October, the Month of the Most Holy Rosary
however, that omission does not make this article any less relevant.
Notes about October. October 7 is the Feast of the Holy Rosary.
This year, on October 13, Pope Francis will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The original statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be brought to the Vatican as a part of this consecration.
Pope Pius XI dedicated the entire month of October to the Rosary.
What saints say about the recitation of the Rosary.
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
Saint Francis de Sales
“The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessing.”
Blessed Alan de la Roche
“The Rosary is the most beautiful and the most rich in graces of all prayers; it is the prayer that touches most the Heart of the Mother of God…and if you wish peace to reign in your homes, recite the family Rosary.”
Pope Saint Pius X
“When you say your Rosary, the angels rejoice, the Blessed Trinity delights in it, my Son finds joy in it too, and I myself am happier than you can possibly guess. After the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, there is nothing in the Church that I love as much as the Rosary.”
Our Lady to Blessed Alan de la Roche
“Never will anyone who says his Rosary every day be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.”
Saint Louis de Montfort
So, how do you say the Rosary?
Stay tuned. We're going to cover that next.
How To Pray the Rosary
How to say the Rosary.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
Offer up the Rosary for your intentions.
1) Begin the rosary by using the crucifix and saying the Apostles’ Creed. Meditate on the truths of our faith.
2) On the first large bead say the Our Father.
3) On the next 3 beads say the Hail Mary.
4) On the next bead, say the Glory Be to the Father.
Begin to recite and meditate on the mysteries of the day.
Each mystery of the Rosary has 5 decades.
Each decade consists of the following prayers.
On the first large bead, pray the Our Father.
On each of the next 10 beads recite one Hail Mary.
On the next large bead, recite the Glory Be.
After the Glory Be, recite the Fatima Prayer.
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.
Then, using the same large bead that you used for the Glory Be, begin the next decade of the Rosary.
After completing the prayers of the 5 decades of the Rosary, end your rosary using the Hail Holy Queen.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve:
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
Offer up the Rosary for your intentions.
1) Begin the rosary by using the crucifix and saying the Apostles’ Creed. Meditate on the truths of our faith.
2) On the first large bead say the Our Father.
3) On the next 3 beads say the Hail Mary.
4) On the next bead, say the Glory Be to the Father.
Begin to recite and meditate on the mysteries of the day.
Each mystery of the Rosary has 5 decades.
Each decade consists of the following prayers.
On the first large bead, pray the Our Father.
On each of the next 10 beads recite one Hail Mary.
On the next large bead, recite the Glory Be.
After the Glory Be, recite the Fatima Prayer.
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.
Then, using the same large bead that you used for the Glory Be, begin the next decade of the Rosary.
After completing the prayers of the 5 decades of the Rosary, end your rosary using the Hail Holy Queen.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve:
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.
Pray for us Oh, Holy Mother of God,
That we May be Made Worthy of the Promises of Christ.
The Prayers of the Rosary
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
Amen.
Our Father
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Fatima Prayer
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of they mercy.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed 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.
Amen.
St. Michael Prayer
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Next week, we learn the the mysteries of the rosary. We will also be given some meditations on the mysteries.
Meditaions on the Most Holy Rosary - The Joyful Mysteries
(Our Lady of Fatima)
The Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation
Dearest Lady,
Here you were, but a child yourself, and you were being asked to be the Mother of God. Your only question was, “How will this be done?” When the angel told you that the Holy Spirit would come upon you, you said, “Yes,” and the Son of God began to grow in your body. The Father elevated all women by giving you this amazing grace! Your faith elevated womanhood and it gave the world the Gift of Salvation. Thank you, Most Beautiful Soul! Thank you for your yes!
The Visitation
Oh, sweetest Mother, how many miracles happened as you carried our Brother in your body? Your first job as the Mother of God was to take this gift, your Son, into the world as you visited your cousin Elizabeth! No one knew, but when Elizabeth saw you, the babe she was carrying in her body was sanctified! John jumped for joy in the presence of his cousin. Jesus was immediately part of a family in His community and part of the family we have on earth. Your love gave us Jesus! His Love gave us salvation. Thank you, dearest Mother. Thank you for this gift.
The Birth of Jesus
Heavenly Queen, did you hear the angels sing when you held your Son in your arms. Did you see the angels surround Him with light and love? How did you feel when you held this amazing Gift of the Father in your arms? Were you cold? Was Jesus a good baby? Did he sleep well? Sweet Lady, we are all wrapped in your love! Jesus gave you to us as a part of the Gift of Salvation. Thank you, Brother Jesus! Thank you for this gift of love you call your Mother!
