Catholic Prayers and Devotions

Basic Prayers

The Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father,

And of the Son,

And of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

(Our prayers should begin and end with the Sign of the Cross. It is a reminder to us that the Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification, and that we are called to share in the life of the Blessed Trinity.)

The Lord's Prayer

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.

(This is the perfect prayer that Jesus himself taught; see Matthew 6:9-15.)

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art though 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.

(The prayer begins with the words from the Archangel Gabriel in announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would bear the Son of God, and from Elizabeth's greeting to Mary; see Luke 1:28, 42.)

The 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.

(This praise, acknowledging our faith in the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, has been prayed since the early Church.)

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths that the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

Act of Hope

O my God, relying on your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and redeemer.

Act of Charity

(Act of Love)

O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he arose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Holy Catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Family Member Prayers

Parent's Prayer for Children

O Jesus, Lover of Children,

bestow your most precious graces

on those whom you have confided to our care.

Increase in them faith, hope, and charity.

May your love lead them to solid piety,

inspiring them with dread for sin,

love for work and an ardent desire

of worthily approaching your Holy Table.

Preserve in the innocence and purity of heart;

and if they should offend you,

grant them the grace of a prompt and sincere repentance.

From your tabernacle

watch over them day and night;

protect the in all their ways.

Grant that they may acquire the knowledge

that they need to embrace the state of life

to which you have called them.

Grant us a sincere love,

constant vigilance

and generous devotedness towards them.

Grant us all consolation on earth

and eternal reward in heaven.

Prayer to One's Patron Saint

(One's first name, if that of a saint)

O heavenly Patron, whose name I have the honor to bear,

pray earnestly at all times to God for me,

confirm me in the faith;

strengthen me in virtue, defend me in the battle of life;

so that, conquering the enemy of my soul, I may deserve to be rewarded with everlasting glory.

Amen.

Prayer for Our Youth

God our Father, we thank you for the gift of love and the gift of life.

We thank you for the gift of our children.

We ask you to send your holy angels

to protect and guide them each day

so that they will walk the narrow path of purity,

self-control and obedience,

as was taught to us by your own Son,

Jesus Christ.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,

in union with the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

A Child's Prayer for Friends

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me friends. I'll try to be a good example to my friends so that we can all love You and Your Blessed Mother better. Help me, dear Jesus, to be kind to my friends. Help me to share. Help me not to be mean, but to be kind. I want to help others to be happy by being happy myself.

O guardian angel of mine, guide me so that I may always be fair with my friends. Speak to the guardian angels of my friends for me so that we all may be good and full of joy.

Amen.

Prayers for a Family

Almighty Father, we give you thanks for the gift of Your Son, who saved us through the wood of the cross. We give You thanks for all the favors we received through Jesus Christ, our Lord, the intercession of His Blessed Mother and all the saints. We commend our family to Your Fatherly protection; heal the wounds of those who suffer, comfort the sick and those who are alone, and keep all of us in Your love and peace.

Lord Jesus, through Your cross,

help us carry ours.

Holy Mary, Mother of grace and mercy,

intercede for us.

St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family,

watch over us.

St. Teresa, St. Jude, and all the saints,

pray for us.

Amen.

Prayer for Generosity

Teach us good Lord, to serve You as You deserve;

To give and to count the cost;

To fight and not to heed the wounds;

To toil and not to seek for rest;

To labor and not ask for any reward

Save that of know that we do Your will.

Prayer for Friends

Blessed Mother of those whose names you can read in my heart, watch over them with every care. Make their way easy and their labors fruitful. Dry their tears if they weep; sanctify their joys; raise their courage if they weaken; restore their hope if they lose heart, their health if they be ill, truth if they err, and repentance if they fall. Amen.

Prayer for One's Enemies

By St. Thomas Moore (1478-1535)

Almighty God, have mercy on N. and all that bear me evil will and would do me harm, and on their faults and mine together, by such easy, tender, merciful means, as thine infinite wisdom best can devise; vouchsafe to amend and redress and make us saved souls in heaven together, where we may ever live and love together with thee and thy blessed saints. O glorious Trinity, for the bitter passion of our sweet Savior Christ.

