Rosary Meditations
taken from 'THE CROWN OF MARY' by a Dominican Father, 1890
THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY
THE ANNUNCIATION
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how the Angel Gabriel saluted our Blessed
Lady with the title "Full of Grace" and declared unto her the Incarnation of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let us pray
The Angelical Salutation
- The Most Holy Trinity consents to the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
- Mary is chosen to be the Mother of the Incarnate Word.
- The Angel Gabriel announces that happiness to Mary.
- Mary prays in her holy solitude.
- The Angel salutes her saying, "Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee."
- Mary is troubled at the sight and speech of the Angel.
- The Angel says, "Fear not. Mary, thou shalt conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost."
- Mary answers, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word."
- The Holy Ghost overshadows her.
- And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us.
VIRTUE-HUMILITY
"To Thee, O Lord, be honor and glory, to us be shame and confusion."
THE SECOND JOYFUL MYSTERY
THE VISITATION
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how the Blessed Virgin Mary,
understanding from the angel that her cousin, St. Elizabeth, had conceived, went
with haste into the mountains of Judea to visit her, bearing her Divine Son
within her womb, and remained with her three months.
Let us pray
The Visitation
- Mary, with great humility and charity, goes to visit her cousin, St. Elizabeth.
- Mary, guided by the Holy Ghost and accompanied by the holy angels.
- Mary crosses the mountains in haste.
- Mary is received with great joy by her cousin, St. Elizabeth.
- St. John is sanctified in his mother's womb.
- St. Elizabeth says, "Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb."
- Mary replies, "My soul doth magnify the Lord."
- St. Elizabeth exclaims, "Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to visit me?"
- The house of Zacharias supremely blessed by the visits of Jesus and Mary.
- Mary serves her cousin in all humble offices for the space of three months.
VIRTUE-CHARITY
"O Lord, enkindle in our hearts the fire of Thy charity."
THE THIRD JOYFUL MYSTERY
THE NATIVITY
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the time
of her delivery was come, brought forth our Redeemer, Jesus Christ at midnight,
and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for Him in the inns at
Bethlehem.
Let us pray
O Most pure Mother of God; through thy virginal and most joyful delivery, whereby thou gavest to the world, thy only Son, our Saviour, we beseech thee obtain for us, through thy intercession, the grace to lead such pure and holy lives in this world, that we may become worthy to sing, without ceasing, the mercies of thy Son, and His benefits to us, by thee. Amen
Points of Meditation.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST
- Mary gives birth to a Child and remains a Virgin.
- Mary gives birth to Jesus and wraps Him in swaddling-clothes.
- Mary contemplates Jesus with love and astonishment.
- Mary embraces Jesus and presses Him to her heart.
- Mary feeds Jesus with her Virginal Milk.
- Mary laid Jesus in a manger that Joseph had prepared
- Jesus lies in a manger between an ox and an ass.
- The angels sing, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will."
- The shepherds come to visit the Child Jesus.
- The Magi come to visit the Holy Child, and offer Him presents.
________ Every day visit the Blessed Sacrament, as another Bethlehem, and disengage heart from family, friends, goods, etc.
VIRTUE-POVERTY
ASPIRATION
"What have I in heaven or on earth but thee, my God?"
THE PRESENTATION
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how the Blessed Virgin Mary, on the day
of her purification presented the Child Jesus in the Temple, where holy Simeon,
giving thanks to God, with great devotion received Him into his arms.
Let us pray
O Holy Virgin, most admirable mistress and pattern of obedience, who didst present the Lord of the temple in the temple of God: obtain for us, of thy Blessed Son, that, with holy Simeon and devout Anna, we may praise and glorify Him forever. Amen.
Points of Meditation.
THE PRESENTATION
- Mary goes to the temple to offer her Holy Child.
- Jesus and Mary submit to the law.
- The way from Nazareth to Jerusalem is long and difficult.
- Mary carries the Child Jesus in her arms.
- Mary continues her journey, pondering all these things in her heart.
- Mary offers Jesus in the temple.
- Mary redeems Jesus at the ransom appointed for the poor.
- Anna rejoices to see her prophecy fulfilled.
- The holy, old man, Simeon, embraces Jesus with joy.
- Simeon says, "Lord, now letest thou thy servant depart in peace.
________ Never do or say anything through human respect, or to please yourself. Whether you eat or drink, or whatever else you do, let all tend to the greater glory of God.
VIRTUE-OBEDIENCE TO FAITH
ASPIRATION
"To the King of Ages, immortal and invisible, be all honor and glory."