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
As was fitting of a woman of faith, you, Dearest Mother, presented your Child in the temple following the law of the covenant. You gave back to God the Father, the dearest gift any mother could give, and that is her child. Not knowing what would happen in the future, you walked in faith and love as you stepped into the temple to offer your Son to His Father. Were you frightened? Did you know that this beautiful Baby you held in your arms would live and die for us? As difficult as it might have been to think of these things, you still willingly and lovingly gave back to the Father, His Son. Thank you, most beautiful lady. Thank you!
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
How overjoyed you must have been to see your Son! You had searched for 3 days for Him! Was Joseph angry with Jesus for giving you this scare? Did you speak because Joseph, finally relieved for finding his Son, could not? You scolded your Son so gently and lovingly like, today, you will still scold us if we need
Amen.
They Mysteries of the Rosary - The Luminous Mysteries (The Mysteries of Light)
"Among all the devotions approved by the Church none has been so favored by so many miracles as the devotion of the Most Holy Rosary" (Pope Pius IX).
The Mysteries of Light
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
At last, You and John are reunited as the one who came before and the one who is I AM. Although reluctant to do so, John obeyed the command of the Holy Spirit to baptize You and begin Your mission of Salvation in the world. Sweet Jesus, you knew what would happen as you left Your Mother and began Your journey to save us. You knew what the end would be and how painful that end would be for You, yet, You stepped into the waters of the River Jordan and You began Your ministry. Thank You, Most Sacred Heart. Thank You for the Love You gave us! Thank You for the gift of salvation by giving us the ultimate sacrifice of your life. Praise to You, Sweet Holy Jesus! Thank You!
The Wedding at Cana
Were You really giving Your Mother a hard time when you told her, “It’s not my time.”? Yet, it only took a few words from her, and You began Your ministry of miracles by changing the water into wine. Oh, Sweet Jesus, thank You! Later You would give us the greatest miracle by giving us priests who would give us the gifts of Your most precious Body and Blood through the Mass during the consecration. Sweet Jesus, thank You for the gifts of the men who are our priests. Thank You, for this most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist! Bless and Protect our priests. They were chosen by You. They are also Your Mother’s Sons. Protect them. Bless them, Keep them true to You.
Proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the Call for conversion.
“And He walked among them, curing their illnesses, making them well.” Lord, I know that those are not the exact words, but first You healed and then You said, “Go and sin no more.” You saved the woman caught in adultery. No one would dare to harm her when she was under Your protection. You had the authority of the Chosen One, which You were. You proclaimed the gospel of Love and you asked us to sin no more. Thank You, Sweet Jesus, for this amazing gift. Thank You for Your Love! Thank You for healing us! Thank You for giving us the gift of Salvation.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
At last, You and John are reunited as the one who came before and the one who is I AM. Although reluctant to do so, John obeyed the command of the Holy Spirit to baptize You and begin Your mission of Salvation in the world. Sweet Jesus, you knew what would happen as you left Your Mother and began Your journey to save us. You knew what the end would be and how painful that end would be for You, yet, You stepped into the waters of the River Jordan and You began Your ministry. Thank You, Most Sacred Heart. Thank You for the Love You gave us! Thank You for the gift of salvation by giving us the ultimate sacrifice of your life. Praise to You, Sweet Holy Jesus! Thank You!
The Wedding at Cana
Were You really giving Your Mother a hard time when you told her, “It’s not my time.”? Yet, it only took a few words from her, and You began Your ministry of miracles by changing the water into wine. Oh, Sweet Jesus, thank You! Later You would give us the greatest miracle by giving us priests who would give us the gifts of Your most precious Body and Blood through the Mass during the consecration. Sweet Jesus, thank You for the gifts of the men who are our priests. Thank You, for this most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist! Bless and Protect our priests. They were chosen by You. They are also Your Mother’s Sons. Protect them. Bless them, Keep them true to You.
Proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the Call for conversion.
“And He walked among them, curing their illnesses, making them well.” Lord, I know that those are not the exact words, but first You healed and then You said, “Go and sin no more.” You saved the woman caught in adultery. No one would dare to harm her when she was under Your protection. You had the authority of the Chosen One, which You were. You proclaimed the gospel of Love and you asked us to sin no more. Thank You, Sweet Jesus, for this amazing gift. Thank You for Your Love! Thank You for healing us! Thank You for giving us the gift of Salvation.
The Transformation
Oh, my! The Apostles must have been so overcome when they saw You in Your glory! Like those of us who are caught off guard, Peter could only ask if they should build tents for all of You. I love Peter, Lord! No wonder You chose Him to lead Your earthly kingdom. Peter was so human and frail. Like You, it was his fragility that made Him strong. His strength could only come from You, as our strength can only come from You. Jesus, You loved us so much, You gave everything for us, including this gift of the Transfiguration. Someday, we will see You as Your Apostles did on this mountain. Thank You, Jesus, for this gift!!