Amen.

Prayer to St. Gerard Majella for Motherhood

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and Wonder worker of our day, confidently I call upon you and seek your aid. On earth you always fulfilled God's designs: help me now to do the holy will of God. Implore the Master of life from Whom all paternity proceeds, to render me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life, and the world to come, heirs to the Kingdom of His glory.

Amen.

Prayer for Expectant Parents

Father, we thank you for your marvelous gift; you have allowed us to share in your divine parenthood.

During this time of waiting, we ask you to protect and nurture these first mysterious stirrings of life.

May our child come safely into the light of the world and to the new birth of baptism.

Mother of God, we entrust our child to your loving heart.

Amen.

Prayers Throughout the Day

The Magnificat or Canticle of Mary

(Luke 1:46-55)

My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God, my savior;

for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed:

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm,

he has scattered the proud in the

imagination of their hearts,

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

and exalted those of low degree;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent empty away.

He has helped his servant Israel

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.

(During the first words, make the Sign of the Cross. The Magnificat is an ancient evening prayer.)

Prayer in the Evening

By St. Augustine

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake or

watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels

and saints charge over those who sleep.

Tend Your sick ones, Lord Christ;

Rest Your weary ones;

Bless Your dying ones;

Sooth Your suffering ones;

Pity Your afflicted ones;

Shield Your joyous ones;

And all for Your love's sake.

Amen.

Night Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

Four corners to my bed,

Four angels there aspread:

Two to foot and two to head,

And four to carry me when I'm dead.

If any danger come to me,

Sweet Jesus Christ deliver me.

And if I die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Morning Offering

O Jesus, through the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer you all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions for all my relatives and friends and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father.

The Angelus

V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary;

R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Hail, Mary...

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

R. Be it done unto me according to your word. Hail, Mary...

V. And the word was made flesh,

R. And dwelt among us. Hail, Mary...

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Pour forth we beseech you O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

(The Angelus is traditionally prayed in the early morning, at noon, and in the evening. The faithful would stop their work to pray. In many places they were called to pray the Angelus at the pealing of the church bells at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m.)

Grace Before Meals

Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts

which we are about to receive

from thy bounty.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Many families that have lost a loved one add the following verse:

May the souls of the faithfully departed,

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace. Amen.

Thanksgiving After Meals

Lord, give all the people the food they need,

so that they may join us in giving you thanks.

Amen.

The Rosary

The Rosary is a devotion that is dear to all Catholics. It has been prayed down through the centuries and it can be an ideal way to teach the Christian faith. But not just Catholics are praying the rosary these days. A growing number of Protestant theologians are acknowledging Mary's role in the whole economy of salvation and, likewise, a growing number of Protestant faithful are purchasing and praying the rosary. We welcome them!

The Rosary is organized into four mysteries and within each mystery there are five decades, most of which recall the significant events in the life of Christ. The mysteries and decades are as follows:

The Glorious Mysteries

The Resurrection
The Ascension of Jesus Into Heaven
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
The Coronation of Mary

The Luminous Mysteries

The Baptism in the Jordan
Jesus' Self-Manifestation at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Eucharist

The Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation The Visitation The Birth of Jesus The Presentation in the Temple The Finding in the Temple

The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Agony in the Garden The Scourging at the Pillar The Crowning with Thorns The Carrying of the Cross The Crucifixion

How to Pray the Rosary

While holding the Crucifix in the hand, make the Sign of the Cross and recite the Apostle's Creed.
On the first bead, pray the Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.
On the three small beads, pray the Hail Mary for an increase in faith, hope, and charity.
Pray one Glory Be.
Call to mind the first mystery and reflect upon it on the large bead; then pray the Our Father.
On the ten small beads, pray the Hail Mary keeping in mind the mystery.
Pray the Glory Be.
Many add the Fatima invocation and pray the O My Jesus.
Each of the following decades continue as in the first; recall the mystery, then pray the Our Father, the ten Hail Mary's, the Glory Be, and the O My Jesus.
At the end of the Rosary, recite the concluding prayers Hail Holy Queen, Let Us Pray and the Sign of the Cross..

