The Rosary of the Virgin Mary
1. The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary – Mary said “yes” to the plan God had for her. She agreed to conceive Jesus Christ even though she did not know her husband yet. Mary, we pray, give all mothers courage to accept the gift of a new life.
2. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth – Mary was prompted to go visit her cousin Elizabeth who had conceived in her old age, and to help her in need. Although Mary needed support for herself, she joyfully served other people. Mary, pray to God for the grace of valor for all fathers so that they may always stand up for their wives and children.
3. The Nativity of Jesus Christ – Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world in a poor little stable because there was no room in any inn. Nonetheless, Lord Jesus was given His parent’s love from the very beginning. We pray, Mary, keep all families under your protection, especially those where love is unknown.
4. The Presentation of our Lord – In obedience to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus Christ before the Lord eight days after their Son was born. They redeemed Him with two turtle doves and a lamb. Mary, pray for the parents’ spirit of sacrifice for their children.
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple – Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem to participate in the annual pilgrimage. When Lord Jesus was 12 years old, they lost Him and found Him in a Temple after three days.Mary, please, support the families who have lost their faith in Jesus Christ.
1. The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary – Jesus was not a planned child before. When Mary found out she would become a mother, she was surprised as she did not even know her husband. Despite all the anxiety she accepted the child with her heart full of love. Mary, be a role model for these young mothers who fear maternity. Let them be open to the new life growing under their hearts.
2. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth – Elizabeth become a mother in an old age. She must have been afraid about whether she would be able to raise her child. John’s mother was not alone, she had her family around who took care of her. The Mother of Jesus was one of them. Please, Mary, keep under your care these future mothers with all their anxieties and fears.
3. The Nativity of Jesus Christ – You might be wondering if Jesus had to be born, and if His life would be full of pain and shamefully end on the cross, wouldn’t it be better if He were not born at all? But what would we people do if Jesus had not died on the cross, opening the gates to Heaven for us? Mary, pray for those who do not understand the real value of human life.
4. The Presentation of our Lord – In obedience to the Jewish law, Mary and Joseph brought little Jesus to the Temple to present Him to God. Mary, intercede for all parents and help them surrender their everyday lives to God, who is the Giver of Life.
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple – When Mary and Joseph noticed that they had lost Jesus somewhere, they immediately started to search for Him. Mary, pray for the families, who sometimes forget about God’s place in their lives. May they always turn back to the Greatest Father.
1. The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary – Mary was taken aback when the Angel announced that she would become the Mother of God. She asked: “How will this be?” Today, many women are surprised and terrified when they hear a doctor saying: “You’re pregnant.” Some are devastated and consider it as the worst that could ever happen. Let us pray to God, through the hands of Mary, that no woman reject this greatest gift of accepting and bearing new life.
2. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth – Mary goes to her relative, Elizabeth, to serve and support her during the last months before the nativity of John. She arrives to bring Elizabeth a blessing from the Son of God, whom she is carrying under Her heart. It is truly critical that pregnant women do not feel alone and abandoned, since this may facilitate their decision to abort. Let us pray to God that every expectant woman shall have support from other people.
3. The Nativity of Jesus Christ – Jesus comes to this world as a tiny little baby. He is born in a manger. By His side are Mary, Joseph, angels and animals. Next come the shepherds and the three kings. The “Eternal Father,” “God Almighty,”“Prince of Peace” and a “True Counselor” is born in very poor conditions and with no posh celebration at all. And it still is a miracle of birth. Every conceived child is a miracle regardless of how, when and where the child was conceived. Let us pray to our Lord that every woman and every man will understand the importance, holiness and the miracle of every conceived and born life.
4. The Presentation of our Lord – According to the Jewish law, eight days after the eldest child was born, it was solemnly presented before Yahweh. Jesus also was consecrated by His Parents to the Heavenly Father. It is truly important that parents consecrate their children to God’s care. May He always keep them under His loving mercy. Let us pray to God for all parents or the children’s closest ones, always giving them to the care of God and Mary.
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple – When Jesus was 12 years old, He went to Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph. They lost sight of their Son and they found Him after three days in the Temple. People who reject God and do not keep their gaze on Him, can make wrong decisions related to human life. Let us pray that every human being, especially mothers and fathers, will accept God and His holy orders in their lives.
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1. The Baptism in the Jordan – At the beginning of His public activity, Lord Jesus is baptized by His relative, John the Baptist. He did not need to be baptized for He had no need to repent because He had no sin, but he announced His sacrifice to purify us from our guilt. Mary, please remind all parents how important it is to baptize their children and to give them a Christian upbringing.
