Mary in the Fall

The Rosary

The Rosary, though Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. On October 16, 2002 Pope John Paul II called for a revival of the Rosary and a renewed interest in the Rosary as a Christ-centered prayer. He recommended the addition of the "Luminous Mysteries," or "Mysteries of Light," to illustrate powerful moments during the public ministry of Jesus, the Light of the World. They include

			the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17),
			the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11),
			the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15, 2:3–13; Luke 7:47–48; John 20:22–23),
			the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8, Luke 9:28–36), and
			the Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper (Matthew 26, John 13:1).

These mysteries fill the gap in the chronology of Christ’s life and emphasize the rosary as a meditation focusing on Jesus through prayers to Mary.


The following prayer celebration incorporates praying the rosary together. Depending on time available, praying a "Hail Mary" or a complete decade can follow each mystery.

A Prayer Celebration – "Mysteries of Light"

Leader		We reach out to Jesus Christ through Mary, his mother. In these mysteries, we focus on the public ministry of Jesus. Jesus teaches us how to share God’s love with others.
Reader 1		First Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus. (Pause.) Jesus, through your baptism, you united yourself with us. Help us to live out the call to discipleship that we received at our own baptism.
All		Hail Mary...
Reader 2		Second Mystery: The Wedding of Cana. (Pause.) In the town of Cana, Jesus, you responded to your mother’s request to help others. You revealed your divinity by changing water into wine. Guide us in ways to reveal our Christianity.
All		Hail Mary...
Reader 3		Third Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God. (Pause.) Jesus, through your actions you showed us that the kingdom is one of mercy and forgiveness. Teach us how to show mercy and forgiveness to our friends and family.
All		Hail Mary...
Reader 4		Fourth Mystery: The Transfiguration. (Pause.) Jesus, you shared with friends a glimpse of future glory. You also confided in them that suffering and death would come before glory. Help us to be strong in times of difficulty, to know that someday we will share in glory with you.
All		Hail Mary...
Reader 5		Fifth Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist. (Pause.) At the Last Supper shared with your apostles, Jesus, you gave them the gift of yourself. Keep us ever thankful for this gift of love.
All		Hail Mary...
Leader		"Hail Holy Queen..."