory; a prehistory to be studied not in the primeval slime and jungles, but in the bosom of the Eternal Father.
- His beginning in time as man was without beginning as God in the agelessness of eternity.
- St. John at the beginning of his Gospel relates Jesus' prehistory as the Son of God: In the beginning was the Word, And the Word was with God; And the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, And without Him nothing was made. (Jn 1:1-3) +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 18-20. Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. We contemplate the joy of the Heart of Mary, and the dwelling of the Incarnate Word in her womb for nine months.
- Jesus. We contemplate the sacrifice Jesus Christ made of Himself to the Father on entering this world.
- Jesus. We contemplate the delights of Jesus in the humble and virginal womb of Mary, and those of Mary in the possession of her God.
- Jesus. We contemplate Saint Joseph's doubt concerning Mary's maternity.
- Jesus. We contemplate the election of the chosen ones, decided between Jesus and Mary in her womb.
- Jesus. We contemplate the fervor of Mary in her visit to Saint Elizabeth.
- Jesus. We contemplate the salutation of Mary and the sanctification of Saint John the Baptist and his mother, Saint Elizabeth.
- Jesus. We contemplate the Most Holy Virgin's gratitude toward God in the Magnificat.
- Jesus. We contemplate Mary's charity and humility in serving her cousin.
- Jesus. We contemplate the mutual dependence of Jesus and Mary and the dependence we should have on each of them. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 9).
Show middle reflection?
- We contemplate the joy of the Heart of Mary, and the dwelling of the Incarnate Word in her womb for nine months.
- We contemplate the sacrifice Jesus Christ made of Himself to the Father on entering this world.
- We contemplate the delights of Jesus in the humble and virginal womb of Mary, and those of Mary in the possession of her God.
- We contemplate Saint Joseph's doubt concerning Mary's maternity.
- We contemplate the election of the chosen ones, decided between Jesus and Mary in her womb.
- We contemplate the fervor of Mary in her visit to Saint Elizabeth.
- We contemplate the salutation of Mary and the sanctification of Saint John the Baptist and his mother, Saint Elizabeth.
- We contemplate the Most Holy Virgin's gratitude toward God in the Magnificat.
- We contemplate Mary's charity and humility in serving her cousin.
- We contemplate the mutual dependence of Jesus and Mary and the dependence we should have on each of them. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 11).
Show middle reflection?
• Glory Be- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Hawaii and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Idaho and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Illinois and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Indiana and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Iowa and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Kansas and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Kentucky and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Louisiana and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Maine and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Maryland and every soul in that state.
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Refrain:
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps;
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on. Refrain
I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
As ye deal with my contempters, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the "Mother of the Savior" crush the serpent with Her heel;
Since God is marching on. Refrain
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgement seat.
O be swift, my soul, to answer him; be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on. Refrain
In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea;
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.
His truth is marching on. Refrain
Concluding Prayer:
I bind these snow white buds with a petition for the virtue of Charity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
I bind these snow white buds with a petition for the virtue of Charity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
3rd Mystery: The Nativity
Intention:
We pray for our extended family, our spiritual family and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family:
our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives
would be fruitful in Christ. Let us pray also for all deceased members of our faith community, that they may be speedily released
from their suffering.
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.
1st 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
for whom the Holy Family moved to Bethlehem.
2nd 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
born on the Feast of Tabernacles ...
The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates the fact that God was physically present in the pilar of smoke and fire all during the Exodus.
3rd 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
born in a Sukkah ...
All Jews are required to live in sukkot during the celebration of “God with us” (Tabernacles). A sukkah is a tent with a leaky thatched roof.
4th 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
born under the light of the giant Menorahs ...
Tabernacles, the Great Celebration of Light is celebrated by erecting four 75 ft. Menorahs in the Court of Women.
5th 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
the Light of the World.
6th 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
Emanuel, God with Us.
7th 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
the joy of the world.
8th 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
inspected by Levitical Shepherds ...
Because Jesus was born in a stable and found without blemish by the Shepherds, He was qualified to be a Paschal Lamb.
9th 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
the Lamb of God.
10th 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
fulfilling the Feast of Tabernacles.
Holy Mary
For the Conversion of our Country
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.
Oh my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, for whom the Holy Family moved to Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy of Micah (Mic 5:1),
- Jesus, born on the Feast of Tabernacles ...The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates the fact that God was physically present in the pilar of smoke and fire all during the Exodus.
- Jesus, born in a Sukkah ...All Jews are required to live in sukkot during the celebration of “God with us” (Tabernacles). A sukkah is a tent with a leaky thatched roof.
- Jesus, born under the light of the giant Menorahs ...Tabernacles, the Great Celebration of Light is celebrated by erecting four 75 ft. Menorahs in the Court of Women.
- Jesus, the Light of the World.
- Jesus, Emanuel, God with Us.
- Jesus, the joy of the world.
- Jesus, inspected by Levitical Shepherds ...Because Jesus was born in a stable and found without blemish by the Shepherds, He was qualified to be a Paschal Lamb.
- Jesus, the Lamb of God.
- Jesus, fulfilling the Feast of Tabernacles.
Show middle reflection?
- The Holy Family moved to Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy of Micah (Mic 5:1),
- Jesus was born on the Feast of Tabernacles ...The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates the fact that God was physically present in the pilar of smoke and fire all during the Exodus.
- Jesus was born in a Sukkah ...All Jews are required to live in sukkot during the celebration of “God with us” (Tabernacles). A sukkah is a tent with a leaky thatched roof.
- Jesus was born under the light of the giant Menorahs ...Tabernacles, the Great Celebration of Light is celebrated by erecting four 75 ft. Menorahs in the Court of Women.
- Jesus is the Light of the World.
- Jesus is Emanuel, God with Us.
- Jesus is the joy of the world.
- Jesus was inspected by Levitical Shepherds ...Because Jesus was born in a stable and found without blemish by the Shepherds, He was qualified to be a Paschal Lamb.
- Jesus is the Lamb of God.
- Jesus fulfilled the Feast of Tabernacles.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose family traveled to Jerusalem for the fall feasts.
- Jesus, whose family stayed with Elizabeth and Zachariah for the feasts of Trumpets and Atonement.
- Jesus, whose family traveled to Bethlehem to be there for the birth of their Son.
- Jesus, for whom there was no room in the courtyard of Bethlehem’s inn for the family sukkah.
- Jesus, for whom Mary and Joseph moved into a stable which qualified as a sukkah.
- Jesus, whose birth was heralded to Levitical shepherds watching over the temple flocks.
- Jesus, the new born Messiah, whom the shepherds came to Bethlehem to see.
- Jesus, who was found unblemished by the Levitical shepherds.
- Jesus, who was thus qualified to be a Paschal Lamb, the Lamb of God.
- Jesus, who as the Son of God fulfilled the Feast of Tabernacles by becoming once again physically present.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus' family traveled to Jerusalem for the fall feasts.
