A Catholic Knight

A Catholic Knight

04 December, 2019

The Most Effective Weapon of a Catholic Knight

The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Anyone seeking to be a Catholic Knight should make daily recitation of the Rosary a lifetime habit.

Jesus, my Lord and Savior, make me your instrument this day, that I may be a faithful witness to you and your Church. Preserve me from anything that would be detrimental to my soul and the souls of those around me.

The Rosary is a form of contemplative prayer or meditation. There are fifteen “mysteries” which present to us aspects of the life of Christ and Mary. Each mystery has a theological theme for contemplation while reciting the prayers. That is, while you recite the prayers, your thoughts should be on the mystery and its corresponding theme, their importance in the plan of Salvation, and how to apply them to your life. Since the intention is that your mind actually focus on the mysteries and their themes, the beads of the Rosary are to help you keep time and move from one mystery to the other.

The fifteen mysteries are divided into three groups: Joyous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. For each mystery, one Our Father and ten Hail Marys are prayed. For this reason, the prayers of the mystery are also called a “decade.” Each mystery concludes with two additional prayers giving glory to God and asking Jesus for mercy.

One hundred fifty Hail Marys are recited for the mysteries, corresponding to the 150 Psalms. For this reason, the Rosary is also known as Mary’s Psalter. While it is encouraged to contemplate all fifteen mysteries each day, it is common to recite one of the three groups of mysteries (five decades) on a given day. A pattern of progression for the groups of mysteries has been established for each day of the week. In the section below that describes the mysteries, the normal days for reciting each group is given.

Using the Rosary

A Rosary is a loop of beads with a small string of beads connected at one point, usually by a religious medal. There is a crucifix at the end of the string. Praying the Rosary starts at the crucifix, moves into the loop, and ends on the medal. There are enough beads around the loop to pray five mysteries. The beads for reciting the Lord’s Prayer are usually separated from the others by extra space, or are larger than the others. As you recite each prayer of the rosary, move the beads through your hand to keep track of how many prayers you have recited and to know when to move on to the next mystery. If the rosary is said as a led prayer. One person introduces the intentions, the mysteries and the first part of each prayer (printed in red below) and everyone concludes the prayers (printed in black below). The theme of each mystery is included in parenthesis along with relevant biblical passages.


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The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Red text of prayers recited by person leading the Rosary.)
(Black text of prayers recited by all.)


Introductory Prayers for the Intention of the Rosary

(On the Crucifix)
The Sign of the Cross
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

The Apostle’s 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 Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried: He descended into hell, the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

(On the single bead)
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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.

(On each of the three beads)
Ave Maria
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.

(Between the three beads and the next single bead)
Doxology
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 


The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

(For each mystery, the same sequence of prayers is offered.)
(On the single bead) The Lord’s Prayer
(On each of the ten beads) Ave Maria
(Between the ten beads and the next single bead or the medal) 
Doxology and
The Fatima Prayer
Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. 

Concluding Prayers

(On the medal)
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 towards 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.

Let us pray.
O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the reward of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating upon these mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Additional Prayers
These, or other, prayers are added according to custom before the final 
Sign of the Cross.

(Also on the medal)
Prayer to Saint Joseph
(Usually added in March, the Month dedicated to Saint Joseph)
To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we fly in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy thrice-holy Spouse, we now also confidently seek thy protection. By that charity which united thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love for the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to look graciously upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ hath purchased with His Blood, and in our need to help us by thy powerful intercession. Do thou, O prudent guardian of the Holy Family, watch over the chosen people of Jesus Christ. Keep us, O most loving father, from all blight of error and corruption. O most mighty protector, from thy place in Heaven, graciously help us in this our conflict with the powers of darkness. And as of old, thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the supreme evil of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Extend to each one of us thy continual protection, that led on by thine example and strengthened by thine aid, we may lead a holy life and die in holiness, and obtain everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy upon us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Pray for us.
All the angels and saints, Pray for us.
The holy souls in Purgatory, Pray for us.

Final Sign of the Cross
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.


