Home of Our Lady Of Light
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“You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary”
(Our Lady’s words to St. Dominic)
On Praying the Rosary
Our Lady has made several requests of the Batavia Visionary regarding Rosary devotion. In addition to asking that it be recited with great reverence, she gave certain instructions about praying it and asked that they be included in her Personal Revelations Book Vol. 3, along with selected meditative readings for each mystery. Here are her words from a message to the visionary October 7, 1994:
My child, it is my desire that the prayers of my holy Rosary be included in my book (Personal Revelations of Our Lady of Light) for the benefit of those of my children who do not know how to pray the prayers of my Rosary or who may have forgotten them.
As I have spoken many times, my Rosary and my Scapular shall be my weapons against the works of the fallen angel and shall bring about the triumph of my Immaculate Heart. I wish all of my children to wear my Scapular and to pray the Rosary from their hearts so that I may continue to help them and to save them.
Be at peace and walk always in humility. Stay focused on Jesus.
I am your Mother and thank you for your response.
The Mysteries of the Rosary Expanded
At one time, the Rosary was called the Pater Noster Beads. This term named a string of 150 beads on which were recited a succession of Pater Nosters. To this very day, a street in London, England, is still called Pater Noster Row as this is the very street where those beads were made. The number came from the 150 psalms in the Old Testament recited or chanted by the monks during the Divine Office in the course of the week.
The average person unable to read substituted the Our Father for each psalm recited by the monks. In the 13th Century, the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Dominic and divided the 150 beads into tens, each set being called a decade, meaning ten, and each decade being assigned to it a meditation called a Mystery: Five Joyful; five Sorrowful; and five Glorious. The decades were separated by an Our Father single bead, followed by ten Ave Maria beads before another separate bead on which was said the concluding Gloria Patri. This same bead was used to continue the next decade as another Our Father was recited. It was called a Rosary Bead because of a mystic who said that at each bead prayed, Mary received a rose from the lips of the one who prayed these beads.
For almost 800 years, the Rosary has continued to be recited as a 15-decade meditation. In the year 2002, Pope John Paul II added an additional five decades called the Luminous Mysteries or Mysteries of Light. These Mysteries complete the cycle of Christ’s life since they contain events and scriptures from Christ's Public life. Now the Rosary is truly the Bible on beads.
This is Our Lady’s message to the Batavia Visionary (December 29, 2003, at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center) concerning the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary:
My child, I greet you with love and send my motherly blessing to you and to all who have gathered here. I ask that you stay strong in your faith and help others whose faith has grown weak. Pray especially for those who have no one to pray for them.
Many have turned from Gods graces offered them and are lost in their doubt. If they return to the prayers of my Rosary, it will erase their doubt. Know that I will always come to the aid of those who call out to me for help through these prayers. I continually intercede to the Father for all my children so that they can be restored to His Grace.
I have heard the words of your heart and I will help those you place before me but remember that all cannot be healed as they wish - but will be healed as the Father wills it.
I ask that you review my messages given to you and then take them into your heart. Realize that events foretold now take place and more will follow as you were shown. Through prayer, outcomes can be changed. Pray also for the Holy Father. He moves closer to his glory. It is my hand that delivered the Church's holy relics to this area for reasons beyond your sight. My hand also guided the Holy Father in establishing the Luminous Mysteries of my Holy Rosary. By declaring this the year of The Most Holy Rosary, many souls have been given new light and new hope.
In your trials, go to Jesus. He awaits your surrender to Him. To suffer with Him is to have His peace within you. You are never alone. Be at peace. I will attend to your needs and will come to you when necessary. Continue to be humble of spirit and by your example, continue to lead others to Jesus. Remain in the shadows and remain always in prayer.
I am Our Lady of Light and your Mother. Thank you for your response to my call.
The Prayers of the Rosary
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. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits 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 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 Thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Other Prayers Associated with the Rosary
Fatima Prayer (after each Glory Be). O, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Your mercy.
Hail Holy Queen (after last Glory Be). 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!
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ!
Rosary Prayer. Let us pray: O God, Whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that 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.
Optional Concluding Prayers
Prayer to St. Michael. St. Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, Oh, Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
The Memorare. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by that confidence, I fly unto thee, O virgin of virgins, my mother, to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
The Joyful Mysteries
First Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation Of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Meditation: Imagine the feelings of Mary as a beautiful, young, sinless teen. She has just encountered an Archangel and has been told that she is to become the Mother of the Most High. She is the fulfillment of the prophesy in Genesis 3:15. This news is too much for her to grasp and she has to be reassured by the Archangel Gabriel. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you.” She is engaged to Joseph and is still a virgin. Will he believe her? Will anyone believe her? What are her feelings as she surrenders to the Will of God? How did you feel, Mary?
