The Rosary has been part of the Dominican Order since its beginning. The Rosary Altar in Holy Cross depicts Our Lady giving the rosary to our Founder, St Dominic. The picture in the center of the painting shows St Dominic and St Catherine, but this, of course, is not an accurate depiction, but poetic license by the artist.
In the rosary, we have the meditations on the mysteries of the rosary - Joyful, Sorrowful & Glorious, (in 2002 Pope St John Paul II introduced the mysteries of Light aka Luminous Mysteries. The Mysteries of Light are not included here as the images throughout the page are taken from the Rosary Altar in the Church). The original mysteries reflect the life of Jesus before and after his birth to resurrection. The final 2 Glorious mysteries reflect on how Jesus rewarded his mother for her part in the salvation which is on offer to all. The luminous mysteries reflect on parts of Jesus' life and ministry. Catholics feel great comfort in praying the rosary as it helps to bring them closer to the Lord in all aspects of His life and how feeling the highs and lows of walking with Jesus as He journeys from life to death and resurrection and ascension to the right hand side of the Father.
The following meditations are grouped into the traditional way of the Rosary. The first 5 are the Joyful Mysteries. The next 5 are the Sorrowful mysteries and the last 5 are the Glorious Mysteries. As the Rosary Altar does not have the Luminous Mysteries these will be added to this rosary page when possible. The Joyful Mysteries are normally said on Mondays and Thursdays; The Sorrowful Mysteries are said on Tuesdays and Fridays; Glorious Mysteries are said on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since the introduction of the Luminous Mysteries, these are usually said on Thursday.
The meditations below are taken from "The Rosary Prayer Book" Published by The Rosary Apostolate, Tallaght 1999 and produced here with their consent
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ
- The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple
- The Finding of the Child Jesus in the temple
"I am the handmaid of the Lord, said Mary. Let what you have said be done to me" (Lk ). The worlds salvation begins with a mother and child. We offer this mystery for the mothers and children of the world and especially for our own. When Mary heard the message of the angel, she recognised God's will and opened her heart to recieve it: "Be it done on to me according to your word." (Lk 2) Heavenly Father make known your personal annunciation to each member of this family and give us the grace to fulfil it as our life's vocation"
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
Mary hurried off to a town in the hill country of Judah... and greeted Elizabeth.(Lk) Oh Mary your visit brought joy to the house of Elizabeth and your voice brought grace to the child in her womb. Renew the wonder of your visitation in our home this night. Let your voice rejoice our hearts and your smile lights up the dark days of our lives.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
Mary gave birth to her first born son. Oh God it is strange and wondrous that the world's salvation begins with a little child. In the bible it is written a little child shall lead them. May the child of Bethlehem lead the members of this family the fall down before you in adoration. We cannot bring you sheep or lambs as the shepherds did. We cannot lay gold or silver or precious incensed at your feet. Oh Jesus we bring you the treasures of our faith and we offer you our hearts as a cradle for your own life and love.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
They took the child to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. I have a great task for you my servant I will make you the light of the nations. Father we come now to present our family to you. May it be a pleasing offering in your sight. May we always be united to you. Never let us by word or deed pierce the Immaculate heart of our mother. We present our daily work through the work worn hands of Saint joseph. May the infant Jesus be a light to our children to guide them to the final presentation in the realms of glory.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
They found him in the temple sitting with the Jewish teachers listening to them and asking questions. What sorrow for Mary and Joseph to lose the most wonderful child in the world. What sorrow too for so many parents who lose their children through death, or war or misunderstanding or through the simple fact that the time of parting has come. Oh divine child keep our family one. However our paths may lead us may we all direct our steps towards you.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
- The Agony in the Garden
- The Scourging at the Pillar
- The Crowning of Thorns
- The Carrying of the Cross
- The Crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross
My father if it is possible take this cup from me yet not what I want but what you want. Every family has it out of agony, it's time of trial and tribulation. This is the dark hour when we must go to Gethsemane to find strength in the agony of Jesus. Being in agony the Gospel says he prayed for longer. Prayer is the great source of strenght and consolation. Heavenly Father when our lips are pressed against the bitter cup of sorrow may we have the courage to say with Jesus "Father not my will but yours be done".
