J.M.J. On October 16, 2002, at the beginning of his twenty-fifth year as the
Vicar of Christ as well as at the start of the Year of the Rosary, Saint John Paul II (1978-2005) bequeathed the five Luminous Mysteries to the
Church. Here is the Holy Father's rationale as found in his Apostolic
Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae ("The Rosary of the Virgin Mary"):
"I believe, however, that to bring out fully the Christological depth
of the Rosary it would be suitable to make an addition to the
traditional pattern which, while left to the freedom of individuals and
communities, could broaden it to include the mysteries of Christ's
public ministry between His Baptism and His Passion. In the course of
those mysteries we contemplate important aspects of the person of Christ
as the definitive revelation of God. Declared the beloved Son of the
Father at the Baptism in the Jordan, Christ is the One Who announces the
coming of the Kingdom, bears witness to it in His works and proclaims
its demands. It is during the years of His public ministry that the
mystery of Christ is most evidently a mystery of light: 'While I am in
the world, I am the light of the world' (Jn 9:5).
"(. . . .) This addition of these new mysteries, without prejudice to
any essential aspect of the prayer's traditional format, is meant to
give it fresh life and to enkindle renewed interest in the Rosary's
place within Christian spirituality as a true doorway to the depths of
the Heart of Christ, ocean of joy and of light, of suffering and of
glory." (19)
Our bishops, priests and deacons, who are our clergy, bring
Christ--the Light of the world--to us. They deserve our gratitude.
Moreover, they need our prayers and penances as they seek to increase in
the likeness of the Risen Lord Jesus, their Model and Guide.
The brief meditations that follow are to help us to intercede for our clergy as we pray the five Luminous Mysteries.
Our bishops, priests and deacons rely on our prayers and acts of
self-denial in their pursuit of sanctity. Let us not disappoint them. We
hasten to entrust them to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, through
Mary--their Mother and ours.
Introduction (After making the Sign of the Cross to begin the Most Holy Rosary):
O Most Blessed Trinity, we worship You in our every prayer. During
this Most Holy Rosary, we ask You, through the Ever-Virgin Mary, to give
Your grace to our bishops, priests and deacons. May this recitation of
the Rosary assist them in loving and praising You more each day,
becoming more like Jesus Christ the Great High Priest, serving Your
precious People and building up Your Church on earth.
The Apostles' Creed, One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory Be
and the Fatima Prayer ("O my Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us from
the fires of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most
need of Thy mercy.")
1. The First Luminous Mystery: Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22)
Lord Jesus, Your humility shows us how to surrender ourselves to
Your Father's will in all things. Grant to our (Arch)Bishop N., our
Pastor Father N. and our Deacon N. an abiding trust in You and in Your
wise plan for their lives. May we and they have confidence in Your
overwhelming love and mercy. Mary, Queen of Apostles, pray with us for
our bishops, priests and deacons!
The Apostles' Creed, One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer
2. The Second Luminous Mystery: Jesus changes water into wine at the
Wedding Feast in Cana at the behest of Mary, His Mother and ours (Jn
2:1-11)
Lord Jesus, Your fidelity shows us how to persevere especially when
unexpected obstacles arise. Make our shepherds courageous when
encountering hurdles that must be crossed. May we and they be convinced
of Your saving power. Mary, Queen of Martyrs, pray with us for our
bishops, priests and deacons!
The Apostles' Creed, One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer
3. The Third Luminous Mystery: Jesus preaches the Kingdom of God with His call to conversion (Mt 3:17; Mk 1:14-15; Lk 4:14-22)
Lord Jesus, Your fearlessness shows us how to proclaim You--crucified
and risen--in our words and actions. Instruct our bishops, priests and
deacons in Your path of charity. May we and they cherish You and Your
Kingdom as their sole ambition. Mary, Queen of Confessors, pray with us
for our bishops, priests and deacons!
The Apostles' Creed, One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer
4. The Fourth Luminous Mystery: Jesus transfigures Himself on Mount
Tabor in the presence of Peter, James and John (Mt 17:1-8; Mk 9:2-8; Lk
9:28-36)
Lord Jesus, Your honesty shows us how to confront evil and embrace the Truth. Fortify our clergy so
that they will cheerfully bow to the inevitable sacrifices that Your
Holy Gospel entails. May we and they always serve You without
hesitation. Mary, Queen of Virgins, pray with us for our bishops,
priests and deacons!
The Apostles' Creed, One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer
5. The Fifth Luminous Mystery: Jesus establishes the Sacrament of
His Body and Blood as the sacramental expression of the Paschal
Mystery--His Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension (Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25;
Lk 22:19-20; Jn 6:22-58; 1 Cor 11:23-27)
Lord Jesus, Your kindness shows us how to pardon freely those who
have harmed us. Protect our priests, brothers and deacons through their
worthy celebration of the Sacraments. May we and they adore you without
ceasing. Mary, Queen of All Saints, pray with us for our bishops,
priests and deacons!
The Apostles' Creed, One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory Be
and the Fatima Prayer, followed by the Hail, Holy Queen and the Our
Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for the Intentions of the Holy Father
Conclusion (Before making the Sign of the Cross to conclude the Most Holy Rosary):
O Most Blessed Trinity, may we pray and do penance unceasingly for
our bishops, priests and deacons as they seek to imitate Jesus Christ,
the Source of Holiness. Enlighten them, O Lord, through the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit for the glory of the Father in Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
V. Our Lord Jesus Christ, Pattern for the Clergy,
R. Have mercy on our bishops, priests and deacons.
V. Our Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Clergy,
R. Pray for our bishops, priests and deacons.
V. May the souls of our departed bishops, priests and deacons, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Prayer for Vocations
Dear God, You Who are the joy of our lives, grant us many holy
bishops, priests and deacons who will place You and Your Kingdom above
any other consideration. Stir up young men as candidates for the
Sacrament of Holy Orders. Help us always to have abundant saintly clergy
who will guide, teach, challenge and love us until we see You in
Heaven. Amen.
________________________
This pamphlet, which enjoys ecclesiastical approbation, is available
from Eternal Life (902 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown, KY 40004) and
may be obtained by calling 1-800-842-2871. Used with permission.
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