Pray the Holy Rosary: The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday, Sunday:OT/Easter)

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through praying the Holy Rosary, specifically focusing on the Glorious Mysteries. This practice is traditionally observed on Wednesdays and Sundays during Ordinary Time and the Easter Season. The Rosary is a powerful form of prayer that allows contemplation of the life of Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Step 1: Prepare for Prayer

• Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can pray without distractions.
• Gather your Rosary beads. If you don’t have them, you can use your fingers to count prayers.
• Begin your prayer with the Sign of the Cross: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Step 2: Recite the Apostles’ Creed

• State the Apostles’ Creed to affirm your faith:

  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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
  From there, He will 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.
  

Step 3: Pray the Our Father

• Pray the 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.
  

Step 4: Pray the Hail Marys

• For each of the following intentions, recite three Hail Marys:

  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
  blessed art thou 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.
  

Step 5: Announce and Contemplate Each Glorious Mystery

1. The Resurrection

   • Contemplate God raising Jesus from the dead.
   • Fruit of the mystery: Faith.

2. The Ascension

   • Reflect on Jesus ascending to His Father in heaven.
   • Fruit of the mystery: Hope.

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit

   • Meditate on the Holy Spirit bringing life to the apostles.
   • Fruit of the mystery: Love.

4. The Assumption

   • Consider Mary being taken body and soul into heaven.
   • Fruit of the mystery: Grace of a happy death.

5. The Coronation

   • Think about Mary crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
   • Fruit of the mystery: Trust in Mary's intercession.

Step 6: Conclude with the Hail Holy Queen

• Recite 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.
  

Conclusion

Praying the Holy Rosary, especially the Glorious Mysteries, is a profound way to deepen your faith and reflect on the life of Christ and Mary. Consider integrating this practice into your weekly routine on Wednesdays and Sundays. For further enrichment, explore other mysteries and prayers available through resources like Kristin's Crosses.