THE FINDING IN THE TEMPLE
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how the Blessed Virgin Mary, having lost
(through no fault of hers) her beloved Son in Jerusalem, sought him for the
space of three days; and at length found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst
of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions, being of the age of
twelve years.
Let us pray
O most Blessed Virgin, more than Martyr in thy sufferings, and yet the comfort of such as are afflicted; by that unspeakable joy, wherewith thy soul was filled when at length thou didst find thy well-beloved Son in the Temple, teaching in the midst of the doctors; obtain of Him that we may so seek Him and find Him in His Holy Catholic Church as never more to be separated from Him. Amen. "Hail Holy Queen," etc, with V.R. and prayer.
Points of Meditation.
MARY FINDS JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
- Mary has lost her Beloved Child.
- Mary is deprived of her only Treasure.
- Mary seeks Him with anxiety.
- Mary seeks Him in the streets and roads.
- Mary finds Jesus again after three days.
- Mary finds Jesus in the temple.
- Jesus, twelve years old, teaches the doctors.
- Mary says, "Son, why hast Thou made us so sorrowful?"
- Jesus returns with Mary and Joseph and is subject to them.
- Mary preserves in her heart the sayings of Jesus.
________ Obey your parents and confessor, and other superiors, exactly. Be docile to good advice, and pliant to the will of others.
VIRTUE-UNION WITH GOD
ASPIRATION
"Jesus, most obedient, deliver us from all self-will."
THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus was so afflicted for
us in the garden of Gethsemane, that His Body was bathed in Bloody Sweat, which
ran down in great drops to the ground.
Let us pray
THE PRAYER AND BLOODY SWEAT OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR IN THE GARDEN
- Jesus goes to the Garden of Olives.
- Jesus prays lying prostrate on the ground.
- Jesus perseveres in His prayer.
- Jesus is sorrowful, even unto death.
- Jesus is bathed in a Sweat of Blood.
- Jesus submits His will to His Heavenly Father.
- Jesus warns His disciples to watch and pray.
- Jesus is betrayed by Judas.
- Jesus is seized by His own creatures.
- Jesus is cruelly bound, and dragged from one judge to another.
VIRTUE-FIDELITY TO PRAYER
"Lord, not my will but thine be done."
THE SCOURGING
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus was most cruelly
scourged in Pilate's house, the number of stripes they gave Him being about five
thousand.
Let us pray
O Mother of God, overflowing fountain of patience; through those stripes thy only and much-beloved Son vouchsafe to suffer for us, obtain of Him for us grace to mortify our rebellious senses, to avoid the occasion of sin, and to be ready to suffer everything rather than offend God. Amen.
Points of Meditation.
THE SCOURGING OF JESUS CHRIST
- Jesus is delivered to be scourged.
- Jesus is falsely accused.
- Jesus is stripped of His clothes.
- Jesus is naked in the hands of His executioners.
- Jesus is fastened to a pillar.
- Jesus is lashed with scourges.
- Jesus is bruised with clubs.
- The flesh of Jesus is torn with points of lead.
- The Blood of Jesus flows down to the ground.
- They unfasten Jesus; He clothes himself again.
________ Mortify your curiosity and contradict your own will daily. Deny yourself something occasionally at meals.
VIRTUE-SPIRIT OF PENANCE
ASPIRATION
"Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, make me truly mortified."
THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how those cruel ministers of
Satan plaited a crown of sharp thorns, and cruelly pressed it on the
Sacred Head of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us pray
O Mother of our Eternal Prince, the King of Glory; by those sharp thorns wherewith His Sacred Head was pierced, we beseech thee obtain, through thy intercession, that we may be delivered from all motions of pride, and escape that shame which our sins deserve at the day of Judgment. Amen.
Points of Meditation.
THE CROWNING WITH THORNS.
- Jesus brought forth to be crowned with thorns.
- They prepared a crown of thorns for Jesus.
- They force the crown of thorns upon the head of Jesus.
- The Head of Jesus is pierced on every side.
- The blood flows from the Jesus.
- The Forehead of Jesus is covered with Blood.
- The Eyes of Jesus are bathed in Tears.
- The Lips of Jesus are pale as death.
- Jesus is clothed in a purple garment through derision
- Jesus is cruelly mocked and derided; "Behold the Man!"
________ If assailed by impatience, restrain it instantly. Daily produce three acts of mildness and patience.
VIRTUE-LOVE OF HUMILITATION
ASPIRATION
"Lord, your thorns are my roses, and your sufferings my Paradise."