Second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation to Her Cousin Elizabeth.
Meditation: The heat is unbearable as Mary travels over the parched Hills to her cousin Elizabeth. What is motivating her to make this exhausting journey during her pregnancy? Is it just because she is concerned about the age of her elderly cousin giving birth at her late age? What is she feeling as she proceeds on her journey into the hillside? Try to imagine it. How did you feel, Mary?
Third Joyful Mystery - The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Meditation: Bethlehem is so crowded with those coming to town for the census that there is no room anywhere. Joseph is anxious as the time of Mary’s delivery approaches. He must find a secluded place and the only place available is a damp, smelly cave where sheep and animals find shelter. Mary prostrates on the straw bed provided by Joseph's loving hands and she gives birth to the King of Kings. Not a fitting place for one so exulted. How did you feel, Mary?
Fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
Meditation: It is a joyful day when Mary and Joseph take Baby Jesus to the temple to present Him according to the Jewish Law. Holy Simeon, a prophet, takes Him into his hands and offers praise and thanksgiving. He has seen his salvation. Mary and Joseph are filled with joy but not for long. He looks into the eyes of Mary and says, “This child is set for the rise and fall of many, but you, a sword of sorrow shall pierce Your Heart.” The pain begins. How did you feel, Mary?
Fifth Joyful Mystery - The Finding in the Temple.
Meditation: Three days they search endlessly for the Child Jesus. Where can He be? Mary and Joseph are emotionally drained. Will they ever see Him again? Where can He be? They find Him in the temple teaching the teachers. Mary says, “Why have You done this to us? Did You not know that Your father and I sought You in sorrow?” “ Woman, why did you search for Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?” Jesus replies. Mary ponders this within her heart. The pain and the stress pierce her heart. What does it mean? What is he trying to tell her? How did you feel, Mary?
The Luminous Mysteries
First Luminous Mystery - The Baptism of Our Lord.
Meditation: Imagine you are present at the River Jordan listening to the preaching of John the Baptist. All eyes and ears are centered on the person of this unusual man, when suddenly, Jesus appears in the midst of the crowd. Now all eyes are focused on Him as you hear John say those special words of greeting. “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.” What does it mean? You are further startled when Jesus steps into the water to be baptized by John and the sky opens and the voice of the Father says, “This is my beloved Son.” Concentrate on this scene and notice what you feel as you proceed to pray this decade. What do you feel?
Second Luminous Mystery - The Marriage Feast of Cana.
Meditation: You are a guest at the wedding and it is very crowded with joyful people celebrating. The wine has run out and you watch and listen as the Blessed Mother speaks with Her Son. “Son, they have no wine.” He seems to rebuke Her by saying it is not His or her problem, but she goes to the headwaiter and speaks with him. “Do whatever He tells you.” These are the last recorded words of Mary in the Bible. They will be the last words that she says to you when you go to her for help too. Meditate this mystery and be aware of what you feel as you watch His first miracle. What do you feel?
Third Luminous Mystery - Proclamation of the Kingdom.
Meditation: Imagine this to be your very first encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. You hear His words and become aware of your sinfulness. “Repent. The Kingdom of God is at hand.” As you look into the eyes of Jesus, what do you feel as you meditate this mystery and realize your need to change your life style and your values? What do you feel?
Fourth Luminous Mystery - The Transfiguration.
Meditation: During this mystery walk with Him up the mountain and pray with Him as He prays. Suddenly, He is transfigured. His clothes are dazzling white and His face shines like the sun. Again the voice of the Father from heaven, “This is my beloved Son.” Try to imagine what you would feel if you were present for this manifestation. See the transfigured Christ before your eyes and hear the voice of the Father. What do you feel?
Fifth Luminous Mystery - The Last Supper
Meditation: Now you are an honored guest at this last meal with Jesus. It is no ordinary meal. He takes bread and wine and says those awesome words. “This is My Body. This is My Blood.” What do you feel as He hands it to you to take? What do you feel as you eat and drink for the first time? Think about it deeply. What do you feel?
The Sorrowful Mysteries
First Sorrowful Mystery - The Agony in the Garden
Meditation: The moonlight casts a shadow of Jesus on the ground as He kneels beside the old olive tree. His face is taut and blood trickles down his cheeks and neck. There is an eerie silence only disturbed by the snoring of three disciples, which comes from the area of an adjacent bush. They struggled to keep watch but were unable to stay awake. Jesus comes to them and asks, “Can you not watch one hour with me?” He returns to his former place by the olive tree and continues his prayer and asks to be delivered. “Not My Will but Yours be done.” The guards arrive and watch as Judas betrays Him with a kiss. He is arrested and taken away to be condemned. How did it feel, Jesus?
Second Sorrowful Mystery - The Scourging at the Pillar.