2. The Miracle in Cana – Lord Jesus performed His first public miracle at the wedding in Cana. He could not allow the newlyweds to be ashamed by the lack of wine. Mary, please pray to Your Son like You did in Cana for all those who soon will be married. May they stay together through thick and thin till death do them part and may they accept each child with which God will bless them.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom – During His public ministry, Jesus always encouraged people to abandon their sinful ways and to turn to God. He showed us the ultimate goal which is our place in God’s Kingdom. Mary, please remind us about the Decalogue and let all lawmakers remember our earthly life’s goal – the protection of each human life.
4. The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor – In the presence of Peter, James and John, Lord Jesus was transfigured to show them His Divinity. His robe became shiny white and His whole body became radiant. Mary, pray for the grace of change for us and help us honestly to confess our sins in the sacrament of Reconcilation.
5. The Institution of the Eucharist – Just before His Passion, Jesus Christ celebrated the first Holy Eucharist and He commanded His disciples to celebrate it until the end of the world. During the Last Supper He made present what was supposed to happen on Good Friday. Mary, you stayed under the Cross on Good Friday. Teach us how to stand there every time we come to Holy Mass.
1. The Baptism in the Jordan – At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. He started His earthly pilgrimage full of human pain and sorrow, loneliness and rejection. Mary, you were a witness of the Life of Jesus. Please intercede for all single motherswho are alone in their maternity. May they have strength every day to raise their children.
2. The Miracle in Cana – There was a wedding in Cana and the hosts ran out of wine. Mary did not ask unnecessary questions when Jesus asked her, “Woman, why does this concern us?” She already knew that Her Son would help. Please, Mary, pray for mothers who are afraid of giving birth to a sick child. May they trust in God and have courage to accept the child with hearts full of love.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom – When Jesus was preaching the truth about the Kingdom of His Father, He was telling people to be like children. Mary, please make our hearts sensitive to the lives of the weakest human persons who shall become the greatest in Heaven.
4. The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor – Jesus revealed Himself as He was transfigured and He revealed His Divine countenance. The disciples were afraid because they experienced the true Divine nature of Jesus Christ. Mary, help us always to live in truth.
5. The Institution of the Eucharist – When Jesus instituted the Eucharist, He wanted to make strong the bond between God and people and to show His love. Mary, pray for all women who do not understand that by giving life they become a part of the greatest miracle.
1. The Baptism in the Jordan – During the baptism of Jesus, the voice came from Heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk 1,11). Baptism is the first and the most important sacrament. Today, mostly newborns and small children are baptized. God also is saying these same words upon them as He said upon Jesus. He is pleased with every human person; He accepts and needs everyone. Let us pray that all parents remember that their unborn children are already loved and wanted by God.
2. The Miracle at Cana – Mary, Jesus and the Apostles were invited to a wedding in Cana but the hosts ran out of wine. Mary was the first one to notice the newlywed couples’ need for more wine. She discussed this issue with Jesus and then spoke to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2,5). There are so many mothers and fathers with different problems, also connected to conceiving, bearing and raising children. They feel as if they were immersed into murky water. And so many do not want to come to Mary and Jesus to ask for help. They try to cope with everything on their own. We pray that all people who feel they are failing as parents will ask Jesus for consolation and help.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom – When God sent Jesus to the earth, He planned to show His love to all people. Every human person is a tiny puzzle of God’s Kingdom, a place to develop and mature. It is a shame that some people do not see it. They treat human life as an object. Let us pray to God for our brothers and sisters who contribute to the destruction of life; may they receive the grace of conversion and healing of their hearts..
4. The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor – Christ showed Himself to Peter, James and John in a transfigured form. They saw His Divinity, His heavenly countenance. The Father Himself confirms this with His words: “This is My beloved Son” (Mk 9,7). It is crucial for us to admit that He is the Lord who has power to act among us and cares for every human life. We beg, Lord, that the Apostles’ experience of Christ’s Divinity be also our experience..
5. The Institution of the Eucharist – Jesus gathered His disciples in the cenacle, took bread and said, “Take and eat. This is my Body.” Then He took a cup of wine, saying, “This is my Blood. Drink from it, all of you.” It is not possible to fight for life and stand against evil propaganda without feeding on Jesus’ Body and Blood. This is a source of life for the Church and for us. Let us pray to God that people nourish themselves with the spiritual nourishment that is so necessary in fighting evil.
