The Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Introduction

The Holy Rosary is both meditation and supplication.  Certain simple prayers are said while the mind and heart dwell on particular incidents of the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ and his mother, Mary.

An integral part of Catholic devotional practice since before the thirteenth century, the rosary recalls the principal mysteries of our salvation in groups of five decades (chaplets).  Each group of five decades is preceded by the recitation of the Creed, and three Hail Mary’s for an increase in Faith, Hope and Charity.  It concludes with the recitation of one of the anthems to Our Lady appropriate to the liturgical season.

The repetition of the prayers of each decade, one Our Father, ten Hail Mary’s and one Glory be to the Father, helps us to meditate deeply on God’s love for us.