Prayers of the Rosary

The Sign of the Cross

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

The Apostle's 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; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

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.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. 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.

O My Jesus

O 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. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen

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 valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ, your son.

Let Us Pray

O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech you, that meditating on these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

While most Catholics pray the rosary as per the instructions above, we are going to add some short Scripture versus at each of the mysteries announced and also before each of the ten Hail Mary's. This helps keep our focus on the mysteries and reminds us of the scriptural basis of each mystery. This may also be helpful to non-Catholics in order for them to better understand the Rosary and Mary's roll in leading us to her Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. So give it a try. It only adds about three minutes to the time of praying the rosary. So, choose the Mystery you wish to pray and let's begin. Please see the credits at the end of this section on the rosary.

The Joyful Mysteries (Scriptural Version)

The First Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation

"I am the Lord's servant", said Mary. "Let what you have said be done to me." (Luke 1:38) Our Father...

Greetings, you who are highly favored! (Lk 1:28) Hail Mary...
The Lord is with you. (Lk 1:28) Hail Mary...
Blessed are you among women. (Lk 1:42) Hail Mary...Hail Mary...
Do not be afraid, Mary. (Lk 1:30) Hail Mary...
You have found favor with God. (Lk 1:30) Hail Mary...
You will be with child and give birth to a son. (Lk 1:31) Hail Mary...
And you are to give him the name Jesus. (Lk 1:31) Hail Mary...
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. (Lk 1:32) Hail Mary...
His kingdom will never end. (Lk 1:33) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Annunciation. Hail Mary...

The Second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation

"Mary went out proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth." (Lk 1:39) Our Father...

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. (Lk 1:41) Hail Mary...
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Lk 1:41) Hail Mary...
Blessed are you among women! (Lk 1:42) Hail Mary...
And blessed is the child you bear! (Lk 1:42 Hail Mary...
But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Lk 1: 43) Hail Mary...
Blest is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! (Lk 1:45) Hail Mary...
My soul glorifies the Lord. ( Lk 1:46) Hail Mary...
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Lk 1:47) Hail Mary...
All generations will call me blessed. (Lk 1: 48) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Visitation, Hail Mary...

The Third Joyful Mystery - The Birth of Jesus

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is born in a stable. His mother places Him in a manger. He is visited by the Shepherds and Wise Men.

Our Father...

She gave birth to a firstborn, a son. (Lk 2:7) Hail Mary...
She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger. (Lk 2:7) Hail Mary...
There was no room for them in the inn (Lk 2:7) Hail Mary...
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Lk 2:10) Hail Mary...
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. (Lk 2:11) Hail Mary...
He is Christ the Lord. (Lk 2:11) Hail Mary...
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God. (Lk 2:13) Hail Mary...
Glory to God in the highest. (Lk 2:14) Hail Mary...
On earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. (Lk 2:14) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of Your Birth. Hail Mary...

The Fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation in the Temple

"Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord." (Lk 2:23) Our Father...

Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord. (Lk 2:23) Hail Mary...
They took him to the temple to offer a sacrifice...: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." (Lk 2:24) Hail Mary...
It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Lk 2:26) Hail Mary...
Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. (Lk 2:29) Hail Mary...
For my eyes have seen your salvation. (Lk 2:30) Hail Mary...
A light for revelation to the gentiles. (Lk 2:32) Hail Mary...
And for glory to your people Israel. (Lk 2:32) Hail Mary...
This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel. (Lk 2:34) Hail Mary...
And a sword will pierce your own soul too. (Lk 2:35) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Presentation in the Temple) Hail Mary...

The Fifth Joyful Mystery - The Finding in the Temple
"Three days later, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers." Our Father...

After three days they found him in the temple courts. ( Lk 2.46) Hail Mary...
Everyone who heard him was amazed. (Lk 2.47) Hail Mary...
Son, why have you treated us like this? (Lk 2.48) Hail Mary...
Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you. (Lk 2.48) Hail Mary...
Why were you searching for me? (Lk 2. 49) Hail Mary...
Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house? (Lk 2.49) Hail Mary...
He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. (Lk 2.51) Hail Mary...
His mother treasured all these things in her heart. (Lk 2.51) Hail Mary...
Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Lk 2.52) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Finding in the Temple. Hail Mary...

