The Rosary @ St. Julie’s
Dust off those old rosary beads you may have got for your First Communion and journey through the rosary. As we pray, we reflect on the mysteries – who was there, how they felt, what it might mean for our lives?
By doing this, we are following the example of St. Julie and the Sisters of Notre Dame through the centuries who have prayed the rosary.
The 1st Joyful Mystery – the Annunciation where the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she has been chosen to bear the Son of God. An uncertain Mary eventually says “Let it be done!”
The 2nd Joyful Mystery – the Visitation where Mary visits her also pregnant relative, Elizabeth, who recognises Mary as the Mother of God.
The 3rd Joyful Mystery – the Nativity – the birth of Jesus in humble circumstances, far from home, soon to become a refugee.
The 4th Joyful Mystery – the Presentation where, aged 8 days, Jesus is taken to the Temple to be dedicated to God. There he is recognised by Simeon as the Saviour of the World.
The 5th Joyful Mystery – the Finding of Jesus in the Temple where, aged 12 years, Jesus is found in the Temple talking to the religious teachers. Each of his parents thought he was with the other before, to their horror, they realised he was not with either. Where better to find him safe?
The 1st Sorrowful Mystery – the Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prays while his friends sleep.
The 2nd Sorrowful Mystery – the Scourging at the Pillar – Jesus is whipped before his execution.
The 3rd Sorrowful Mystery – Jesus is Crowned with Thorns.
The 4th Sorrowful Mystery – Jesus Carries the Cross.
The 5th Sorrowful Mystery – the Crucifixion of Jesus.
The 1st Luminous Mystery – the Baptism of Jesus – where the voice from Heaven declares “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!”
The 2nd Luminous Mystery – the Wedding Feast at Cana – where Jesus turns water into wine.
The 3rd Luminous Mystery – the Proclamation of the Kingdom where Jesus says “Repent! The Kingdom of God is very near!”
The 4th Luminous Mystery – the Transfiguration – where Jesus is gloriously transformed and joined by Moses and Elijah.
The 5th Luminous Mystery – the Institution of the Eucharist – at the Last Supper, Jesus shares bread and wine as his Body and Blood – telling his followers to do this to remember him by.
The 1st Glorious Mystery – the Resurrection of Jesus – the stone has rolled away and death is defeated.
The 2nd Glorious Mystery – the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven – 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus leaves the apostles but promises them the Holy Spirit.
The 3rd Glorious Mystery – the Holy Spirit comes as tongues of fire – 50 days after his resurrection, the Holy Spirit comes and transforms the followers. The Church is born.
The 4th Glorious Mystery – the Assumption of Mary – at the end of her earthly life, the body and soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary is taken to Heaven.
The 5th Glorious Mystery – Mary is Crowned Queen of Heaven honoured above all.