The Joyful Mysteries
(Said on Monday and Saturday)
1. The first Joyful Mystery
The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary
The angel Gabriel said to Mary, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you. You are to conceive and bear a son. The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and so the Child will be holy and will be called the Son of God.” Mary replied, “I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” (cf. Luke 1:26-38)
Reflection
O Mary, God called you to be the Mother of Jesus and you, in total availability, welcomed His call and answered “YES”.
Intention
Lord, we pray for the peoples of Africa. Help them to hear God’s call to follow you through your Church, so that the progress and development of this continent may foster justice, brotherhood and peace.
2. The second Joyful Mystery
The Visitation of the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth
Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah to help her cousin Elizabeth. Now, as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greetings, she gave a loud cry and said, “You are most blessed among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (cf. Luke 1:39-42)
Reflection
O Mary, you generously helped your cousin in her time of need. Help us to be grateful for times God has “visited” us through the help of other people.
Intention
Lord, we pray for the continent of the Americas, still profoundly marked by social, economic and religious differences between the North and the South. Help those diverse people base their relationships on a true spirit of solidarity, especially with the most needy.
3. The third Joyful Mystery
The Birth of our Lord
Joseph travelled from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. (cf. Luke 2:1-7)
Reflection
O Mary, you became the Mother of Jesus. We, too, desire to welcome Him so others may see that God is with us.
Intention
Lord, we pray for the European continent, the origin of many missionaries who have gone to proclaim the message of Christ Jesus throughout the world. May the Church in Europe experience a renewed enthusiasm in its life and missionary thrust.
4. The fourth Joyful Mystery
The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. When they brought in the Child Jesus to do for Him what the Law required, Simeon took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now my eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of Your people, Israel.” (cf. Luke 2:22 – 32)
Reflection
O Mary, you offered the child Jesus back to God to be the light and salvation of all nations.
Intention
Lord, we pray for the continent of Asia, so rich in ancient traditions and religions. Help the missionaries working there to proclaim the Gospel of Christ through dialogue and respect.
5. The fifth Joyful Mystery
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to Jerusalem for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without His parents knowing it. Three days later, they found Him in the Temple, sitting among doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard Him were astounded at His intelligence and His answers. (cf. Luke 2:41-47)
Reflection
O Mary, you and Joseph searched for Jesus three days. Today, countless millions are still searching for Him, anxious to know Him and to experience His love and salvation.
Intention
Lord, we pray for the continent of Oceania and for its people inhabiting so many islands. Bless the efforts of missionaries to make You known there, and strengthen them so that they may overcome the difficulties they encounter.
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