CARRYING THE CROSS
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, being
sentenced to die, bore with the most amazing patience, the Cross which was laid
upon Him for His greater torment and ignominy
Let us pray
O Holy Virgin, example of patience; by the most painful carrying of the Cross, in which thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, bore the heavy weight of our sins, obtain for us of Him, through thine intercession, courage and strength to follow His steps, and bear our cross after Him to the end of our lives. Amen.
Points of Meditation.
JESUS CARRYING HIS CROSS.
- Jesus condemned to be crucified.
- Jesus lovingly embraces His cross.
- Jesus carries His cross on His torn and wounded Shoulders.
- Jesus again loaded with His cross, meets His sorrowful Mother.
- The blood flows from the Jesus.
- Jesus leaves the impression of His Sacred Countenance on the veil of St. Veronica.
- Jesus says, "If these things are done in the green wood, what shall be done in the dry?"
- None can be found willing to carry the cross for Jesus.
- Jesus loaded with His cross, falls at the foot of Calvary
- Jesus, again loaded with His cross, ascends the hill of Calvary
________ Fly all occasions dangerous to holy purity. Guard your senses, and restrain every idea ever so remotely hurtful to it.
VIRTUE-GOOD USE OF SUFFERING
ASPIRATION
"Jesus, Lover of Chastity, have mercy on us."
FIFTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY
THE CRUCIFIXIONLet us contemplate in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, being come to
Mount Calvary, was stripped of His clothes, and His Hands and Feet nailed to the
Cross, in the presence of His most afflicted Mother.
Let us pray
O Holy Mary, Mother of God; as the body of thy beloved Son was for us stretched upon the Cross, so may we offer up our souls and bodies to be crucified with Him, and our hearts to be pierced with grief at His most bitter Passion; and thou, O most sorrowful Mother, graciously vouchsafe to help us, by thy all-powerful intercession, to accomplish the work of our salvation Amen. "Hail Holy Queen," etc, with V.R. and prayer.
Points of Meditation.
JESUS CARRYING HIS CROSS.
- Jesus is cruelly stretched upon the cross.
- His sacred Hand and Feet are pierced through with nails.
- Jesus is raised upon the cross, His Blood flows in streams for all His Wounds.
- Jesus prays for His enemies.
- Jesus promises paradise to the penitent thief.
- Jesus recommends St John to His holy Mother.
- Jesus in His thirst is offered vinegar and gall.
- Jesus cries out, "My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
- Jesus says, "It is finished!"
- Jesus gives up His Spirit unto the hands of God His Father.
________ Every day at noon represent to yourself our Lord crucified, and reflection that your sins are the cause of His sufferings, declare your sorrow and promise never to offend Him more.
VIRTUE-PARDONING OF CRIMES
ASPIRATION
"O God, be merciful to me a sinner."
FIRST GLORIOUS MYSTERY
THE RESURRECTION
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, triumphing
gloriously over death, rose again the third day immortal and impassible.
Let us pray
O glorious Virgin Mary; by that unspeakable joy thou didst receive in the resurrection of thy Divne Son, we beseech thee obtain for us of Him, that our hearts may never go astray after she false joys of this world, but may be forever wholly employed in the pursuit of the only true and solid joys of heaven. Amen.
Points of Meditation.
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.
- Jesus rises again the third day from the dead.
- Jesus conquers death and hell.
- Jesus consoles and delivers the Holy Fathers.
- Jesus again loaded with His cross, meets His sorrowful Mother.
- Jesus rises gloriously.
- Jesus rejoices His Holy Mother.
- Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene.
- Jesus appears to Peter, and blesses him.
- The disciples at Emmanus say, "Did not our hearts burn within us, when He spoke to us?"
- Jesus appears in the midst of His disciples and gives them His Peace.
- Jesus shows His Wounds to St. Thomas.
________ Reflect daily for five minutes on death and on the nothingness of all that passes with time. Act in all things like one convinced that nothing is truly great but what is eternal.
VIRTUE-LIVE BY FAITH
ASPIRATION
"My Lord and my God."
SECOND GLORIOUS MYSTERY
THE ASCENSION
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, forty days
after His resurrection, ascended into heaven, attended by angels, in the sight,
and to the great admiration, of His most Holy Mother and His holy Apostles and
disciples.
Let us pray
O Mother of God; comforter of the afflicted; as thy beloved Son, when He ascended into heaven , lifted up His Hands and blessed His Apostles, as He was parted from them so vouchsafe, most Holy Mother, to lift up thy pure hands to Him on our behalf, that we may enjoy the benefits of His blessings, and of thine, here on earth, and hereafter in heaven. Amen.
Points of Meditation.
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST
- The Ascension of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus ascends into heaven, by virtue of His own power.
- Jesus quits His beloved disciples.
- Jesus promises to remain with them forever.
