How to recite the Rosary of Saint Anthony

The Rosary of Saint Anthony is a beautiful and powerful prayer that honors the beloved saint and seeks his intercession. Although not as well-known as the traditional Rosary, this particular devotion is widely practiced by devotees of Saint Anthony around the world. If you are interested in learning how to recite the Rosary of Saint Anthony, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Begin with the Sign of the Cross
Before starting any prayer, it is customary to make the Sign of the Cross. This simple act reminds us of our faith in the Triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is done by touching the forehead, the chest, the left shoulder, and then the right shoulder while saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Step 2: Prepare for Prayer
Find a quiet and peaceful place where you can focus and be free from distractions. Take a moment to clear your mind and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout the prayer.

Step 3: Begin the Rosary of Saint Anthony
Hold the rosary beads between your fingers, and with reverence, start praying the Creed: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth…”

Step 4: Pray the Our Father
Move to the first large bead and pray the Our Father: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…”

Step 5: Recite the Hail Mary
On each of the following three small beads, pray the Hail Mary: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…”

Step 6: Invoke Saint Anthony
On the next large bead, recite a prayer to invoke the intercession of Saint Anthony. For example: “Saint Anthony, you whose prayers miraculously guide lost souls home, hear our pleas and intercede for us before the throne of our Heavenly Father. Through your powerful intercession, may we find what is lost, gain spiritual insight, and experience the divine love of God. Amen.”

Step 7: Continue with the Decades
After invoking Saint Anthony’s intercession, move to the next set of ten small beads, called a decade. For each decade, meditate on the life of Christ and reflect on a specific aspect of the faith. Some of the traditional mysteries include the Birth of Jesus, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.

Step 8: Pray the Glory Be
At the end of each decade, pray the Glory Be: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…”

Step 9: Conclude with a Prayer
Once you have completed all five decades, conclude the Rosary of Saint Anthony with a final prayer. A good example is the Prayer to Saint Anthony: “O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers…” You can also offer your own personal intentions or prayers during this time.

Step 10: End with the Sign of the Cross
Finish the prayer by making the Sign of the Cross once again: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Reciting the Rosary of Saint Anthony is a wonderful way to deepen your relationship with God and seek the intercession of this beloved saint. Take your time, allow the prayers to penetrate your soul, and trust in the power of Saint Anthony’s intercession. May this devotion bring you closer to God, and may Saint Anthony guide you in all your endeavors.