The Institution of the Eucharist
Oh, Jesus, I can only bow in humble adoration to Y ou! Y ou said that Y ou would not leave us alone. Y ou sent the Holy Spirit to inspire us. You send us holy priests to consecrate bread and water and turn these into Your most Precious Body and Blood. Oh, my Jesus, I am overwhelmed! I can only say, “Thank You.”
Amen
Meditations of the Most Holy Rosary - The Sorrowful Mysteries
"The Rosary is the compendium of the entire Gospel" (Pope Paul VI quoting Pope Pius XII).
The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Agony in the Garden
Oh, Jesus! You celebrated Your last Passover with Your Apostles then you stepped into the garden to prepare for Your Mass. You suffered so greatly even then! The men whom you loved were sleeping. You asked them to wait with You, and they fell asleep. They didn’t understand. You asked Your Father to let this cup pass. He was silent. You had no one until and angel came to comfort You. When You knew it was time, You were at peace. You woke up Your Apostles and told them that Your time had come. You were led away as a criminal, in chains. Oh, Jesus, I’m sorry that I am responsible for this. I hurt You each time I sin. I add to Your pain. Forgive me. Thank You! You loved us so much! Thank You!
The Scourging at the Pillar
Oh, dear Sweet Jesus! I cannot imagine the pain that You felt as each lash of the whip ripped Your skin from Your Most Precious Body. I cannot imagine the pain as You were whipped over and over again. I cannot imagine how You felt knowing that more pain was to follow, pain that could not and should not be felt by any human being, yet, You endured it. Each lash was for our sins. Forgive us, Sweet Jesus. You, the Man, the God, who is Love Himself, endured the pain and agony of whips. Sweet Jesus, I fall at Your feet. I am saved because You loved us so much! You are Love and Love was broken and bleeding. Forgive us, Sweet Jesus! Forgive us!
The Crowning with Thorns
Oh, my God! How could you endure so much pain? You were weak from the loss of blood. You were dizzy from the beatings. Then, as they mocked You, spit upon You, they crowned You with thorns. It wasn’t enough for You to endure the beatings, but You had to endure the shame and the thorns in Your
The Agony in the Garden
Oh, Jesus! You celebrated Your last Passover with Your Apostles then you stepped into the garden to prepare for Your Mass. You suffered so greatly even then! The men whom you loved were sleeping. You asked them to wait with You, and they fell asleep. They didn’t understand. You asked Your Father to let this cup pass. He was silent. You had no one until and angel came to comfort You. When You knew it was time, You were at peace. You woke up Your Apostles and told them that Your time had come. You were led away as a criminal, in chains. Oh, Jesus, I’m sorry that I am responsible for this. I hurt You each time I sin. I add to Your pain. Forgive me. Thank You! You loved us so much! Thank You!
The Scourging at the Pillar
Oh, dear Sweet Jesus! I cannot imagine the pain that You felt as each lash of the whip ripped Your skin from Your Most Precious Body. I cannot imagine the pain as You were whipped over and over again. I cannot imagine how You felt knowing that more pain was to follow, pain that could not and should not be felt by any human being, yet, You endured it. Each lash was for our sins. Forgive us, Sweet Jesus. You, the Man, the God, who is Love Himself, endured the pain and agony of whips. Sweet Jesus, I fall at Your feet. I am saved because You loved us so much! You are Love and Love was broken and bleeding. Forgive us, Sweet Jesus! Forgive us!
The Crowning with Thorns
Oh, my God! How could you endure so much pain? You were weak from the loss of blood. You were dizzy from the beatings. Then, as they mocked You, spit upon You, they crowned You with thorns. It wasn’t enough for You to endure the beatings, but You had to endure the shame and the thorns in Your
The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus, now you were near death. You had been condemned by Pilate, and even then, You tried to teach him about authority. You who were Love submitted to Pilate’s authority over You on earth. I’m not sure Pilate understood. You had been beaten, mocked and crowned with thorns, yet, You continued on the way of salvation still ready and willing to give Your last drops of blood for us! Thank You, Sweet Jesus. Thank You! And The Father sent you another angel, the woman who defied the Romans and gave You the last bits of comfort in Your final journey for us. Veronica wiped Your Face so disfigured by the beatings and whippings. She, the woman, shared in Your Courage, and sought to help You. Thank You, Jesus. Help us to be more like Your Mother and Veronica. Thank You.