- Jesus promises them the Holy Ghost.
- As Jesus ascends, He blesses His disciples.
- Jesus opens heaven for us.
- Jesus is seated at the right hand of God His Father.
- Jesus displays His five Wounds, our behalf to His Heavenly Father
- Jesus is our mediator in heaven.
________ Entertain for God the sentiments of a child towards his parents, the sweetest hope and confidence, and with this feeling often raise your mind to Him in heaven.
VIRTUE-LIVE BY FAITH
ASPIRATION
"In thee, O Lord have I hoped - let me never be confounded."
THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY
DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, being seated
on the right hand of God, sent as He had promised, the Holy Ghost upon His
Apostles, who after He ascended, returning to Jerusalem, continued in prayer and
supplication with the Blessed Virgin Mary, expecting the performance of His
promise.
Let us pray
O sacred Virgin, Tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, we beseech thee obtain, by thy intercession, that this most sweet Comforter, whom thy beloved Son sent down upon His Apostles, filing them thereby with spiritual joy, may teach us in this world the true way of salvation, and make us to walk in the way of virtue and good works. Amen.
Points of Meditation.
THE HOLY GHOST DESCENDS UPON THE BLESSED VIRGIN AND THE APOSTLES.
- Mary is assumed into heaven.
- God the Father receives His well-beloved Daughter.
- Jesus receives His Holy Mother.
- The Holy Ghost receives His beloved Spouse.
- The Seraphim salute Mary.
- The Angels serve Mary.
- Mary rejoices all the heavens.
- Mary is seated at the right hand of Jesus.
- Mary is our advocate in heaven.
- Mary is our mediatrix in heaven.
________ Frequently call to mind the Holy Presence of God. Do so at least before your principal actions. When tempted to sin, remember that God beholds you.
VIRTUE-UNION WITH GOD
ASPIRATION
"In Thee, from Thee, and by Thee, are all things, O Lord."
FOURTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how the glorious Virgin, twelve years
after the resurrection of her Son, passed out of this world unto Him, and was by
Him assumed into heaven, accompanied by the holy angels.
Let us pray
O most prudent Virgin, who, entering the heavenly palaces didst fill the angels with joy, and man with hope; vouchsafe to intercede for us at the hour of our death, that being delivered from the illusions and temptations of the devil, we may joyfully and securely pass out of this temporal state, to enjoy the happiness of eternal life. Amen.Points of Meditation.
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
- Jesus sends the Holy Ghost.
- Jesus sends the Comforter.
- Jesus sends fire upon the earth.
- The Holy Ghost inflames all hearts with His love.
- The Holy Ghost enlightens their minds.
- The Holy Ghost strengthens their hearts.
- The Holy Ghost gives the gift of tongues.
- The Holy Ghost distributes His gifts
- Come, O Holy Ghost, and visit the hearts of Thy faithful
- Come, Holy Ghost, enlighten our hearts with the fire of Thy divine love.
________ Instruct some ignorant person, or offer daily, for the conversion of sinners and the propagation of the Faith, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
VIRTUE-ZEAL FOR SAVING SOULS
ASPIRATION
"Send forth Thy Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created, and Thou wilt renew the face of the earth."
FIFTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY
Let us contemplate in this Mystery, how the glorious Virgin Mary was, to the
great jubilee and exultation of the whole court of heaven, and particular glory
of all the Saints, crowned by her Son with the brightest diadem of glory.
Let us pray
O glorious Queen of all the heavenly host; we beseech thee accept this Rosary, which, as a crown of roses, we offer at thy feet; and grant, most gracious Lady, that, by thy intercession, our souls may be inflamed with so ardent a desire of seeing thee so gloriously crowned,that it may never die within us, until it shall be change into the happy fruition of they blessed sight.
Amen."Hail Holy Queen," etc, with V.R. and prayer.THE CROWNING OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
- Mary gloriously crowned in heaven.
- Mary crowned through her seraphic love.
- Mary crowned through her angelic purity.
- Mary crowned through her profound humility.
- Mary crowned through her perfect obedience.
- Mary crowned through her holy prudence.
- Mary crowned through her admirable patience.
- Mary crowned through her ardent gratitude
- Mary crowned through her holy perseverance
- Mary crowned in heaven, above all Saints and Angels, with the honor due to the Mother of God
________ Entertain the greatest confidence in the power and goodness of the Blessed Virgin, but recollect at the same time that no one shall enjoy the favor of her protection who does not endeavor to imitate her virtues, particularly her love of God.
VIRTUE-CONFIDENCE IN MARY
ASPIRATION
"O Mary, my Hope, I expect all good through you."