Hail Holy Queen... (click "back" if you don't know this prayer) back
Let Us Pray. (Click "back" if you don't know this prayer) back
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Sorrowful Mysteries (Scriptural Version)

The first Sorrowful Mystery - The Agony of our Lord in the Garden

"In his anguish, he prayed even more earnestly." (Lk 22.44) Our Father...

My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. (Mt 26.38) Hail Mary...
Stay here and keep watch with me. (Mt 26:38) Hail Mary...
Could you not keep watch for one hour? (Mk 14:37) Hail Mary...
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me. (Lk 22:42) Hail Mary...
Yet not my will, but yours be done. (Lk 22.42) Hail Mary...
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. (Mt 26:41) Hail Mary...
Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Mt 26:45) Hail Mary...
Rise, let us go! (Mk 14:42) Hail Mary...
Here comes my betrayer! (Mk 14:42) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Agony in the Garden. Hail Mary...

The second Sorrowful Mystery - The Scourging at the pillar
Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged. (Jn 19:1) Our Father...

Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you? (Mt 26:68) Hail Mary...
By his wounds we are healed. (Is 53.5) Hail Mary...
The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Is 53.6) Hail Mary...
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. (Is 53.7) Hail Mary...
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. (Is 53.7) Hail Mary...
As a sheep before his shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Is 53.7) Hail Mary...
By oppression and judgment, he was taken away. ( Is 53.8) Hail Mary...
For the transgression of my people he was stricken. (Is 53.8) Hail Mary...
My righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. (Is 53.11) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar. Hail Mary...

The third Sorrowful Mystery - The Crowning with Thorns
The soldiers twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on his head. (Jn 19:2) Our Father...

Hail, king of the Jews! (Mt 27.29, Mk 15.18) Hail Mary...
Ecce Homo, here is the man! (Jn 19.5) Hail Mary...
Here is your king. (Jn 19.14) Hail Mary...
They shouted, "Take him away! Take him away!" (Jn 19.15) Hail Mary...
Crucify him! (Jn 19.15) Hail Mary...
You take him and crucify him. (Jn 19.6) Hail Mary...
I find no basis for a charge against him. (Jn 19.4) Hail Mary...
You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. (Jn 19.11) Hail Mary...
Shall I crucify your king? (Jn 19.15) Hail Mary...
We adore you, O Christ, in the Mystery of The Crowning with Thorns. Hail Mary...

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery - The Carrying of the Cross
Carrying his own cross, Jesus went out of the city to the place of the skull. (Jn 19.17) Our Father...

He will bear their iniquities. (Is 53.11) Hail Mary...
They seized Simon from Cyrene. (Lk 23.26, Mt 27.32) Hail Mary...
And put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. ( LK 23. 26, Mt 27.32) Hail Mary...
Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. (Lk 23.28) Hail Mary...
Weep for yourselves and your children. (Lk 23.28) Hail Mary...
Jesus falls He took up our infirmities. (Is 53.4) Hail Mary...
Jesus falls again. And carried our sorrows. ( Is 53.4) Hail Mary...
Jesus falls the third time. He is pierced for our transgressions. (Is 53.5) Hail Mary...
He was crushed for our iniquities. (Is 53.5) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Carrying of the Cross. Hail Mary...

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery - The Crucifixion
They crucified him with two others, one on either side with Jesus in the middle.) Jn 19.18) Our Father...

He saved others, but he cannot save himself! (Mt 27;42, Mk 15.31) Hail Mary...
I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. (Lk 23.43) Hail Mary...
Dear woman, here is your son....Here is your mother. (Jn 19.26-27) Hail Mary...
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Lk 23.34) Hail Mary...
I am thirsty. (Jn 19.28) Hail Mary...
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Lk 23.46) Hail Mary...
My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? (Mt 27.46, Ps 22.2a) Hail Mary...
It is finished. Jn 19.30) Hail mary...
Surely this man was the Son of God! (Mk 15.39) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Crucifixion. Hail Mary...

