Franciscan Crown Rosary

Regina Angelorum Wire Wrapped Rosaries

Franciscan Crown Rosary Of The Seven Joys Of The Most Blessed Virgin Mary

The San Damiano Crucifix dates to the 11th or 12th century. The Crucifix came to adorn the chapel of San Damiano in Assisi, Italy. It was before this Crucifix that St. Francis of Assisi was converted and heard the Lord's request to repair His Church. The Poor Clare nuns, founded by Clare of Assisi, took the Crucifix with them to San Giorgio in 1257, and it now resides at San Giorgio's Chapel in the Basilica of St. Clare of Assisi. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:

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The Franciscan Crown, or the Seraphic Rosary is a seven decade Rosary that focuses on the Seven Joys of Mary. It's an ancient Franciscan sacramental that has its origins in A.D. 1422, when a young man, whose name is unknown to us, joined the Franciscan Order. He'd had the practice of crowning a statue of Mary with garlands of fresh flowers, but couldn't continue the practice during his novitiate. When he was tempted to leave the Order, he had a vision of Our Lady, who told him, "Do not be sad and cast down, my son, because you are no longer permitted to place wreaths of flowers on my statue. I will teach you to change this pious practice into one that will be far more pleasing to me and far more meritorious to your soul. In place of the flowers that soon wither and cannot always be found, you can weave for me a crown from the flowers of your prayers that will always remain fresh."

Method

The Third Joy – The Nativity

Start by making the sign of the cross and kiss the crucifix in the traditional manner. Pray one Our Father and ten Hail Mary's per decade as usual. Begin the first decade's Our Father on the bead directly below the centerpiece. Skip the first four beads above the crucifix for now. Then recite the ten Hail Mary's above the centerpiece. Continue around the crown in the usual manner. After completing all seven decades, meditating on the seven joys, two additional Hail Mary's are added. The two additional Hail Mary's are prayed on the two beads below the first Our Father bead. The two additional Hail Mary's are recited in honor of the 72 years Our Blessed Mother is traditionally believed to live on earth prior to her Assumption. Finally, one Our Father and one Hail Mary are said on the two beads nearest the crucifix. These prayers are added for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff. Conclude by repeating the sign of the cross and reverence the crucifix.

God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The seven joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary are listed with optional prayers. The optional prayers may be recited after the Hail Mary's for each decade.

Father, help us to live as the holy family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Fourth Joy – The Presentation All powerful Father, Christ your Son became man for us and was presented in the temple. May he free our hearts from sin and bring us into your presence. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Fifth Joy – The Finding in the Temple

The First Joy – The Annunciation

The Sixth Joy – The Resurrection

God our Father, your Word became flesh and was born of the Blessed and Glorious Virgin Mary. May we become more like our Lord Jesus Christ, whom we acknowledge as our most holy redeemer. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

God our Father, by raising Christ your Son you conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Second Joy – The Visitation Eternal Father, you inspired the Immaculate Virgin Mary, mother of your Son, to visit Elizabeth and assist her in her need. Keep us open to the working of your Spirit, and with Mary may we praise you forever. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Seventh Joy – The Assumption Father, you have given us the mother of your Son to be our Queen and Mother. With the support of her prayers may we come to share the glory of your children in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.