- Jesus' family stayed with Elizabeth and Zachariah for the feasts of Trumpets and Atonement.
- Jesus' family traveled to Bethlehem to be there for the birth of their Son.
- There was no room in the courtyard of Bethlehem’s inn for the family sukkah.
- Mary and Joseph moved into a stable which qualified as a sukkah.
- Jesus' birth was heralded to Levitical shepherds watching over the temple flocks.
- Jesus was the new born Messiah, whom the shepherds came to Bethlehem to see.
- Jesus was found unblemished by the Levitical shepherds.
- Jesus was thus qualified to be a Paschal Lamb, the Lamb of God.
- Jesus, as the Son of God, fulfilled the Feast of Tabernacles by becoming once again physically present.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose parents packed their belongings and joined a caravan traveling from Nazareth to Jerusalem for the Fall Feasts (Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles). On August 24th, Elul 24th, His parents were moving to Bethlehem to be there for the birth of their Son as specified by the Prophets.
- Jesus, whose parents spent each of the five nights enroute in a caravansary courtyard with the animals and they spent Trumpets and Atonement with Elizabeth and Zechariah.
- Jesus, whose parents on September 12, Tishrei 14, traveled from Ein Karem to Bethlehem to be there for the 8-day Feast of Tabernacles and the birth of their son. When they arrived, they discovered the caravansary courtyard in Bethlehem was already full of sukkot.
- Jesus, whose parents used, instead of Joseph’s sukkah, an empty stable that was used only during the winter to protect new-born lambs from the weather.
- Jesus, who was born on September 13th, Tishrei 15th, the Feast of Tabernacles (“God with us” or “Emanuel”).
- Jesus, the Light of the World, was born in a stable, sukkah; while the four 75 ft. Menorahs lighted the night sky from the temple, creating a light visible all the way to Bethlehem.
- Jesus. Angels appeared to Levitical shepherds who were tending the temple flocks (Lk 2:9-14).
- Jesus, whom the shepherds came to the stable, used to protect new born lambs, to see: the new born Messiah, the Lamb of God (Lk 2:15-16).
- Jesus, who was inspected by the Levitical shepherds, found without blemish, and thus qualified for the Pascal Sacrifice: The Lamb of God.
- Jesus, the Light of the World, was conceived on the last day of Chanukah - Hanukkah and born on the Feast of Tabernacles: the two celebrations of light.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus' parents packed their belongings and joined a caravan traveling from Nazareth to Jerusalem for the Fall Feasts (Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles). On August 24th, Elul 24th, His parents were moving to Bethlehem to be there for the birth of their Son as specified by the Prophets.
- Jesus' parents spent each of the five nights enroute in a caravansary courtyard with the animals and they spent Trumpets and Atonement with Elizabeth and Zechariah.
- Jesus' parents on September 12, Tishrei 14, traveled from Ein Karem to Bethlehem to be there for the 8-day Feast of Tabernacles and the birth of their son. When they arrived, they discovered the caravansary courtyard in Bethlehem was already full of sukkot.
- Jesus' parents used, instead of Joseph’s sukkah, an empty stable that was used only during the winter to protect new-born lambs from the weather.
- Jesus was born on September 13th, Tishrei 15th, the Feast of Tabernacles (“God with us” or “Emanuel”).
- Jesus, the Light of the World, was born in a stable, sukkah; while the four 75 ft. Menorahs lighted the night sky from the temple, creating a light visible all the way to Bethlehem.
- Angels appeared to Levitical shepherds who were tending the temple flocks (Lk 2:9-14).
- The shepherds came to the stable, used to protect new born lambs, to see the new born Messiah, the Lamb of God (Lk 2:15-16).
- Jesus was inspected by the Levitical shepherds, found without blemish, and thus qualified for the Pascal Sacrifice: The Lamb of God.
- Jesus, the Light of the World, was conceived on the last day of Chanukah - Hanukkah and born on the Feast of Tabernacles: the two celebrations of light.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. 'Now while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem the time came for her to have her child.' (Lk 2:6)
- Jesus. 'And she gave birth to a son, her firstborn, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes.' (Lk 2:7)
- Jesus. 'And she laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.' (Lk 2:7)
- Jesus. 'In the same region there were shepherds and the angel of the Lord appeared to them.' (Lk 2:8-9)
- Jesus. 'Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people.' (Lk 2:10)
- Jesus. 'Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.' (Lk 2:11)
- Jesus. 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favor.' (Lk 2:14)
- Jesus. 'And some wise men came from the east, and going in they saw the child with his mother Mary.' (Mt 2:1,11)
- Jesus. 'And falling to their knees they did him homage. Then they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.' (Mt 2:11)
- Jesus. 'And Mary kept in mind all these things and pondered them in her heart.' (Lk 2:19)
Show middle reflection?
- 'Now while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem the time came for her to have her child.' (Lk 2:6)
- 'And she gave birth to a son, her firstborn, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes.' (Lk 2:7)
- 'And she laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.' (Lk 2:7)
- 'In the countryside close by there were shepherds and the angel of the Lord appeared to them.' (Lk 2:8-9)
- 'Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people.' (Lk 2:10)
- 'Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.' (Lk 2:11)
- 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favor.' (Lk 2:14)
- 'And some wise men came from the east, and going in they saw the child with his mother Mary.' (Mt 2:1,11)
- 'And falling to their knees they did him homage. Then they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.' (Mt 2:11)
- 'And Mary kept in mind all these things and pondered them in her heart.' (Lk 2:19)
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. For nine months, her own body was the natural Eucharist, in which God shared communion with human life, thus preparing for that greater Eucharist, when human life would commune with the Divine.
- Jesus. Mary’s joy was to form Christ in her own body; her joy now is to form Christ in our souls. In this Mystery, we pray to become pregnant with the Christ spirit, giving Him new lips with which He may speak of His Father, new hands with which He may feed the poor, and a new heart with which He may love everyone, even enemies.
- Jesus. But all this was conditioned upon Mary’s giving Him a human nature. Without her He would never have had eyes to see the multitude hungry in the desert, or ears to hear the pleading of the lame man of Jericho, or hands to caress children, or feet to seek the lost sheep.
- Jesus. This is the sign by which you are to know Him; You will find a Child still in swaddling clothes, Laying in a manger. (Lk 2:12)
- Jesus. Only two classes of people found the Babe: the shepherds and the Wise Men; the simple and the learned; those who knew that they knew nothing, and those who knew that they did not know everything.
- Jesus. Men shall have no greater sign of Divinity than the absence of power as they expect it—the spectacle of a Babe Who said He would come in the clouds of heaven, now being wrapped in the cloths of earth.
- Jesus. It was not so much that His birth cast a shadow on His life, and thus led to His death; it was rather that the Cross was there from the beginning, and it cast its shadow backward to His birth.