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received. Lord you are led like a sheep to the slaughter and did not open your mouth. We have seen you as a leper, as one struck down and afflicted. It is for our sins that you were struck down. By your precious wounds we are healed in body and spirit. May every member of this family make reparation for the offences committed against your holy body which is the church.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
Despised and rejected he enjured suffering and pain. No one would even look at him. Dear Jesus you came as king of love and mercy and they crowned you as a fool. We the members of this family make reparation to your most Sacred Heart for the sins against authority in society and in private life. May we be reverent to our parents and respect their God-given authority.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
"He was treated harshly, but endured it humbly, he never said a word". Like a lamb about to be slaughtered he never said a word. Parents have the joy of bringing children into the world but they have to carry them for a long time before they stand on their own two feet. Children have their crosses too, they often suffer in silence and meet no Simon or Veronica on the way. Teach us in this mystery, Lord Jesus, to realise that we do not carry the cross alone. As a family we carry each other. You are ahead of us and we walk in your footsteps.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
"I have seen how they acted but I will heal them". I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all. I will heal my people. Death will come but it will never take our love away. Lord you are our true love and our abiding hope. To die, is to go to a new and better home. Lord when death comes may we kiss the cross and say as you did: "Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit". May we say as you did "I have finished the work the Father gave me to do."
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
- The Resurrection of Jesus
- The Ascension of Jesus
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit
- The Assumption of Our Lady
- The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Blessed be God our father who in his great mercy has given us a new birth by raising Jesus Christ from the dead so that we have a sure hope and a promise of an inheritance. In this mystery we are filled with the hope that our family will arise from the grave and share in the triumph of your Resurrection. When crushed beneath our burdens may we recall this Blessed mystery of rising up, and come face to face with you, our steadfast Risen Saviour.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
I go to prepare a place for you. Lord as we gather in this earthly home may we remember the loving promise you made on the night before you died that there are many dwelling places in my father's house. I go to prepare a place for you. Dear Jesus when the time comes to bid farewell to this home and family may we set out with the rosary still in our hands as the key to the door of heaven.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
Send forth your spirit O Lord and renew the face of the Earth. Come holy spirit upon the father of this family that he may preside over it with true wisdom and loving care. Oh Mary Noble bride of the Spirit give to our mother the gift of understanding and counsel and may she have a heart ready to listen and to lead. Give to our children eyes for the unseen, ears opened to your wisdom and hearts filled with fortitude.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
He will wipe away all tears from our eyes. The world of the past has gone. Dear mother you are in heaven, body and soul, to tell us that salvation is not for souls only, but for total human beings in their many splendoured glory. As we contemplate Mary's bodily assumption we find new strength to labour for our daily bread to feed and clothe our children to serve the sick and comfort the lonely. May our family play its part in building up this earthly creation so that we may merit to share body and soul in the glory to come.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
A woman adorned with the Sun standing on the moon with 12 stars on her head for the crown. Holy Mary we acknowledge you as Queen of this family. We salute you as the first lady of this home. Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you. Hail our life or sweetness and I hope. How can you reign O gracious lady unless you have servents at your command? And so, we ask you to reveal to us your wishes, so that every member of this family may have the honour of being in the Royal service of your son.
Our Father... Hail Mary (10 times)... Glory be to the Father...
Prayer after the decade "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 your mercy"
Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, mother of mercy,
hail our life our sweetness and our hope.
To thee we cry poor banished children of Eve
to thee 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 on to us the blessage 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 Christ
Let us pray
O 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 meditating upon these mysteries of the
most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain
and optain what a promise through the same Christ Our Lord.
May the Divine assistance remain always with us.
And may the Souls of the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God
rest in Peace.