Hail Holy Queen... (click "back" if you don't know this prayer) back
Let Us Pray. (Click "back" if you don't know this prayer) back
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Glorious Mysteries (Scriptural Version)

The First Glorious Mystery - The Resurrection
"He has been raised up. He is not here." (Mk 16:6) Our Father...

Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen. He is not here. (Mk 16.6) Hail
Mary...
Woman, Jesus said, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for? (Jn 20.15) Hail Mary...
Jesus said, Mary. She turned toward him and cried out, "Raboni!" (Jn 20.16) Hail Mary...
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his Glory? (Lk 24.26) Hail Mary...
Were not our hearts burning within us? (Lk 24.32) Hail Mary...
It is true! The Lord has risen and appeared to Simon. (Lk 24.34) Hail Mary...
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. (Mt 28.9, Lk 24.36, Jn 20.19) Hail Mary...
Thomas, put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. (Jn 20.27) Hail Mary...
My Lord and my God! (Jn 20.28) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Resurrection. Hail Mary...

The Second Glorious Mystery - The Ascension
"The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven." Our Father...

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Mt 28.18) Hail Mary...
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. (Mt 28.19) Hail Mary...
Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Mt 28.20) Hail Mary...
I am going to send you what my Father has promised. (Lk 24.49) Hail Mary...
But stay in the city until you have been clothed with the power from on high. Hail Mary...
You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1.5) Hail Mary...
You will be my witnesses. (Acts 1.8) Hail Mary...
Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? (Acts 1.11) Hail Mary...
This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1.11) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Ascension. Hail Mary...

The Third Glorious Mystery - The coming of the Holy Spirit
"All were filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2.4) Our Father...

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. (Acts 2.3) Hail Mary...
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2.4) Hail Mary...
They began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2.4) Hail Mary...
These men are not drunk. (2.14-15) Hail Mary...
This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people." (Acts 2.16-17) Hail Mary...
Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him. (Acts 2.22) Hail Mary...
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit. (Acts2.33) Hail Mary...
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2.36) Hail Mary...
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2.38) Hail Mary...
We adore you, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Coming of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary...

The Fourth Glorious Mystery - The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
"Who is this that comes forth like the dawn?" (Sg. 6:10) Our Father...

My soul glorifies the Lord. (Lk 1.46) Hail Mary...
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Lk 1.47) Hail Mary...
For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. (Lk 1.48) Hail Mary...
From now on all generations will call me blessed. (Lk 1.48) Hail Mary...
The Mighty One has done great things for me. (Lk 1.49) Hail Mary...
Holy is his name. (Lk 1.49 Hail Mary...
He has helped his servant Israel. (Lk 1.54) Hail Mary...
Remembering to be merciful. (Lk 1.54) Hail Mary...
To Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers. (Lk 1.55) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Assumption. Hail Mary...

The Fifth Glorious Mystery - The Coronation of Mary
"A woman clothed with the sun, on her head, a crown of twelve stars." Rev. 12.1) Our Father...

The Lord is with you. (Lk 1.28) Hail Mary...
You have found favor with God. (Lk 1.30) Hail Mary...
Blessed are you among women. (Lk 1.42) Hail Mary...
Blessed is she who believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. ( Lk 1.45) Hail Mary...
A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven.(Rev 12.1) Hail Mary...
A Woman clothed with the sun. (Rev 12.1) Hail Mary...
With the moon under her feet. (Rev 12.1) Hail Mary...
And a crown with twelve stars on her head. (Rev 12.1) Hail Mary...
I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the lamb. (Rev 7.9) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Coronation. Hail Mary...

Hail Holy Queen... (click "back" if you don't know this prayer) back
Let Us Pray. (Click "back" if you don't know this prayer) back
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Luminous Mysteries (Scriptural Version)

The first Luminous Mystery - The Baptism in the Jordan
"After Jesus was baptized, He came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for Him], and He saw the spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon Him." (Mt 3.16) Our Father...