- Jesus. Through the Virgin Birth, Jesus Christ became operative in human history without being subject to the evil in it. And the Word was made flesh, And came to dwell among us; And we had sight of His glory, Glory such as belongs to The Father’s only-begotten Son, Full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
- Jesus. Bethlehem became a link between heaven and earth; God and man met here and looked each other in the face. In the taking of human flesh, the Father prepared it, the Spirit formed it, and the Son assumed it.
Show middle reflection?
- For nine months, her own body was the natural Eucharist, in which God shared communion with human life, thus preparing for that greater Eucharist, when human life would commune with the Divine.
- Mary’s joy was to form Christ in her own body; her joy now is to form Christ in our souls. In this Mystery, we pray to become pregnant with the Christ spirit, giving Him new lips with which He may speak of His Father, new hands with which He may feed the poor, and a new heart with which He may love everyone, even enemies.
- But all this was conditioned upon Mary’s giving Him a human nature. Without her He would never have had eyes to see the multitude hungry in the desert, or ears to hear the pleading of the lame man of Jericho, or hands to caress children, or feet to seek the lost sheep.
- This is the sign by which you are to know Him; You will find a Child still in swaddling clothes, Laying in a manger. (Lk 2:12)
- Only two classes of people found the Babe: the shepherds and the Wise Men; the simple and the learned; those who knew that they knew nothing, and those who knew that they did not know everything.
- Men shall have no greater sign of Divinity than the absence of power as they expect it—the spectacle of a Babe Who said He would come in the clouds of heaven, now being wrapped in the cloths of earth.
- It was not so much that His birth cast a shadow on His life, and thus led to His death; it was rather that the Cross was there from the beginning, and it cast its shadow backward to His birth.
- Through the Virgin Birth, Jesus Christ became operative in human history without being subject to the evil in it. And the Word was made flesh, And came to dwell among us; And we had sight of His glory, Glory such as belongs to The Father’s only-begotten Son, Full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:14)
- Bethlehem became a link between heaven and earth; God and man met here and looked each other in the face. In the taking of human flesh, the Father prepared it, the Spirit formed it, and the Son assumed it.
Show middle reflection?
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Massachusetts and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Michigan and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Minnesota and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Mississippi and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Missouri and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Montana and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Nebraska and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Nevada and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over New Hampshire and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over New Jersey and every soul in that state.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. The Providence of God that arranged for Jesus to be qualified from birth to be a Paschal Lamb.
- Jesus. The Fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles (God with us) that occurred with Jesus birth.
- Jesus. Mary's high contemplation and surpassing love at the moment of Our Lord's birth.
- Jesus. The Eternal Word's departure from the womb of Mary while maintaining her virginity.
- Jesus. The angels' adoration and hymnody at the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus. The captivating beauty of His divine infancy.
- Jesus. The coming of the shepherds to the stable.
- Jesus. The circumcision of Jesus Christ, and His affectionate pains.
- Jesus. The imposition of the Name of Jesus, and its grandeur.
- Jesus. The adoration of the Magi Kings, and their gifts. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 13).
Show middle reflection?
• Glory Be- The Providence of God that arranged for Jesus to be qualified from birth to be a Paschal Lamb.
- The Fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles (God with us) that occurred with Jesus birth.
- Mary's high contemplation and surpassing love at the moment of Our Lord's birth.
- The Eternal Word's departure from the womb of Mary while maintaining her virginity.
- The angels' adoration and hymnody at the birth of Jesus Christ.
- The captivating beauty of His divine infancy.
- The coming of the shepherds to the stable.
- The circumcision of Jesus Christ, and His affectionate pains.
- The imposition of the Name of Jesus, and its grandeur.
- The adoration of the Magi Kings, and their gifts. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 13).
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness, And ev'ry gain divine.
Concluding Prayer:
I bind these snow white buds with a petition for the virtue of Detachment from the World and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
4th Mystery: The Presentation
4th Mystery: The Adoration of the Magi
Intention:
We pray for the Universal Church. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have become lukewarm that the fire of Mary's love enflame their hearts. We pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
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.
1st 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
circumcised on the 8th day.
2nd 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
whom Joseph
...
Joseph was instructed by Gabriel to adopt Jesus when Gabriel told Joseph to name Jesus. In that culture naming was the adoptive act. The child was named at the time of circumcision. That Joseph adopted Jesus is confirmed by the fact that both Mathew and Luke give to Jesus, Joseph’s genealogy. Joseph has two genealogies because his legal father had died without giving birth to an heir so his father’s half-brother following levirate law (Deut 25:5-20) married his mother to give him an heir. Joseph thus has a legal genealogy and a biological genealogy both of which go back to David. (One through Solomon and one through Nathan). All of which is only relevant if Joseph adopted Jesus.
3rd 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
whom Joseph redeemed as first born
...
Redemption of a first born was done on the 30th day after birth and is normally not attended by the mother.
4th 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
whom Simeon recognized as the Messiah.
5th 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
a light of revelation to the Gentiles.
6th 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
the Glory of Israel.
7th 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
whom Anna recognized as the Messiah.
8th 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
whom Mary held up to introduce to His Father.
9th 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
whose Mother’s heart a sword will pierce.
10th 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
whose Simeon mistakenly recorded as presented to Temple service.
Holy Mary
For the Conversion of our Country
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.
Oh my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, circumcised on the 8th day.
- Jesus, whom Joseph adopted ...Joseph was instructed by Gabriel to adopt Jesus when Gabriel told Joseph to name Jesus. In that culture naming was the adoptive act. The child was named at the time of circumcision. That Joseph adopted Jesus is confirmed by the fact that both Matthew and Luke give to Jesus Joseph’s genealogy. Joseph has two genealogies because his legal father had died without giving birth to an heir so his father’s half-brother following levirate law (Deut 25:5-20) married his mother to give him an heir. Joseph thus has a legal genealogy and a biological genealogy both of which go back to David. (One through Solomon and one through Nathan). All of which is only relevant if Joseph adopted Jesus.
- Jesus, whom Joseph redeemed as first born ...Redemption of a first born was done on the 30th day after birth and is normally not attended by the mother.
- Jesus, whom Simeon recognized as the Messiah.
- Jesus, a light of revelation to the Gentiles.
- Jesus, the Glory of Israel.
- Jesus, whom Anna recognized as the Messiah.
- Jesus, who Mary held up to introduce to His Father.
- Jesus, whom Simeon mistakenly recorded as presented for Temple service.
- Jesus, whose Mother’s heart a sword will pierce.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day.
- Joseph adopted Jesus by naming Him at His circumsion ...Joseph was instructed by Gabriel to adopt Jesus when Gabriel told Joseph to name Jesus. In that culture naming was the adoptive act. The child was named at the time of circumcision. That Joseph adopted Jesus is confirmed by the fact that both Matthew and Luke give to Jesus Joseph’s genealogy. Joseph has two genealogies because his legal father had died without giving birth to an heir so his father’s half-brother following levirate law (Deut 25:5-20) married his mother to give him an heir. Joseph thus has a legal genealogy and a biological genealogy both of which go back to David. (One through Solomon and one through Nathan). All of which is only relevant if Joseph adopted Jesus.
