Rosary for Life - Joyful Mysteries

The First Joyful Mystery

The Annunciation of Our Lord

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

(Luke 1:26-33, 38)

As an angel proclaimed the conception of Christ in Mary’s virginal womb, so do mothers and fathers learn every day of the conception of their child. Let us pray to the Mother of all the Living that every child be treasure and protected from the first moment of conception as an inestimable and wondrous gift of God.

( L ) Our Father ..

( R.) Give us this day…..

1… ( Leader) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: inspire the hearts of all newly pregnant women with the joy of which you sang at the Annunciation. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( Response ) Holy Mary Mother of God……

2.....( L ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: deliver all parents from fear, and implant in their hearts a joyful hope. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

3..... ( L) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: pray that joy may embrace the lives of all expectant parents. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

4..... ( L) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: pray for grandparents, that the witness of their job might be a source of strength to their expectant children. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

5..... ( L) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: be with all new parents, that the miracle of new life silently growing in the womb will awaken in them a commitment to cherish and protect their child. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

6..... ( L) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: pray that all might be inspired by the wonder of new life and embrace God’s overwhelming gift. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

7..... ( L) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: watch over all new parents with your maternal care, from the first moments of new life. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

8..... ( L) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: rejoice with the mother who first feels the stirring of the child in her womb. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

9.... ( L) .Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: intercede for all parents who long to carry a child in their arms. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

10..... ( L) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Bless adoptive parents and rejoice with them in the beauty of their child.

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God……..

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

(all say ) 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 Your mercy.

(all sing ) Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love, Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love,

The Second Joyful Mystery:

The Visitation

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

(Luke 1:39-45)

As the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy when the Blessed Virgin, pregnant with the Son of God, came to meet her, so may our hearts leap with joy at the wonders of new life promised in every expectant mother.

( L ) Our Father ..

( R.) Give us this day…..

1..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Inspire us to rejoice with all expectant parents and to support them with our prayers. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

2..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Comfort expectant fathers when they are afraid. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

3..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Share your courage with all women who fear the coming birth of their child. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

4..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Be close to all expectant mothers, as they bear the child of their womb. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

5..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Give us the joy of Saint Elizabeth and her son whenever we meet the miracle of new life. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

6..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Pray that all our laws may protect and defend the innocent life which lives within each mother’s womb. Hail Mary, full of grace..

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

7..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Give courage by your example to those who greet the news of their pregnancy with fear. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

8..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Teach us to support all expectant parents and to increase their joy in the miracle of God’s work within them. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

9..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Ask that God gives us the wisdom to support those tempted to abort their child’s life. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

10..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Inspire even those who perform

abortions with the truth of him whom you bore in your womb. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

all say

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 Your mercy.

(all sing ) Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love, Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love,

The Third Joyful Mystery:

The Nativity of Jesus

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

(Luke 2: 6-12)

In the birth of every child we see the birth of Christ Jesus in the Bethlehem stable. Let us commend all new mothers and fathers and every newborn child to the protection and intercession of the Mother of God and Mother of all Christians.

( L ) Our Father ..

( R.) Give us this day…..

1..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Come swiftly to the aid of all who labor in distress. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

2..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Give your own courage to mothers who are alone or abandoned. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

3..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Implant within the hearts of all grandparents the wonder known by the shepherds at the birth of your Son. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

4..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: pray for those who assist with the labor which brings new life: for skill and compassion. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

5..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Help us to welcome the gift of new life, as you welcomed the birth of your Son. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

6.... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Strengthen the joy of all men and women who behold the wonder of new life. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

7.....Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Let the face of the newborn child proclaim the Gospel of Life.

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

8..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Guide the hands and hearts of obstetricians in their holy work. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

9..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: help us to proclaim the Gospel of Life in our care for each newborn child. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

10..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: be present at the moment of birth to share in our joy.

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy

Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for

ever. Amen.

( all say )

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 Your mercy.

(all sing ) Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love, Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love,

The Fourth Joyful Mystery:

The Presentation in the Temple

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."

(Luke 2:25-32)

As Christ was consecrated to God at his presentation in the temple, so may we consecrate all children to that holiness, purity, and innocence by which they lead us to God. "A little child shall lead them."

( L ) Our Father ..

( R.) Give us this day…..

1..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: watch over every child and keep them safe and close to your Son. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

2..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Inspire all mothers to care for their children, as you cared for the child Jesus. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

3.... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Be with all fathers of newborn babies that they might glory in the wonder of new life. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

4.... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Gently guide new parents as they lead their little ones to your Son. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

5..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Pray for the toddler who, like your Son, reaches out in hope to a brand new world. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

6..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Hold close to your immaculate heart the innocence and joy of each little child. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

7..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Be a model of maternal love for those who need you the most. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

8..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Bless with your presence the room of each little child.

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

9..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Welcome home to heaven the soul of the miscarried child.

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

10....( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Rejoice with us, as you did with Saint Joseph, at the first steps and first words of every child. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy

Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for

ever. Amen.

( all say )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 Your mercy.

(all sing ) Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love, Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love,

The Fifth Joyful Mystery:

The Finding in the Temple

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?" But they did not understand what he said to them.

(Luke 2:41-50)

As the Christ Child was found in the temple by the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, so we pray for all children, especially those lost and forgotten. May the Gospel of Life impel us to find them when they are most in need and to lead them home to a place where they are treasured, protected, and loved.

( L ) Our Father ..

( R.) Give us this day…..

1..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Bring joy to the lives of children who are abused in body or mind. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

2..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Deliver the abusive adult from the evil of their actions.

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

3..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Guide those who work to find children who are lost.

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

4..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Pray for all children unwanted or abandoned, and lead them home. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

5.....( L.) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Be with parents unable to care for their children: teach them patience and holiness Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

6..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Teach young parents to treasure their child as you loved the Child Jesus. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

7..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Pray for doctors who have abandoned the practice of the faith: lead them home to your Son. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

8..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Intercede with your Son for all who perform abortions that they may be freed from a blindness to the evil of their actions. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

9.....( L. )Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Inspire all legislators by your love for us, that they might work for the protection of life. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

10..... ( L. ) Holy Mary, Mother of Joy: Guide, by your holy example, all who seek to lead us and lead them to a love for the Gospel of Life. Hail Mary, full of grace ...

( R ) Holy Mary, Mother of God…..

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen

(all say ) 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 Your mercy.

(all say ) 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 Your mercy.

(all sing ) Whoever, shall call me Blessed, they will be blessed. Immaculate Mary, Mother of God, Blessed are you , you show us the way, Mary our Mother, teach us to pray Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love, Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love.

HAIL HOLY QUEEN

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your 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.

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 roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

Prayer to OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Our Lady of Guadalupe we beg you to protect all mothers of the unborn and the children within their wombs. We plead with you for your help to end the holocaust of abortion. Melt hearts so that life may be revered! Holy Mother, we pray to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart for all mothers and all unborn children that they may have life here on earth and by the most Precious Blood shed by your Son that they may have eternal life with Him in heaven. We also pray to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart for all abortionists and all abortion supporters that they may be converted and accept your Son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior. Amen

Let Us Pray

O God, whose only-begotten Son, by his life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for use 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.

L. Sacred Heart of Jesus

R. have mercy on us

L. Immaculate Heart of Mary

R. Pray for us

L. Saint Joseph

R. Pray for

L. May the souls of the faithful departed throught the mercy of God rest in peace.

R. Amen

Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3070