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1. The Agony of Jesus in the Garden – Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane caused Him to sweat blood, so great was His distress. He suffered because He took upon Himself all our sins, including the sins of murdering the unborn children. Please, Mary, help mothers to repent of this grave sin.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar – Before Jesus was burdened with the cross, He was scourged mercilessly. His sacred Blood was gushing from His wounds. Mary, help doctors who shed the innocent blood of babies in their mother’s wombs to convert to God.
3. Jesus is Crowned with Thorns – Jesus was derided by the Roman soldiers. They put the thorny crown onto His head and the scarlet robe on his back. They gave Him a reed and mocked Him. Please, Mary, pray for the immature fathers who do not want to protect their children from death.
4. Jesus Carries the Cross – Jesus was burdened with the instrument of torture and made to carry it to the place of His execution. People hit and punched Him, spit and cursed at Him. But there were also those who relieved and comforted Him. Mary, please help the lonely mothers find good people in their lives.
5. The Crucifixion of Our Lord – Jesus sacrificed His life on the Cross. He did this to redeem all people from their sins. Mary, pray for the forgiveness of those who are burdened with the sin of abortion.
1. The Agony of Jesus in the Garden – Before Jesus took the cross of our salvation. He feared and hesitated, too, but He finally surrendered Himself to the Father’s will. Mary, pray for marriages in which couples cannot conceive children and help them to trust in God. He will take care of them and guide them through their lives according to His plan.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar – Jesus, true God and true man, died for our sins, for the salvation of people, even though He was completely innocent. He became a human, lived and loved and suffered as a human. He took our sins, even the grievous sin of taking the life of the vulnerable. He died for the forgiveness of every sin that was, is and will be committed.
3. Jesus is Crowned with Thorns – They crowned their Savior with thorns, spat on Him and derided Him even though He had no guilt. Mary, care for the souls of children who lost their lives in abortion clinics. They also had no guilt.
4. Jesus Carries the Cross – Jesus did not throw down the cross. He carried it to Calvary to save us. Christ wanted us to have a chance for eternal life, even though we are sinful. Mary, give strength to these mothers who do not want to accept a sick child. May they love them with their motherly, unconditional love.
5. The Crucifixion of Our Lord – Mary suffered tremendously as she stood with Him at the Cross and witnessed her Son dying. Women who decide to commit abortion also suffer a lot. Mary, pray for these women who are in pain after the loss of their children and those who battle the mental consequences of abortion.
1. The Agony of Jesus in the Garden – ”Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”(Lk 22,46). These words said by Jesus to His disciples show how demanding it is to stay with the Master. One prayer and a bit of conversion is not enough. Many people decide to abort their unborn babies because it is too difficult to raise them, because the baby was conceived by mistake, by rape or with genetic disorders. Some think that a child will ruin their careers and plans. Let us pray to God to help us guard the hearts and consciences of these people who cannot pray and keep their vigil.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar – This is one of the most tragic scenes in the Gospel. The Son of God is scourged with so much violence and fury that He barely survives. The savage executioners wounded Jesus so many times. Are we any better than these people? Every single sin, approval of evil, as well as our acceptance of killing people, especially those who are the weakest, denies all the good and advocating of life. One by one, these are all scourges of Christ’s body. Let us pray to God that He forgives all our sins and the grace of living in truth.
3. Jesus is Crowned with Thorns – The scarlet cloak thrown on Jesus, the reed placed in His hand and the crown of thorns are our meditation of this Rosary prayer. But the most painful scene is the one when soldiers deride Jesus. They beat Him, spat on His face and yelled,”Hail, king of the Jews!” (Mk 15, 18). What an outrage! And Jesus accepts all this, even though His heart is surely broken by pain that His chldren do this to Him. Be prepared for the same treatment. If you want to do good in living your faith and embrace the values of human life, you, too, will be mocked. But do not fear. The Holy Spirit will be with you. Let us pray to God that He gives His followers the grace of perseverance and humility.
4. Jesus Carries the Cross – The way from Pilate’s palace to Calvary was not long, not even a mile. But it was terribly exhausting. Jesus took all our weaknesses, pains, sufferings, contempt, failures, mistakes, depression, everything! On the way He met different people: those who mocked and derided and those who sympathized and showed concern and actually helped Him. It is our way, too. We meet all these people, these who mock and these who help. And Jesus walked ahead. While defending human life, we will find silent followers and loud opponents. In our life, we meet those who will mock us, but also those who will help us. Let us pray to God that we never stop on our way to Him.