- Joseph redeemed Jesus as Mary's first born son on the 30th day after His birth. ...Redemption of a first born was done on the 30th day after birth and is normally not attended by the mother.
- Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah when Mary brought Him to the temple for her purification.
- Jesus is a light of revelation to the Gentiles.
- Jesus is the Glory of Israel.
- Anna also recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
- Mary held Jesus up to introduce Him to His Father.
- Simeon mistakenly recorded Jesus as presented for Temple service.
- Simeon told Mary a sword will pierce her heart.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose adoptive father, Joseph, moved the Holy Family into their new home in Bethlehem.
- Jesus, whose adoptive father, Joseph, on October 12th, redeemed Jesus, Mary’s first born, at the local synagogue.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary, like any other mother who has given birth while the baby’s father is away, wanted to introduce Jesus to his father.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary, on October 22nd, purified herself in one of the baths at the entrance to the temple. When Mary and her family entered the temple, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah and taking Jesus into his arms exclaimed: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples, a light of revelation to the gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (Lk 2:29-32).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary is purified with the offering specified for poor families.
- Jesus, whose parents, Mary and Joseph, presented Jesus to God his Father: “Yahweh, your Son”.
- Jesus. Anna, an 84-year-old widow of the tribe of Asher, also recognized Jesus as the one who will provide the redemption of Jerusalem (Lk 2:38).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary was told by Simeon: “Behold this child is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you, yourself, a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many may be revealed.” (Lk 2:34-35)
- Jesus, whose Mother, while rejoicing at the introduction of her son to his Father and the fact that her son was recognized as the Messiah even as an infant, Mary held him close to her heart since she also realized that Simeon’s prophecy will occur because of her son.
- Jesus, who had been recognized by Simeon Ben Hillel as the Messiah and Simeon had assumed that Mary and Joseph had presented Jesus as an offering to God. Realizing that Mary and Joseph left without recording the dedication, he recorded Jesus as dedicated to Temple Service on their behalf.
Show middle reflection?
- Joseph moved the Holy Family into their new home in Bethlehem.
- Joseph, on October 12th, redeemed Jesus, Mary’s first born, at the local synagogue.
- Mary, like any other mother who has given birth while the baby’s father is away, wanted to introduce Jesus to his father.
- Mary, on October 22nd, purified herself in one of the baths at the entrance to the temple. When Mary and her family entered the temple, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah and taking Jesus into his arms exclaimed: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples, a light of revelation to the gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (Lk 2:29-32).
- Mary is purified with the offering specified for poor families.
- Mary and Joseph, presented Jesus to God his Father: “Yahweh, your Son”.
- Anna, an 84-year-old widow of the tribe of Asher, also recognized Jesus as the one who will provide the redemption of Jerusalem (Lk 2:38).
- Mary was told by Simeon: “Behold this child is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you, yourself, a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many may be revealed.” (Lk 2:34-35)
- Mary, while rejoicing at the introduction of her son to his Father and the fact that her son was recognized as the Messiah even as an infant, Mary held him close to her heart since she also realized that Simeon’s prophecy will occur because of her son.
- Simeon Ben Hillel recognized Jesus as the Messiah and assumed that Mary and Joseph had presented Jesus as an offering to God. Realizing that Mary and Joseph left without recording the dedication, he recorded Jesus as dedicated to Temple Service on their behalf.
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. 'When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.' (Lk 2:22)
- Jesus. 'Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man'. (Lk 2:25)
- Jesus. 'It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.' (Lk 2:26)
- Jesus. 'And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God.' (Lk 2:27-28)
- Jesus. 'Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised.' (Lk 2:29)
- Jesus. 'Because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see.' (Lk 2:30-31)
- Jesus. 'A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.' (Lk 2:32)
- Jesus. 'And he said to Mary his mother, "You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected."' (Lk 2:34)
- Jesus. 'And a sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.' (Lk 2:35)
- Jesus. 'And they went back to Nazareth, and the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God's favor was with him.' (Lk 2:39-40)
Show middle reflection?
- 'When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.' (Lk 2:22)
- 'Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man'. (Lk 2:25)
- 'It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.' (Lk 2:26)
- 'And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God.' (Lk 2:27-28)
- 'Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised.' (Lk 2:29)
- 'Because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see.' (Lk 2:30-31)
- 'A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.' (Lk 2:32)
- "And he said to Mary his mother, 'You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected.'" (Lk 2:34)
- 'And a sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.' (Lk 2:35)
- 'And they went back to Nazareth, and the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God's favor was with him.' (Lk 2:39-40)
- Jesus. We say there were three magi because there were three gifts: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for his death, which remind us of Isaiah 60:6.
- Jesus. The Magi were from the East: either Seleucia (Babylon was destroyed in 325 BC and a new capital city, Seleucia, was established 27 miles (43 Km) to the North) or possibly Persepolis, the capital of Persia. They were likely disciples of Daniel whose inheritance they were bringing to the Messiah.
- Jesus. Daniel told them approximately when the sign would happen so they could begin to watch the sky.
- Jesus. The sign they were looking for likely began on Tishri 1 (September 11, 3 BC), the Jewish New Year of 3759 and throughout 2 BC, when there occurred a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter (the king planet, through its retrograde motion) and Regulus (the king star): they intersected on 9/11/3 BC, 2/6/2 BC, and 5/7/2 BC.
- Jesus. The Magi would have arrived in Jerusalem sometime in November or December of 2 BC saying: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” That they have come to worship the new born king implies that they were worshipers of Yahweh and followers of Daniel. While in Jerusalem seeking direction from the priests and scribes, Simeon likely told the Magi to ask for Mary and Joseph when they got to Bethlehem.
- Jesus. Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
- Jesus. The star from Jerusalem to the house in Bethlehem was likely angelic in origin.
- Jesus. The end of Jesus's life is shown from his birth: Jesus is acclaimed King by the Magi and at his death by Pilate; Plans were made in secret by the rulers to kill Jesus at both his birth and his death.
- Jesus. Artistic contrasts: Light in the sky at night proclaims Jesus birth and darkness during the day Jesus' death. At his birth, He is worshiped and at Jesus' death, He is mocked.
- Jesus. God recognized that Mary and Joseph would need money to pay for the trip to and from Egypt as well as to pay for the redemption of Jesus when he was 12. God provides.
Show middle reflection?
- We say there were three magi because there were three gifts: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for his death, which remind us of Isaiah 60:6.
- The Magi were from the East: either Seleucia (Babylon was destroyed in 325 BC and a new capital city, Seleucia, was established 27 miles (43 Km) to the North) or possibly Persepolis, the capital of Persia. They were likely disciples of Daniel whose inheritance they were bringing to the Messiah.
- Daniel told them approximately when the sign would happen so they could begin to watch the sky.
- The sign they were looking for likely began on Tishri 1 (September 11, 3 BC), the Jewish New Year of 3759 and throughout 2 BC, when there occurred a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter (the king planet, through its retrograde motion) and Regulus (the king star): they intersected on 9/11/3 BC, 2/6/2 BC, and 5/7/2 BC.
- The Magi would have arrived in Jerusalem sometime in November or December of 2 BC saying: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” That they have come to worship the new born king implies that they were worshipers of Yahweh and followers of Daniel. While in Jerusalem seeking direction from the priests and scribes, Simeon likely told the Magi to ask for Mary and Joseph when they got to Bethlehem.
- Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
- The star from Jerusalem to the house in Bethlehem was likely angelic in origin.
- The end of Jesus's life is shown from his birth: Jesus is acclaimed King by the Magi and at his death by Pilate; Plans were made in secret by the rulers to kill Jesus at both his birth and his death.
- Artistic contrasts: Light in the sky at night proclaims Jesus birth and darkness during the day Jesus' death. At his birth, He is worshiped and at Jesus' death, He is mocked.
- God recognized that Mary and Joseph would need money to pay for the trip to and from Egypt as well as to pay for the redemption of Jesus when he was 12. God provides.
- Simeon had foretold that the Divine Babe would be a Light to the Gentiles. They were already on the march. At His birth there were the Magi, or the scientists of the East; at His death, there would be the Greeks, or the philosophers of the West.
- The Psalmist had foretold that the kings of the East would come to do homage to Emmanuel. Following a star, they came to Jerusalem to ask Herod where the King had been born.
- It was a star that led them. God spoke to the Gentiles through nature and philosophers; to the Jews, through prophecies.
- The time was ripe for the coming of the Messias and the whole world knew it.
- Though coming from a land that worshiped stars, they surrendered that religion as they fell down and worshiped Him Who made the stars.
- And so, going into the dwelling, they Found the Child there, with his mother Mary, And fell down to worship Him.
- Opening their store of treasures, They offered Him gifts, of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
- Isaias had prophesied: A stream of camels thronging about thee, Dromedaries from Madian and Epha, Bringing all the men of Saba with their gifts Of gold and incense, Their cry of praise to the Lord! Isaiah 60:6
- They brought three gifts: gold to honor His Kingship, frankincense to honor His Divinity, and myrrh to honor His Humanity which was destined for death. Myrrh was used at His burial. The crib and the Cross are related again, for there is myrrh at both.
- Herod the Great knew that the time had come for the birth of the King announced clearly to the Jews, and apprehended dimly in the aspirations of the Gentiles. But like all carnal-minded men, he lacked a spiritual sense, and therefore felt certain that the King would be a political one. He made inquiries as to where Christ was to be born. The chief priests and learned men told him, “At Bethlehem in Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet.” Herod said that he wanted to worship the Babe. But his actions proved that he really meant, “If this is the Messias, I must kill Him.” +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 47-49) Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. As you were leaving the Temple, Simeon's parting words struck you to the very core of your being.
- Jesus. 'And a sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.' (Lk 2:35)
- Jesus. You immediaely realized that you were destined to suffer much because of your love for your son.
- Jesus. There is nothing worse than to hold a suffering child when there is nothing you can do to stop the pain [from coming].
- Jesus. You lived haunted by these words of Isaiah: "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Is 53:3)
- Jesus. 'But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.' (Is 53:5)
- Jesus. You must have pondered daily: 'Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand'. (Is 53:10)
- Jesus.
- Jesus.
- Jesus.
- Jesus. When Joseph woke you, with the word that you were leaving now, your only thought was for your son.
- Jesus. The winter night was very cold so you held your son under your cloak to keep him warm, to protect him from the cold wind.
- Jesus. While the cloud cover hid your departure, it made walking treacherous especially carrying your precious child.
- Jesus. As day broke, traveling got easier so, you began to think of what lay ahead and what you left behind.
- Jesus. You began to think of the infant children whose mothers you had met over the past few weeks.
- Jesus. You had thought of them as future playmates for your son and now you wondered if any would survive.
- Jesus. You now experienced guilt for the first time. You alone had saved your son, you felt the pain of loss those mothers would feel!
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. Mary here anticipated the joy of every mother who brings her child to the baptismal font, where God may claim His own. But in the case of Mary, the Child was claimed for sacrifice, as the aged Simeon said that He was a sign to be contradicted, for the cross is the contradiction.
- Jesus. The fact of sin in human nature is underlined not only by the necessity of enduring pain to expiate it in circumcision, but also by the need for purification.
- Jesus. Mary was even told that a sword her own soul would pierce. That would happen when Her Son would have His heart pierced with a lance. Through His Body and her soul would go that one stroke of the sword.
- Jesus. Mere human birth did not bring a child into the body of God’s chosen people. Another rite was required, as recorded in the Book of Genesis: (Gen 17:9)
- Jesus. Circumcision in the Old Testament was a prefiguration of Baptism in the New Testament. Both symbolize a renunciation of the flesh with its sins. The first was done by wounding the body; the second, by cleansing the soul.
- Jesus. A Child only eight days old was already beginning the blood shedding that would fulfill His perfect manhood.
- Jesus. The mother who brought the Lamb of God into the world had no lamb to offer—except the Lamb of God.
- Jesus. Simeon was now telling her that in her blessedness she would be the Mater Dolorosa. She would continue to live in the sorrow of her Child. If He was to be the Man of Sorrows, she would be the Mother of Sorrows.
- Jesus. Simeon was practically calling Him the “Divine Disturber,” Who would provoke human hearts either to good or evil. Once confronted with Him, they must subscribe either to light or darkness.
- Jesus. Simeon told Our Lord’s mother that her Son must suffer because His life would be so much opposed to the complacent maxims by which most men govern their lives. +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 30-45 Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- Mary here anticipated the joy of every mother who brings her child to the baptismal font, where God may claim His own. But in the case of Mary, the Child was claimed for sacrifice, as the aged Simeon said that He was a sign to be contradicted, for the cross is the contradiction.
- The fact of sin in human nature is underlined not only by the necessity of enduring pain to expiate it in circumcision, but also by the need for purification.
- Mary was even told that a sword her own soul would pierce. That would happen when her Son would have His heart pierced with a lance. Through His Body and her soul would go that one stroke of the sword.
- Mere human birth did not bring a child into the body of God’s chosen people. Another rite was required, as recorded in the Book of Genesis: (Gen 17:9)
- Circumcision in the Old Testament was a prefiguration of Baptism in the New Testament. Both symbolize a renunciation of the flesh with its sins. The first was done by wounding the body; the second, by cleansing the soul.
- A Child only eight days old was already beginning the blood shedding that would fulfill His perfect manhood.
