Mt. Krizevac, Andy Hauschild

ROSARY MEDITATIONS The twenty Mysteries of the Rosary show us God's plan for our salvation, through the choosing of Mary, the incarnation of Jesus, Jesus' ministry, trial, death, resurrection and glorification, and the beatitude of Mary and the Saints. Apart from the Mass itself, there is no greater prayer of praise, reparation, adoration, thanksgiving and petition than the Rosary, because it is through recalling the wonders and mercies of God that we are brought into union with him. The Joyful Mysteries cause us to reflect upon the coming of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. The Mysteries of Light show us Jesus progressively revealed as the shepherd and saviour of souls. The Sorrowful Mysteries focus our attention on his passion and death and The Glorious Mysteries lead us heavenwards.

It is not for nothing that Our Lady continually asks us to pray the Rosary, and assures us that we will find the answer to our prayers if we remain faithful to it.

For this reason, in the introductory prayers that follow for each Mystery, the theme is given in imagined words of Our Lady -- what she might have said about the particular theme being offered for our meditation.

These introductions, along with the verses from Scripture chosen to accompany the Hail Marys of each decade, can be used where you find they help your prayer.

All scriptural quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition).

Praying the Rosary

• The Rosary begins with the Apostles' Creed and then, for the Pope's intentions, an Our Father, three Hail Marys and a Glory be to the Father.
• For each decade the Mystery is announced and introduced as desired, and this is followed by an Our Father. A verse of scripture is read before each of the ten Hail Marys, and these are followed by the Glory be to the Father, and usually by the Fatima prayer:
  O my Jesus, forgive us our sins and save us from the fires of hell.
  Lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need of your mercy.
• At the end of the Rosary, or after each cycle of five Mysteries, the Hail Holy Queen is prayed

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