THE LIVING Rosary is a Catholic devotion that Pauline Jaricot began in 1826 and which currently has about 11 million active devotees inscribed. The main goal of the devotion is to spread the use of the Rosary as a way to evangelize and bring forth the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Living Rosary does this by establishing prayer groups that work together to help evangelize and establish God’s Kingdom on earth, via prayer and works.
About the Devotion
The devotion consists of daily prayer and meditation of a mystery of the Rosary. We split the 15 mysteries of the Rosary among 15 persons who commit to spiritually join in daily prayer until the day of their death. An excellent way to visualize it: each decade prayed by each person is a rose petal, which altogether makes a rose for our Mother to present to God.
The devotion has several advantages:
- It allows us to efficiently begin the practice of daily prayer and use of the Rosary while enabling us to obtain the graces of a full Rosary.
- Each member also prays for the intentions of the other members of the Living Rosary.
Additionally, each member commits to the following:
- Provide some financial help to the furthering of the apostolate.
- Once a year, do half an hour of Eucharistic Adoration or do the Via Crucis for the souls of the deceased members of the Living Rosary.
- Practice devotions in honor of Mother Mary during the full month of May.
- On the 1st Sunday of October, the central feast of the Holy Rosary, pray the full 15 decades of the Rosary.
- Help the sick. Ensuring that the ill person can receive the Sacraments, consoling them, and helping them in their last earthly needs.
If you are interested in joining, you can contact the Universal Living Rosary Association.
How to Pray the Living Rosary
In my particular case, I pray the Fifth Glorious Mystery. I love it since it allows me to meditate daily on the Crowning of our Mother, as well as the crown of righteousness that awaits us at the end of our Road to Righteousness.
Following, I will use my assigned mystery to provide an example of how to pray the Living Rosary.
The Living Rosary
Make the Sign of the Cross while praying:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Pray:
For the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in honor of Saint Philomena, and for the intentions of all the members of the Living Rosary.
Pray for any personal intentions you may have.
Announce the Mystery:
The Fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin
Contemplative Image
Scripture Regarding Mary’s Coronation and Position in Heaven – NRSV – Revelation 12:1
1 A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
Scripture to praise Mary and remind us of our hope in salvation – NRSV – Song of Solomon 4:7
7 You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.
Pray:
Next to the throne of God, Mary, Queen of Heaven, she will hand us the graces we seek if we ask for her intercession.
Follow by praying ten Hail Mary
Finally, pray the Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen
