"For the Rosary to become more fully a 'compendium of
the Gospel', it is fitting to add, following reflection on the
Incarnation and the hidden life of Christ (the
joyful mysteries) and before focusing on the sufferings
of his Passion (the sorrowful mysteries)
and the triumph of his Resurrection (the
glorious mysteries), a meditation on certain particularly
significant moments in his public ministry (the
mysteries of light). This addition of these new mysteries,
without prejudice to any essential aspect of the prayer's traditional
format, is meant to give it fresh life and to enkindle renewed
interest in the Rosary's place within Christian spirituality
as a true doorway to the depths of the Heart of Christ, ocean
of joy and of light, of suffering and of glory."
Pope John Paul II, the Angelus of
October 16th, 2002
HOW TO PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY
(On the cross of the rosary we make the Sign of the Cross) In
the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(then we recite the Credo) I believe
in God,...
(on the large bead, and the others throughout the Rosary, we
recite the Our Father ) Our Father, who
art in heaven,...
(on the next three small beads, and on each of the small beads
of the decades of the Rosary, we recite the Hail Mary ) Hail
Mary, full of grace,..... - (10x)
(after these first three Hail Mary's and at the end of each
decade, we recite the Glory be to the Father) Glory
be to the Father,...
(now and at the end of each decade we say) O my Jesus, forgive
us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls
to heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.
A Short Hymn
Be with us Mary; along the way.,
Guide every step we take,
Lead, us to Jesus; your loving Son.,
Come with us Mary Come.
Now we select the Mysteries of the Rosary we want to pray