What is the Holy Marian Rosary?
The Holy Marian Rosary is a form of prayer that involves the repetition of prayers and the meditation on different mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary. It consists of reciting specific prayers, including the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, while meditating on the joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries.
How to Begin
- Start by making the sign of the cross, invoking the Holy Trinity: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Next, recite the Apostles’ Creed, proclaiming your belief in God and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Hold the crucifix of your rosary and say an Our Father, focusing on the meaning of the words and uniting yourself with Jesus’ prayer.
Praying the Decades
The rosary is divided into five decades, with each decade representing a different mystery. While holding the first bead, announce the mystery you want to meditate on for that decade (e.g., the Annunciation).
- Recite an Our Father on the next large bead.
- On each of the following ten small beads, say a Hail Mary, reflecting on the mystery and asking for Mary’s intercession.
- After the ten Hail Marys, say a Glory Be, giving thanks to the Holy Trinity.
- Optionally, you can conclude each decade by saying the Fatima Prayer, which is said after each Glory Be.
Completing the Rosary
After completing the five decades, many Catholics choose to end the rosary with additional prayers and intentions. It is common to say the Hail, Holy Queen, a prayer dedicated to Mary, and the final prayer of “O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life.”
It is important to remember that praying the rosary is a personal and meditative experience. Allow yourself to focus on each mystery and immerse yourself in the connection to Jesus and Mary.
The Holy Marian Rosary is a beautiful prayer that deepens our relationship with Jesus and Mary. By reciting the prayers and meditating on the mysteries, we can experience the power of this devotion in our lives. Whether you are new to the rosary or have been praying it for years, take the time to incorporate this prayer into your spiritual life and witness its transformative effects.
Remember to always approach the rosary with a humble and open heart, allowing the Blessed Virgin Mary to guide your prayers and intercede for you. May the Holy Marian Rosary bring you closer to God and lead you on a journey of faith.