The Crucifixion
Oh, Jesus. The journey was over. The final slices of agony were coming to an end. You were nailed to Your cross. The pain seared Your brain. How did You endure this? Thank You for Your suffering. You gave us everything down to the last drops of blood and water. The Father brought Your Mother to Your final sufferings on the cross. As the most faithful Son, You took care of Your Mother and gave her to John. When you did this, You also gave us Your Mother as our Mother. Oh, my Jesus! Forgive us our sins! You, the God of Love, suffered the hate of Satan and died on the cross for our sins. Sweet Jesus! Forgive us!
Amen
The Glorious Mysteries
The Resurrection
Oh, sweet Jesus! You rose! When the women came to take care of what had been Your frail body, ready to defy the Romans and wondering how they would push away the stone, the angel announced to them that You had risen as You had said You would. You gave to these women the gift of carrying the good news to the apostles who remained in hiding, fearful that the punishment meted out to You would also be theirs. When the women came to tell them that they had seen the angel, they didn’t believe. Finally, they were
The Resurrection
Oh, sweet Jesus! You rose! When the women came to take care of what had been Your frail body, ready to defy the Romans and wondering how they would push away the stone, the angel announced to them that You had risen as You had said You would. You gave to these women the gift of carrying the good news to the apostles who remained in hiding, fearful that the punishment meted out to You would also be theirs. When the women came to tell them that they had seen the angel, they didn’t believe. Finally, they were
willing to see the tomb in which You had been laid. When they saw Your burial garments, they believed.
Lord help us with our unbelief! Thank You!
The Ascension
It was time, Sweet Jesus, it was time for You to sit at Your Father’s Right Hand and send the Holy Spirit to Your infant church. Mother Mary would still be with the apostles to help nurture the church as she had nurtured You. Again, You led Your apostles to the place where You would return home and You promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, You had given so much, yet You give more! Thank You for all You have given us! Thank You for the gift of salvation! Thank You for the gift of Your Mother! How can you love us so much? Oh, Jesus! We adore You!
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
At last, Holy Spirit, we meet You! Even though You have been with us through the course of salvation, You come to the frightened apostles to give them strength and courage. After You filled them with Your graces, they preached and gave witness to the life and love of Jesus and the Father. The proclaimed the gift of Salvation to all the world. Holy Spirit, thank You. We praise You and we adore You!
The Assumption of Mary
The time had to come when Mother Mary’s mission in life was over. The time had to come when Our Dearest Lady would be with her Son forever to nurture her children and bring home to Him as many of her children as she could. Dearest Mother, Your life was based on faith and trust in God. Thank you for being willing to take these leaps of faith out of love for your children. How did you feel when you saw your Son next to the Father in His glory? Sweet Mary, thank you for the sacrifices you made and for trusting in God to lead you through the good and the bad.
The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Oh, sweet Mary, now, not only our mother, but the Queen of Heaven and Earth! You were crowned by the Father and the Son to reign in heaven and on earth as our Queen. Dearest Mother, thank you for your fiat. Thank you for giving life to Jesus. Through you, the Father began to complete His work of salvation. Thank You, Heavenly Father! Thank You, our brother, Jesus! Thank you, Mary, the Mother of God!
Amen.
The Ascension
It was time, Sweet Jesus, it was time for You to sit at Your Father’s Right Hand and send the Holy Spirit to Your infant church. Mother Mary would still be with the apostles to help nurture the church as she had nurtured You. Again, You led Your apostles to the place where You would return home and You promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, You had given so much, yet You give more! Thank You for all You have given us! Thank You for the gift of salvation! Thank You for the gift of Your Mother! How can you love us so much? Oh, Jesus! We adore You!
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
At last, Holy Spirit, we meet You! Even though You have been with us through the course of salvation, You come to the frightened apostles to give them strength and courage. After You filled them with Your graces, they preached and gave witness to the life and love of Jesus and the Father. The proclaimed the gift of Salvation to all the world. Holy Spirit, thank You. We praise You and we adore You!
The Assumption of Mary
The time had to come when Mother Mary’s mission in life was over. The time had to come when Our Dearest Lady would be with her Son forever to nurture her children and bring home to Him as many of her children as she could. Dearest Mother, Your life was based on faith and trust in God. Thank you for being willing to take these leaps of faith out of love for your children. How did you feel when you saw your Son next to the Father in His glory? Sweet Mary, thank you for the sacrifices you made and for trusting in God to lead you through the good and the bad.
The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Oh, sweet Mary, now, not only our mother, but the Queen of Heaven and Earth! You were crowned by the Father and the Son to reign in heaven and on earth as our Queen. Dearest Mother, thank you for your fiat. Thank you for giving life to Jesus. Through you, the Father began to complete His work of salvation. Thank You, Heavenly Father! Thank You, our brother, Jesus! Thank you, Mary, the Mother of God!
Amen.