John the Baptist came...saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Mt 3.1-2) Hail Mary...
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Mt 3.6) Hail Mary...
"But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry." (Mt 3.11) Hail Mary...
"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Mt 3.11) Hail Mary...
"I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" (Mt 3.14) Hail Mary...
At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove an lighting on him. (Mt 3.16) Hail Mary...
And a voice from heaven said, This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. (Mt 3.17) Hail Mary...
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert. (Lk 4.1) Hail Mary...
No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. (Jn 3.5) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Baptism in the Jordan. Hail Mary...

The Second Luminous Mystery - Jesus' Self-Manifestation at Cana
"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." (Jn 2.11) Our Father...

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. (Jn 2.1) Hail Mary...
When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." (Jn 2.3) Hail Mary...
Dear woman, why do you involve me? Jesus replied, My time has not yet come. (Jn 2.4) Hail Mary...
His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." (Jn 2.5) Hail Mary...
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing. (Jn 2.6) Hail Mary...
Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water; so they filled them to the brim. (Jn 2.7) Hail Mary...
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. (Jn 2.9) Hail Mary...
"You have saved the best till now." (Jn 2.9) Hail Mary...
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. (Jn 2.11) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Miracle at Cana. Hail Mary...

The Third Luminous Mystery - The Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." (Lk 4. 18-19) Our Father...

The time has come, he said. The kingdom of God is near. (Mk1.15) Hail Mary...
Repent and believe the good news! (Mk 1.15) Hail Mary...
Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. (Mk 1.17) Hail Mary...
News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mk 1.28) Hail Mary...
Jesus replied, Let us go somewhere else- to the nearby villages-so I can preach there also. (Mk 1.38) Hail Mary...
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news. (Mt 4.23) Hail Mary...
And healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Mt 4.23) Hail Mary...
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases. (Mt 4.24) Hail Mary...
I have not come to call the righteous but sinners. (Mk 2.17) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom. Hail Mary...

The Fourth Luminous Mystery - The Transfiguration
"This is My beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; Listen to Him." (Mt 17.5b) Our Father...

Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. (Lk 9.28) Hail Mary...
As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. (Lk 9.29) Hail Mary...
Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. (Lk 9. 30-31) Hail Mary...
They saw his glory and the two men standing with him. (Lk 9.32) Hail Mary...
Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here." (Lk 9.33) Hail Mary...
While he was speaking a cloud appeared and enveloped them. (Lk 9.34) Hail Mary...
A voice came from the cloud, saying, This is my son, whom I have chosen; listen to him. (Lk 9.35) Hail Mary...
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. (Mk 9.8) Hail Mary...
The disciples kept this to themselves. (Lk 9.36) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Transfiguration. Hail Mary...

The Fifth Luminous Mystery - The Institution of the Eucharist
"Then he took the bread. said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which will be given up for you; do this in memory of me." Our Father...

Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples. (Mt 26.26) Hail Mary...
Take and eat; this is my body. (Mt 26.26) Hail Mary...
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Mt 26.28) Hail Mary...
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. (Jn 6.51) Hail Mary...
Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. (Jn 6.53) Hail Mary...
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life. (Jn 6.54) Hail Mary...
For my flesh is real food. (Jn 6.55) Hail Mary...
And my blood is real drink. (Jn 6.55) Hail Mary...
Whoever eats my bread and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. (Jn 6.56) Hail Mary...
We adore thee, O Christ, in the Mystery of the Eucharist. Hail Mary...

Rosary Credits

Nearly all the scripture selections used in the above scriptural rosary mysteries came from Rosary Companion authored by Fr. Michael Scanlon who has a present or past affiliation with Franciscan University in Steubenville Ohio. The Rosary Companion pamphlet is published by Franciscan University Press. Refer to ISBN 1-888462-12-4 when ordering from your local Catholic book store.

Angels

Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible. Guardian angels are sent by God to guide and protect each one of us. Other angels, such as the archangels, serve as messengers of God to His people on earth. There are traditionally nine orders, or choirs, of angels: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

Prayers to One's Guardian Angel

Angel of God,

whom God has appointed to be my protector against all things evil:

be always at my side, and keep me aware of your presence as God's messenger to me all the days of my life, for my good.

Pray for me this day and every day of my life in this world.

Amen

Prayers of the Angel of Peace at Fatima

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love you!

I ask pardon of you for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love you.

Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

I adore You profoundly, and I off you the most

precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ,

present in all the tabernacles of the world,

in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences by which He Himself is offended. And through the infinite merits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of you the conversion of poor sinners.

St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

St. Rafael the Archangel

O God,

send the Archangel Raphael to our assistance. May he who stands forever praising you at your throne

present our humble petitions to be blessed by you.

Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Gabriel the Archangel

O God,

Who from among all your angels choose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the mystery of the Incarnation,

mercifully grant that we who solemnly remember him on earth may feel the benefits of his patronage in heaven,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.


*What follows are a few selected prayers and meditations from Authenticity, a book of prayers and meditations authored by our pastor, Fr. John J. Pasquini*
"Fr. Pasquini's Authenticity: Prayers and Meditations reads like the psalms and the works of the saints, yet they speak to people in their everyday lives. Readers will encounter their own strengths, weaknesses, efforts and longings for a deeper closeness to God through Fr. Pasquini's writings." Phyllis Price, renowned poet and author.

ENJOY!

Formation of Conscience

O Jesus, help me to form my conscience in accordance with right reason and the will of the Father.
Help me to reflect and examine my innermost self,
To absorb the lifeblood of conscience, the Word of God and Sacred Tradition,
To follow the teachings of the Church that flow from your natural and divine revelation,
To seek the wise and the writings of the spiritual masters who have walked the walk of holiness,
To realize that a good end does not justify an evil means, and that I should do nothing that I would not want done to me,
To have a correct conscience so that I may turn away from blind choices in order to be guided by objective standards of moral conduct.
Help me, O Sweet Jesus, to avoid sin which dulls and even deadens my conscience and the ability to see the truth.
O Sweet Jesus, help me to form my conscience so that my whole being may engender a free and peaceful heart.

Petitions

When I pray, O Lord, I affirm my relationship with you.
In my asking, beseeching, pleading, invoking, entreating, and crying I show my need and love for you.
In my petition I recognize I am needy of love, of forgiveness, and of salvation.
When I pray, O Lord, I affirm my need for, you, a Savior.

Intercessions

Thank you, O Lord, for the gift of sharing in your intercessory power.
Teach me to intercede with you, in you, and through you for the good of my soul, my neighbors, my enemies, the souls in purgatory, and the world.
Thank you, O Lord, for the supernatural gift of changing the world.

Discernment of Spirits

O Lord, help me to be aware of the false prophets who dress in sheep’s clothing and seek the destruction of my soul and the souls of others.
Grant me your gifts of prudence and counsel so that I may conquer the spirit of the devil and the world.

O Lord, help me to see the fangs of the devil as they drag me into pride, discouragement, despair, scrupulosity, boasting, dissension, hatreds, false humility, presumption, fear of correction, self-infatuation, bitter zeal, forgetfulness, lack of obedience, and an intense dislike for mortification.

O Lord, help me to avoid the mirage of the world which seeks to water down and eliminate faith, hope, and love, a world marked with self-centeredness and self-will, a world marked by irritation, indifference, tepidity, mediocrity, and false moderation.

O Lord, grant me your spirit, your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. O grant me the gift of self-knowledge so that I may do all for your honor and glory and for the good of my eternal destiny. Grant me authentic zeal, an interior joy, a forgetfulness of self, an ability to embrace suffering, mortification, and the cross with discretion, obedience, calm and peace. Grant me the gift to shun the world’s standards of success and the world’s scorn and to see in others your very presence.

Purgatory

I will do my purgatory here on earth or in the afterlife.
Lord, help me to purify my faculties so that I may experience liberty,
To purify my being so that I may live in a state of existence where nature and grace complement each other, where my body does not become a hindrance to my soul.
Cleanse me of those things which hinder my happiness and peace and spiritual life.
Cleanse my imagination by reason illumined by faith.
Help my imagination and will compliment my intellect in its proper functioning.
Cleanse and heal my memory of all that hinders and stunts my spiritual growth--that hinders the proper functioning of my memory directed by hope and focused on God.
Cleanse my intellect of ignorance and the things of the world, of spiritual and intellectual pride, of sloth, indifference, rash judgments, and spiritual and intellectual blindness.
Heal my intellect with your healing ointment of faith by enlightening my reason, and by making me adhere to truth and grow in understanding.
Cleanse my will so that it may be nourished by the intellect and the imagination and directed toward the universal good of love of God.
Cleanse me of personal sin, self-centeredness, and egoism which deeply wounds my will.
Infuse me with your gift of love so that my thoughtlessness, agitation, discouragement, dissension, trouble-making, anxiety, my need for control and my aversion for sacrifice may be overcome with the gift of being other-centered.
I will do my purgatory here on earth or in the afterlife.
Lord, help me to purify my faculties so that I may experience liberty. Cleanse me of all that is not for your honor and glory.

