Devotions

THE FRANCISCAN CROWN ROSARY

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History

 

In the year 1422, a certain young man, who had a reverent devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and always adorned her statue with a wreath of flowers, was admitted to the Order of Friars Minor.  Not being able to gather flowers and continue this practice in the novitiate, he decided to return to the world but, before leaving, he went to Mary’s altar to beg her protection.

 

Our Lady then appeared to him and said, “Do not be sad and cast down 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 for 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 and are always available. Recite one Our Father and ten Hail Marys while recalling the seven joys I experienced. If you recite these prayers as I have directed, rest assured, dear son, you will weave for me a most beautiful and acceptable crown and will merit for yourself innumerable graces.”

 

The novice began at once to pray as directed.  Meanwhile, the novice master entered and saw an angel weaving a wreath of roses and, after every tenth rose, he inserted a golden lily.  When the wreath was finished, he placed it on the youth’s head.  The master then commanded the youth to tell him what he had been doing.  The novice explained he had been saying the rosary as the Blessed Mother had instructed him to do.

 

As a result, the custom of reciting this Crown of seven Our Fathers and 72 Hail Marys, in honor of the 72 years which our Lady lived on Earth, became widespread.  

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The Franciscan Crown Rosary is a Seven-Decade Rosary

 in Honor of the Seven Joys and Seven Sorrows of Mary

 

How to Pray the

Franciscan Crown Rosary

 

Begin with the sign of the Cross (there is no Creed or opening prayers).

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1. At the first decade, announce the First Mystery; then say one Our Father on the 5th bead from the Cross.

2. Say one Hail Mary on each of the 10 beads.

3. Announce the Second Mystery and repeat steps 1 through the 7th decade.

4. Say 2 Hail Marys to complete 72 years of Mary’s life on Earth on the 4th and 3rd beads from the Cross.

5. Say the Our Father on the 2nd bead from the Cross and say Hail Mary on the bead closest to the Cross for the intentions of the Holy Father.

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THE SEVEN JOYS OF OUR LADY

 

First Joy of Mary: The Annunciation

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:26-33.

R: May I become your humble servant, Lord.

 

Second Joy of Mary: The Visitation

“Rising up, Mary went into the hill country and saluted her cousin, Elizabeth.” Luke 1:26-33.

R: Grant us true love of neighbor, Lord.

 

Third Joy of Mary: The Nativity

“She brought forth her firstborn son…and laid him in a manger.” Luke 2:24-7.

R: Give us true poverty of spirit, Lord.

 

Fourth Joy of Mary: Adoration of the Magi

“Following the star, the Magi found Jesus, adored him, and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matt. 2:9-11.

R: Help me obey all just laws.

 

Fifth Joy of Mary: Finding Jesus in the Temple

“Not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem seeking him.” Luke 2: 41-51.

R: May I never lose you through serious sin, Lord.

 

Sixth Joy of Mary: The Resurrection

“The Lord is not here….He is risen.” Luke 24:1-6.

R: May we share your glory, Lord.

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Seventh Joy of Mary: The Crowning of Our Lady

“A woman clothed with the sun…upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” Rev. 12:1-6.

R: Mary, may we share your crown of eternal life.

 

According to Franciscan tradition, the Seven Joys of Our Lady are recited throughout the year.  However, in recent years, some substitute the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady during penitential seasons.

 

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THE SEVEN SORROWS OF OUR LADY

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First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon

“When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a ‘sword’ (of sorrow) will pierce her soul.”  Luke 2:25-35.

 

Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt

“When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.” Matt. 2:13-15.

 

Third Sorrow: The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple

“Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding him at last in the temple.” Luke 2:41-50.

 

Fourth Sorrow: Mary Meets Jesus Carrying the Cross

“Mary shares Jesus’ suffering as He carries the cross through the streets of Jerusalem.” Luke 23: 27-29.

 

Fifth Sorrow: Mary at the Foot of the Cross

“Mary witnesses the crucifixion and death of Jesus.” John 19:25-30.

 

Sixth Sorrow: Mary Receives the Body of Jesus

“Jesus is taken down from the cross, and his body is placed in Mary’s arms.” Psalm 130.

 

Seventh Sorrow: Mary Witnesses the Burial of Jesus

“The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb, and Mary awaits the Resurrection.” Luke 23:50-56.

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