- The mother who brought the Lamb of God into the world had no lamb to offer—except the Lamb of God.
- Simeon was now telling her that in her blessedness she would be the Mater Dolorosa. She would continue to live in the sorrow of her Child. If He was to be the Man of Sorrows, she would be the Mother of Sorrows.
- Simeon was practically calling Him the “Divine Disturber,” Who would provoke human hearts either to good or evil. Once confronted with Him, they must subscribe either to light or darkness.
- He told Our Lord’s mother that her Son must suffer because His life would be so much opposed to the complacent maxims by which most men govern their lives. +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 30-45. Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. After foretelling that the Child is a sign to be contradicted, he tells Mary: “Thine own soul a sword shall pierce.” Note that Simeon did not say that the sword would pierce her body.
- Jesus. The most basic contradiction was that Mary's Son was born to die.
- Jesus. Now in her compassion, the pains of martyrdom are first in her soul and only then in her sympathetic flesh, which echoed to every scourge that fell on her Son’s back or pierced His hands and feet.
- Jesus. But her sorrow was not what she suffered but what He had to suffer. That was the tragedy. Love never thinks of itself. If He belonged to sinners, so would she.
- Jesus. The Savior’s edge of the sword was telling His Mother, through Simeon, that He was to be a victim for sin; her edge was knowing that she would be a Trustee of His life until the hour of sacrifice.
- Jesus. Mary has only forty days of embracing her Infant Child when she sees the shadow of a contradiction thrown across His life.
- Jesus. If kindness before the wounded binds up the sores, then shall virtue in the face of sin seek to be dispensed from cooperation with Him who wipes out the guilt? +
Sheen, Fulton J., The World's First Love, 2nd Edtion: Mary, the Mother of God (p.154-155)1. Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. The second piercing by the Sword was the summoning of His Mother to share sorrow with all the exiles and the displaced persons of the world, of whom He Himself was the first born.
- Jesus. Two swords are now swinging: one wielded by Herod, who would kill the Prince of Peace to have the false peace of the reign of power; the other by the Sword Himself, Who would have His Own Mother see the Exodus reversed, as He now goes back to the land from whence He once led His own people.
- Jesus. That her Divine Son should have used Simeon as the instrument of the first thrust was understandable, for “the Holy Spirit was in him”. But this second thrust used the instrumentality of wicked men.
- Jesus. Divine Omnipotence is in Mary’s arms and still allows it! The Cross seems to be double-crossed when it does not come from Him, but in such cases it is not our patience that is tried but our humility and our faith.
- Jesus. If both the new Adam and the new Eve were not the first displaced persons of Christian history, then refugees would raise their fists to Heaven and say, “God does not know what I suffer” or “No woman ever bore such grief.”
- Jesus. A mother watching surgery on her infant suffers for the child and yet endures it for a greater future good; here the Son is the surgeon who, with a two-edged sword, pierces first His Own Heart before He pierces that of His Mother, as if to blunt the piercing when it touches her. The Word is a two-edged sword!
- Jesus. A Babe was hated! That was the point of the second thrust of the Sword. “As they have hated Me, so will they hate you.” +
Sheen, Fulton J.. The World's First Love, 2nd Edtion: Mary, the Mother of God (p. 156-157). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over New Mexico and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over New York and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over North Carolina and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over North Dakota and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Ohio and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Oklahoma and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Oregon and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Pennsylvania and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Rhode Island and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over South Carolina and every soul in that state.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. Mary's obedience to the Law.
- Jesus. The mother who brought the Lamb of God into the world had no lamb to offer except the Lamb of God.
- Jesus. Mary's realization that her Son was the Suffering Servant of Isaiah.
- Jesus. The joy and praise of Simeon and Anna the Prophetess.
- Jesus. The purification of Mary by the offering of two turtle doves.
- Jesus. The slaughter of the Holy Innocents by Herod in his cruelty.
- Jesus. The flight of Jesus into Egypt through Saint Joseph's obedience to the voice of the angel.
- Jesus. His mysterious stay in Egypt.
- Jesus. His return to Nazareth.
- Jesus. His growth in age and wisdom. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 15).
Show middle reflection?
• Glory Be- Jesus and Mary's obedience to the Law.
- The mother who brought the Lamb of God into the world had no lamb to offer except the Lamb of God.
- Mary's realization that her Son was the Suffering Servant of Isaiah.
- The joy and praise of Simeon and Anna the Prophetess.
- The purification of Mary by the offering of two turtle doves.
- The slaughter of the Holy Innocents by Herod in his cruelty.
- The flight of Jesus into Egypt through Saint Joseph's obedience to the voice of the angel.
- His mysterious stay in Egypt.
- His return to Nazareth.
- His growth in age and wisdom. +
America Needs Fatima. the Rosary the Greatest Weapon of the 21st Century (page 15).
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh! say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Oh! thus be it ev'r when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation,
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto, "In God is our trust."
And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Concluding Prayer:
I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of Purity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
5th Mystery: The Finding in the Temple
Intention:
We pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength, stamina, discernment, understanding, and wisdom to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God’s own heart, to lay down our
lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children.
Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God.
Let us pray for an increase in people focused on assisting the souls in purgatory.
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.
1st 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
whose family, after traveling a whole day, realized He was not in the caravan.
2nd 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
whose family returned to Jerusalem to find.
3rd 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
whose family found in the Temple on the third day.
4th 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
who amazed the teachers and scribes with His knowledge and understanding of the Torah.
5th 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
who when His Mother asked "Why?" said He was told He must stay in the Temple.
6th 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
whose family negotiated and paid for His redemption.
7th 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
who returned to Nazreth with His family.
8th 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
whose absence for three days foretold of His three days in the tomb.
9th 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
whose family was blessed to have home.
10th 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
who advanced in wisdom, and in age, and in grace, with God and men. (Lk 2:52).
Holy Mary
For the Conversion of our Country
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.
Oh my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
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Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose family, after traveling a whole day, realized He was not in the caravan.
- Jesus, whose family returned to Jerusalem to find.
- Jesus, whose family found in the Temple on the third day.
- Jesus, who amazed the teachers and scribes with His knowledge and understanding of the Torah.
- Jesus, who when His Mother asked "Why?" said He was told He must stay in the Temple.
- Jesus, whose family negotiated and paid for His redemption.
- Jesus, who returned to Nazareth with His family.
- Jesus, whose absence for three days foretold of His three days in the tomb.
- Jesus, whose family was blessed to have Him home.
- Jesus, who advanced in wisdom, and in age, and in grace, with God and men. (Lk 2:52)
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Show middle reflection?
- After traveling a whole day, Mary and Joseph realized He was not in the caravan.
- Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem to find Jesus.
- Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple on the third day.
- The teachers and scribes were amazed at His knowledge and understanding of the Torah.
- When His Mother asked "Why?" Jesus said He was told He must stay in the Temple.
- Jesus' family negotiated and paid for His redemption.