5. The Crucifixion of our Lord – The Master from Nazareth walked His Way of the Cross that ended with His death on the cross. Jesus said,”It is finished” (John 19,30) and gave up His Spirit. Our mission is to give up our lives for others, dying for them every day. May our fight for the protection of life end one day with Jesus’ words, ”It is finished.” Lord, I have done everything to protect human life, even this tiniest one. Let us pray for our never-ending mobilization.
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1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Three days after His death, Jesus resurrected as He had announced before. By being obedient to the Father, He defeated sin, death and Satan. Mary, pray to Your Son, who is the Giver of Life, that every conceived child be protected from abortion.
2. The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven – Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. He promised to stay with us until the end of the world. Mary, we beg you to be our intercessor and pray for Christ’s presence in each family where a new life is born.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Sitting at the right hand of God, Jesus sends us His Holy Spirit as the first gift for those who believe. The Holy Spirit teaches and leads the Church until the Final Judgement. Mary, please pray to God and request for us the virtue of courage to preach and propagate the protection of life.
4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven – Mary was honored for Her complete obedience and was taken into Heaven. She is the first human who is fully united with God with Her body and soul. Mary, we pray for your intercession for us who are sinful, now and at the hour of our death.
5. Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth – Mary was crowned the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Our Queen is the first and the most beautiful creature among all. Mary, you were especially chosen and gifted by God; show us the attitude of service, which is honored with a place in Heaven.
1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Christ is our hope because He defeated death and showed us the way to salvation. Every time we proclaim the value of life, when we protect the unborn children, we take a step forward to our resurrection. Mary, pray for our strength on this way. May we never be misled.
2. The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven – When Jesus ascended to Heaven, His disciples were staring at the sky until they heard,”Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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, 9-11). When we stand before God will we be able to say that we have always stood for life? Mary, intercede for us, help us always look at the goodness and value of every life, even of the weakest ones.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – God has sent us His Holy Spirit for our consolation, to strengthen our faith and to help us choose between good and evil every single day. Mary, pray for all people who contribute to the protection of life, even with the smallest deeds.
4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven – Mary never had an easy role to play in life. She was the Mother of God. She saw His miracles, but also His pain and suffering. She endured in motherhood until the end and never left Jesus. She never doubted. Mary, be a role model for today’s parents. Help them in their problems connected to parenthood.
5. Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth – Mary gave her fiat from the very beginning. Let’s learn how to accept God’s will like she did. Do not fear to call upon Her intercession when we cannot understand God’s plans for our lives. Let’s believe, just like Mary, that God always wants the best for us and never gives us a burden we cannot carry.
1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ shook the thinking of our world. Now, death is not the end. The Lord has defeated death, hell and Satan. He comes to His disciples and says,”Peace be with you” (John 20,19). So many parents are in difficult life situations and have to make a choice of accepting or rejecting the gift of life. They do not need criticism but consolation and support. They need words that will comfort them and will make their hearts at peace. This only Jesus can do. Let us beg our Lord that we always speak with love, never with hatred.
2. The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven – When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He left the disciples with a great mission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28,19). We cannot stop preaching the truth that Jesus is alive, that He is the Life and that He loves life. Dear God, help us to testify and proclaim the value of every human life.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Those fearful Apostles, who locked themselves in the cenacle, now walk the streets of Jerusalem and preach that Christ has risen. What happened? Why such a change? The anwer is easy: the Holy Spirit! He can change and turn around anything to make a human return to God. Oh, how much we need the power of the Holy Spirit to make us all stand for life with courage and valor. We need to summon Him for all those who want to replace the spirit of life with the spirit of death. Let us pray to God for an abundance of gifts from the Holy Spirit.
4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven – Mary is our best Mother. She knows everything about us. She is always close to Jesus, but she stays in the background. Why do we always want to play first fiddle in our lives? Why do we always need to make decisions alone, fighting for our rights, subordinating everything and everyone to us? “My body, my choice.” “This is my belly and I do what I want.” “I am not having this child because it will ruin my career and my success.” “I am not going to be a father, it is too early.” We always want to take control, to be wiser than God. And this is what devil wants the most. From this desire come many human tragedies and dramas, wrong decisions and never-ending consequences. Let’s pray to God that we can always do His will just as Mary did.
5. Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth – Mary is our Queen. We call upon Her intercession and care so often. She is always ready to help. St. Bernard prayed to Mary ”that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.” Mary Queen of every new life, support all parents in their decisions concerning their children. Pray to the Father of Mercy that will they never fear to accept life and accept the hardships of parenting. By the hands of the Immaculate, let us beg God for the spirit of service for all mothers and fathers.