Meditation: Pontius Pilate hands Jesus over to the brutal hands of the Roman soldiers who tie Him to a post to be scourged with thongs of leather to which have been attached pieces of sharp metal. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The whip tears into His sacred flesh and leaves bloody gashes where the metal hit; 39 lashes from this whip of three thongs. He is a bloody mess and there is not a single piece of flesh left unmarked. How did it feel, Jesus?
Third Sorrowful Mystery - The Crowning with Thorns.
Meditation: The sadism of the soldiers is intensified as they weave a crown of sharp, needle like thorns to place upon his head in mockery of His kingship. They blasphemously genuflect before Him. “Hail King of the Jews.” This is the first of many such mockeries that He will receive. How many others will do the same in His presence when genuflecting merely out of habit rather than devotion? How did it feel, Jesus?
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery - The Carrying of the Cross.
Meditation: The heavy beam of wood is placed upon His lacerated shoulder and thus begins His painful walk to Calvary. His face is covered with blood and His body is a hideous mess, blood fills His eyes as He struggles to see. The mocking crowd jeers as He passes by, only interrupted by the weeping of several women. He falls under the weight of the wood and His face hits the hard surface of the ground. As He looks up His eyes meet the eyes of His sorrowful Mother. How did it feel, Jesus?
Fifth Sorrowful Mystery - The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
Meditation: Jesus is stretched out on the cross and large nails pierce His hands and feet. He is hoisted up. The pain is excruciating. He thirsts. He can't breathe. The crowd mocks, but He forgives. He gives His Mother to the Church. He suffers and then He dies. They pierce His heart with a sword, but, He no longer feels.
The Glorious Mysteries
First Glorious Mystery - The Resurrection of Jesus from the Tomb.
Meditation: That first Easter Sunday the tomb is empty. The cloths that bound Him lay there undisturbed. The women run to the disciples with the news. He appears to them but Thomas is not there. He doesn't believe without proof. Jesus shows His hands and side as proof of His resurrection. Thomas adores Him. “My Lord and My God.” Each of them, except for John, will eventually die a painful death because of this belief. Meditate this mystery and try to feel what they felt. How did the early Christians feel?
Second Glorious Mystery - The Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven.
Meditation: Jesus is about to leave them to go back to His Father. They wish to know when He is coming back. “It is not for you to know this. That day only the Father knows.” They are to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He is taken up into Heaven. He has gone. How did the early Christians feel?
Third Glorious Mystery - The Coming of the Holy Spirit upon Them.
Meditation: The apostles gather in the upper room with Mary the Mother of Jesus. Together they make the first novena in preparation for the birth of the Church. Suddenly there is a mighty wind and tongues of fire appear above them. They are filled with the Holy Spirit. Courageously they leave the upper room and preach with power. Hundreds are baptized and the Church is born. How did the early Christians feel?
Fourth Glorious Mystery. - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven.
Meditation: It is sad day for the early Christians when the Blessed Mother is taken from them, but what a happy day in heaven. Mary enters into heaven and is reunited with her Son. Mary is no longer physically present to the early Christians but her spiritual presence is very powerful now. Now she can intercede for all and be a Mediatrix of Grace in heaven. How did the early Christians feel?
Fifth Glorious Mystery -The Coronation of Our Lady in Heaven.
Meditation: What a glorious mystery this is. Think of the happiest day of your life; nothing compared to the happiness you will have. Think of the greatest sights you have ever seen; nothing compared to the sights you will see. Think of the greatest sounds you have ever heard; nothing compared to what you will hear. Think of the greatest love that you have ever felt; nothing compared to what you will feel. It is into this heaven that Mary has now entered for her coronation as Queen. She is the woman in Scripture with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars upon her head. (Rev.12). She now reigns forever with her Son, the King of Kings. The early Christians look forward to the day when they can join them. How did the early Christians feel? Are you as excited about it as they were?
HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY
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Pray the Rosary, don't just say it. Think of the Mysteries in your mind to meditate.
Feel the Mysteries in your heart to contemplate.
Bless yourself with the cross and say the Apostles Creed. On the first large bead say the Our Father. On each of the three small beads say a Hail Mary. Then recite the Glory Be.
Start the first Decade by meditating on the first Mystery. On the large bead say the Our Father. On each of the ten small beads say a Hail Mary. Then recite the Glory Be.
Say the rest of the five Decades, each time meditating on one of the Mysteries. At the end, recite Hail, Holy Queen.
Indulgences for each Five Decades
Plenary: Once a day when recited in a church or public oratory; also when said in a family, religious community or pious association, on the usual conditions of Confession (one week before or one week after), Communion and prayer (the same day) for the intention of the Holy Father.
Partial: Several times a day, when said in circumstances different from the aforesaid.