- Jesus returned to Nazareth with His family.
- Jesus' absence for three days foretold of His three days in the tomb.
- Jesus' family was blessed to have Him home.
- Jesus who advanced in wisdom, and in age, and in grace, with God and men. (Lk 2:52)
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose parents took to Jerusalem every year for the Passover celebration.
- Jesus, whose parents when introducing Jesus to His Father, did not realize that it appeared to Simeon that they were dedicating Him for temple service.
- Jesus, whom Simeon sought out every year to assess His progress.
- Jesus, to whom Simeon would have told the story of their meeting at Jesus’ Presentation.
- Jesus, who as presented was required to take up residence in the temple before turning 13 and was now 12.
- Jesus, who thus remained in the Temple when the caravan returned to Nazareth.
- Jesus, for whom His parents returned anxiously to find after a full-day’s travel.
- Jesus, who hurt His own parents and yet did not sin since He could not leave the temple!
- Jesus, who said: “Didn’t you know that I must be in My Father’s House?” because He required redemption before He could leave the Temple.
- Jesus, who returned with His parents after redemption ...at a price of 20 pieces of silver (Lev 27:1-5) or whatever price Joseph could afford (Lev 27:8).
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus' family went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover celebration.
- Mary and Joseph, when introducing Jesus to His Father, did not realize that it appeared to Simeon that they were dedicating Him for temple service.
- Simeon sought out Jesus every year to assess His progress.
- Simeon would have told Jesus the story of their meeting at Jesus’ Presentation.
- Since Jesus' Presentation was recorded, He was required to take up residence in the temple before turning 13 and was now 12.
- Jesus remained in the Temple when the caravan returned to Nazareth.
- Mary and Joseph anxiously returned to Jerusalem to find Jesus after a full-day’s travel.
- Jesus, hurt His own parents and yet did not sin since He could not leave the temple!
- Jesus said: “Didn’t you know that I must be in My Father’s House?” because He required redemption before He could leave the Temple.
- Jesus returned to Nazareth with His parents after redemption ...at a price of 20 pieces of silver (Lev 27:1-5) or whatever price Joseph could afford (Lev 27:8).
Show full reflection?
- Jesus, whose loss and finding in the temple is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The events occured on the same dates, on the Gregorian calendar, as his death, April 3rd, and resurrection, April 5th.
- Jesus, who didn’t commit a sin and yet to hurt one’s parents is a sin. We are missing something!
- Jesus, who at his Mother’s purification, Simeon, a rabbi and leading Pharisee, had recognized Jesus as the Messiah and saw what he assumed to be Mary presenting Jesus for dedication to Temple Service and so Jesus’ dedication to Temple Service was recorded, by Simeon, on behalf of Mary and Joseph.
- Jesus, who as God, knew this would happen and provided for it in the Torah: “If anyone vows to give himself or one of his family members to the full service of the Lord, and circumstance changes so that he cannot keep his vow, he shall pay a redemption price to be freed from that vow” (Lev 27:2). If they cannot afford the redemption price, the person dedicated will be brought to the priest who will place a value based on the man’s ability to pay (Lev 27:8).
- Jesus. Simeon lived until he was 130 years old, dying in 20 AD. He would have looked for Jesus every year at Passover, asking if this was the year he would be staying. The visit with Simeon would have become a routine part of the family Passover. He would have told Jesus that his parents dedicated him for Temple Service and that he had to be in residence by the time he turned 13.
- Jesus, who when He was 12 after the Passover Festival remained in the Temple. Mary and Joseph left for home, assuming Jesus was with the other boys in the caravan.
- Jesus, whose parents, Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus had not joined the caravan and must wait until morning to return to Jerusalem. Not finding Jesus with friends they must again wait until morning to check in the temple.
- Jesus, to whom, when Mary found him, said: “Son, why have you done this to us?” (Lk 2:48)
- Jesus, who responded: “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2:49).
- Jesus. There was no sin: Jesus could not leave. What must Mary have thought and felt? Her son was 12 years old and Mary and Joseph had apparently left their son, to spend the rest of his life in the temple, without even saying “Good-by”! What joy to have him back!
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus' loss and finding in the temple is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The events occured on the same dates, on the Gregorian calendar, as his death, April 3rd, and resurrection, April 5th.
- Jesus didn’t commit a sin and yet to hurt one’s parents is a sin. We are missing something!
- At his Mother’s purification, Simeon, a rabbi and leading Pharisee, had recognized Jesus as the Messiah and saw what he assumed to be Mary presenting Jesus for dedication to Temple Service. Simeon then recorded Jesus' dedication to Temple Service on behalf of Mary and Joseph.
- God knew this would happen and provided for it in the Torah: “If anyone vows to give himself or one of his family members to the full service of the Lord, and circumstance changes so that he cannot keep his vow, he shall pay a redemption price to be freed from that vow” (Lev 27:2). If they cannot afford the redemption price, the person dedicated will be brought to the priest who will place a value based on the man’s ability to pay (Lev 27:8).
- Simeon lived until he was 130 years old, dying in 20 AD. He would have looked for Jesus every year at Passover, asking if this was the year he would be staying. The visit with Simeon would have become a routine part of the family Passover. He would have told Jesus that his parents dedicated him for Temple Service and that he had to be in residence by the time he turned 13.
- When He was 12, after the Passover Festival, Jesus remained in the Temple. Mary and Joseph left for home, assuming Jesus was with the other boys in the caravan.
- Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus had not joined the caravan and must wait until morning to return to Jerusalem. Not finding Jesus with friends they must again wait until morning to check in the temple.
- When Mary found Jesus, she said: “Son, why have you done this to us?” (Lk 2:48)
- Jesus responded: “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2:49).
- There was no sin: Jesus could not leave. What must Mary have thought and felt? Her son was 12 years old and Mary and Joseph had apparently left their son, to spend the rest of his life in the temple, without even saying “Good-by”! What joy to have him back!
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. 'When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.' (Lk 2:41-42)
- Jesus. 'When they were on their way home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it.' (Lk 2:43)
- Jesus. 'They went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. On the third day, they found him in the Temple.' (Lk 2:45-46)
- Jesus. 'He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions.' (Lk 2:46)
- Jesus. 'And all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies.' (Lk 2:47)
- Jesus. 'My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.' (Lk 2:48)
- Jesus. 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?' (Lk 2:49)
- Jesus. 'But they did not understand what he meant.' (Lk 2:50)
- Jesus. 'He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority.' (Lk 2:51)
- Jesus. 'And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.' (Lk 2:52)
Show middle reflection?
- 'When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.' (Lk 2:41-42)
- 'When they were on their way home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it.' (Lk 2:43)
- 'They went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. On the third day, they found him in the Temple.' (Lk 2:45-46)
- 'He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions.' (Lk 2:46)
- 'And all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies.' (Lk 2:47)
- 'My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.' (Lk 2:48)
- 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?' (Lk 2:49)
- 'But they did not understand what he meant.' (Lk 2:50)
- 'He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority.' (Lk 2:51)
- 'And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.' (Lk 2:52)
Show full reflection?