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The Joyful Mysteries
Mondays / Thursdays
Sundays in Advent, Christmas, and after Epiphany

The Annunciation to Mary of the Birth of Christ
(Humility)
Grant me the grace to submit to the Will of God.
 
And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being come in said unto her: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” Who having heard was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end.” … And Mary said: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to thy word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-33, 38)


The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
(Charity)
Grant me the grace to tend to the needs of others.
 
And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into the city of Juda. And entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” (Luke 1:39-42)


The Nativity of Christ
(Poverty)
 Shield me from the love of wealth and power.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)


The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
(Obedience)
 Grant me the grace to obey the laws of Christ and His Church.

And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)


The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
(Piety)
I dedicate all that I do to God.
 
And it came to pass that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: “Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” And he said to them: “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business?(Luke 2:46-49)




The Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesdays / Fridays / Sundays in Lent

The Agony of Christ in the Garden of Gesthemani
(Contrition)
Grant me true repentance from my sins.

And going out, he went, according to his custom, to the mount of Olives. And his disciples also followed him. And when he was come to the place, he said to them: “Pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” And he was withdrawn away from them a stone’s cast, and kneeling down he prayed, saying: “Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. (Luke 22:39-44)


The Scourging of Christ
(Purity)
 Grant me the grace to be willing to suffer for the Faith.
I offer all of my sufferings for the souls of those 
in need of God's mercy.

Pilate saith to them: “What shall I do then with Jesus who is called Christ?” They say all: “Let him be crucified.” The governor said to them: “Why, what evil hath he done?” But they cried out the more, saying: “Let him be crucified.” And Pilate, seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made; taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: “I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it.” And the whole people answering, said: “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to be crucified. (Matthew 27:22-26)


The Crowning of Christ with Thorns
(Courage)
I accept Christ as my Lord and King.
 
And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: “Hail, king of the Jews.” And spitting upon him, they took the reed and struck his head. (Matthew 27:29-30)


Christ Carries His Cross
(Patience)
Grant me the grace to carry my own cross without complaint for love of God.
 
Pilate therefore saith to him: “Speaketh thou not to me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and I have power to release thee? Jesus answered: “Thou shouldst not have any power against me, unless it were given thee from above. Therefore, he that hath delivered me to thee has the greater sin.” And from henceforth Pilate sought to release him. But the Jews cried out, saying: “If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar’s friend. For whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar.” … Then therefore he delivered him to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led him forth. And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew, Golgatha. (John 29:10-12, 16-17)


Jesus Dies on the Cross
(Self Denial)
Grant me the grace of final perseverance.  

And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. And Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” … And it was almost the sixth hour; and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And Jesus crying with a loud voice said: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” And saying this, he gave up the ghost. (Luke 23:33-34, 44-46)




The Glorious Mysteries
Wednesdays / Saturdays
Sundays in Easter and after Pentecost

The Resurrection of Christ
(Faith)
I dedicate myself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
which has loved me so much.

And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came to the sepulcher, the sun being now risen. And they said to one another: “Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great. And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were astonished. Who saith to them: “Be not afrfrighted; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he is risen, he is not here, behold the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:2-6)


The Ascension of Christ to Heaven
(Hope)
Grant me the grace to be grateful for the love and mercy of Christ, who stands before the Father on my behalf. 
 
And he said to them: “Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.” … And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God. But they going forth preached everywhere: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed. (Mark 16:15-16, 19-20)


The Descent of the Holy Ghost
(Love)
 Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart and make me your own. 

[Jesus said], ”But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go: for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment.(John 16:7-8)
And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them, parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak in diverse tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. (Acts 2:1-4)


The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
(Eternal Happiness)
I dedicate myself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Grant me the grace to follow her as she leads me to her Son.
 
[Jesus said] “Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.(Luke 11:28)
And Mary said: “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48)


Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
(Devotion to Mary)
I  accept Mary as my Queen and Holy Mother.
 
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: … And she brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God and to his throne. (Apocalypse 12:1, 5)