Love

O God, may I love!
God is love and whoever does not know love does not know God.
Love makes me appear outwardly what I am inwardly. It makes me do all for the honor and glory of God and with my eternal destiny in mind.
It never seeks to justify or rationalize the evil I do.
It never longs for special attention or affection to the exclusion of others.
It makes me realize that if I desire forgiveness then I must forgive.
It makes me realize the wounds to love--the wounds of jealousy, boastfulness, arrogance, rudeness, resentment, and rejoicing in the misfortunes of others.
It makes me realize that I must be patient, kind, joyful, faithful, hopeful, and enduring.
O precious God, may I love, for to love is to be with you and in you.

Gratitude

Thank you, Father, for all you do is directed toward my salvation.
Thank you, Father, for hard work rather than rest--for in work I build up your kingdom,
For the cross rather than comfort, for in the cross is my purification and salvation,
For the dryness in prayer, for dryness in prayer helps me to love you for simply being you as opposed to loving you for what I can acquire from you,
For being relegated to the lowest places for in your kingdom I will enjoy the most precious.
Thank you, God, for punishments, chastisements, and afflictions, for through them you teach me the value of humility, generosity, chastity, mildness, temperance, and diligence.
Thank you, Father, for all you do is directed toward my salvation.

Comfort

O Lord help me to love what I ought to love, know what I ought to know, loathe what I ought to loathe, and ignore what I ought to ignore.
O Lord when I am defiled by sins, be my comfort.
When I am enmeshed in disquietude and carnal thoughts, be my comfort.
When I am overwhelmed by doubts and fears, be my comfort.
When I am attacked by unceasing cares, curiosities and endless vanities, comfort me.
When I am blinded by errors, vexed by temptations, and torn down by the world’s allurements, comfort me.
O Lord, be my comfort in my exile by giving me the strength to die to self so that you may be all in all.
When evil people prosper and my good intentions fail, be my comfort.
When others are listened to and I am ignored, be my comfort.
When others are accepted and I am refused, be my comfort.
When others are promoted and fondly thought of, and I am judged unfit, be my comfort.

In Grace

In grace I move in total genuineness, in total and full human-ness.
I am awakened, purified, and illuminated to my eternal destiny.
I see reality as it really is, as it is seen through your eyes.
I am justified, sanctified, and deified, glorified, and a co-heir with you, O Lord.
I am supernatural, gratuitous, and in the process of being perfected.
When I look to the core of who I am, I find you, O Lord; I find grace.

Christ Be My Guide

Christ be my guide.
Lord Jesus, help me to meditate on your life in the Scriptures, for ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of you and your will.
O Lord, teach me joyful humility in the mystery of the annunciation, charity in the visitation, love of God in the nativity, purity in the presentation, and obedience in the finding in the temple.
O Lord, teach me in your sorrowful mysteries, repentance in the agony in the garden, mortification at the pillar, humility at the crowning of thorns, patience at the carrying of the cross, and love of enemies in your crucifixion.
O Lord, in your glorious mysteries grant me faith in the mystery of the resurrection, hope in the ascension, zeal in the descent of the Holy Spirit, a happy death in the assumption of Mary, and a special love for Mary in the coronation of your Mother.
O Lord, in your luminous mysteries enlighten me to the gift of the Trinity in the baptism in the Jordan, to Mary’s intercessory power at the wedding feast at Cana, to the gift of the kingdom of God in the proclamation of the Gospel, to your identity as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and to the power of the Eucharist as the source and summit of my life.
Christ be my guide.