- Jesus. In those three days, Mary came to know one of the effects of sin, namely, the loss of God. Though she was without sin, nevertheless she [now] knew the fears and the loneliness, the darkness and the isolation which every sinner experiences when he loses God.
- Jesus. She had her dark night of the body in Egypt; she would now have her dark night of the soul in Jerusalem. Not only her body, but also her soul would have to pay dearly for the privilege of being His mother.
- Jesus. She would later suffer another three-day loss from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. This first loss was part of her preparation.
- Jesus. There was a school in the temple, in which a number of Rabbis taught; the gentle Hillel was perhaps still alive and may have been present in the temple to join in the discussion of [and with] the Divine Child. Hillel’s son, Rabbi Simeon and Simeon's even greater grandson, Gamaliel, the future teacher of St. Paul, may have been of the number.
- Jesus. Annas, the high priest must have heard about the Divine Child, if he were not actually present.
- Jesus. It was in this school of Rabbis that Mary and Joseph found Him. He was sitting in the Temple in the midst of those who taught there, Listening to them and asking them questions; And all those who heard Him were in amazement at His quick understanding and at the answers that He gave. (Lk 2:47)
- Jesus. These are the first recorded words of Jesus in the Gospels, and they are in the form of a question: What reason did you have to search for Me? Could you not tell that I must needs Be in the place which belongs to My Father? (Lk 2:49)
- Jesus. The sword was already coming to Mary before the Cross had come to her Son, for she was already feeling the cutting separation.
- Jesus. The most penetrating sorrows of the soul are those which God imposes, as Jesus imposed this one on His mother. Creatures can hurt one another only on the outside, but God’s purifying flame can enter their souls like a two-edged sword.
- Jesus. Let no sinner ever despair of Divine Mercy, because Mary understands the tortures of the heart, but above all, because she knows where to find Christ. She also knows how to bring the sinner to her Divine Son. As the Madonna of the Empty Arms, she awaits your embrace. +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 56-62). Kindle Edition.
Show middle reflection?
- In those three days, Mary came to know one of the effects of sin, namely, the loss of God. Though she was without sin, nevertheless she [now] knew the fears and the loneliness, the darkness and the isolation which every sinner experiences when he loses God.
- She had her dark night of the body in Egypt; she would now have her dark night of the soul in Jerusalem. Not only her body, but also her soul would have to pay dearly for the privilege of being His mother.
- She would later suffer another three-day loss from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. This first loss was part of her preparation.
- There was a school in the temple, in which a number of Rabbis taught; the gentle Hillel was perhaps still alive and may have been present in the temple to join in the discussion of [and with] the Divine Child. Hillel’s son, Rabbi Simeon and his even greater grandson, Gamaliel, the future teacher of St. Paul, may have been of the number.
- Annas, the high priest, must have heard about the Divine Child, if he were not actually present.
- It was in this school of Rabbis that Mary and Joseph found Him. He was sitting in the Temple in the midst of those who taught there, Listening to them and asking them questions; And all those who heard Him were in amazement At His quick understanding and at the answers that He gave. (Lk 2:47)
- These are the first recorded words of Jesus in the Gospels, and they are in the form of a question: What reason did you have to search for Me? Could you not tell that I must needs Be in the place which belongs to My Father? (Lk 2:49)
- The sword was already coming to Mary before the Cross had come to her Son, for she was already feeling the cutting separation.
- The most penetrating sorrows of the soul are those which God imposes, as Jesus imposed this one on His mother. Creatures can hurt one another only on the outside, but God’s purifying flame can enter their souls like a two-edged sword.
- Let no sinner ever despair of Divine Mercy, because Mary understands the tortures of the heart, but above all, because she knows where to find Christ. She also knows how to bring the sinner to her Divine Son. As the Madonna of the Empty Arms, she awaits your embrace. +
Fulton Sheen. Life of Christ (p. 56-62). Kindle Edition.
- Jesus. As you looked for Jesus among friends and did not find Him, your heart got heavier with each report that they had not seen Jesus all day.
- Jesus. The realization set in that Jesus had not been with the caravan, when it left.
- Jesus. Had he been delayed and was he following behind, and would soon appear? They needed to wait until morning, less they pass him in the dark.
- Jesus. Mary you became the Mother of all sinners. Without sin yourself, you began to feel what it is to sin.
- Jesus. Mary, your loss of God was physical not spiritual and you felt it all the more.
- Jesus. Now aware of loss, guilt, shame, and loneliness. You longed for your son.
- Jesus. Now you needed, more than ever before, to trust in God.
Show middle reflection?
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over South Dakota and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Tennessee and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Texas and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Utah and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Vermont and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Virginia and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Washington and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over West Virginia and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Wisconsin and every soul in that state.
- We plead the Blood of Jesus over Wyoming and every soul in that state.
Show middle reflection?
- Jesus. Consider a mothers desire to introduce their son to His Father.
- Jesus. Consider Simeon's understanding of Mary saying: "Yahweh, Your Son."
- Jesus. Consider the appropriateness of a Presentation of the Messiah to Temple Service.
- Jesus. Simeon lived until 20 A.D. would he have looked for Jesus every year?
- Jesus. Would Simeon have told Jesus as He grew how he came to meet Him?
- Jesus. Would Simeon, a famous rabbi, have arranged to have Jesus enrolled in Rabbi School since as presented to the Lord He had to be resident in the Temple?
- Jesus. Consider the panic both Mary and Joseph felt when they realized Jesus had not joined the caravan.
- Jesus. Consider the danger of night travel especially with overcast skies.
- Jesus. Consider the wonder of the rabbis and priests at Jesus' understanding of the Torah.
- Jesus. Consider the obedience and humilty of Jesus to His Parents
Show middle reflection?
• Glory Be- Consider a mothers desire to introduce their son to His Father.
- Consider Simeon's understanding of Mary saying: "Yahweh, Your Son."
- Consider the appropriateness of a Presentation of the Messiah to Temple Service.
- Simeon lived until 20 A.D. would he have looked for Jesus every year?
- Would Simeon have told Jesus as He grew how he came to meet Him?
- Would Simeon, a famous rabbi, have arranged to have Jesus enrolled in Rabbi School since as presented to the Lord He had to be resident in the Temple?
- Consider the panic both Mary and Joseph felt when they realized Jesus had not joined the caravan.
- Consider the danger of night travel especially with overcast skies.
- Consider the wonder of the rabbis and priests at Jesus' understanding of the Torah.
- Consider the obedience and humilty of Jesus to His Parents
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
God bless America.
Land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam.
God bless America.
My home sweet home.
Concluding Prayer:
I bind these snow white buds with a petition for the virtue of Obedience to the Will of God and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.