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How to Pray The Franciscan Crown - Seraphic Rosary of Our Lady's Joys
(Seraphic refers to the presence of the Seraphim - The First Order of Angels)
The Franciscan Crown, or
Seraphic Rosary, commemorates the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Hail Mary beads number 72, one for each year of the Blessed Virgin
Mary's life on Earth. The Our Father Beads number seven, one for each
Joyful Mystery. Our Lady appeared in a vision while a Franciscan novice
was praying at Her altar before the San Damiano Crucifix, which is also
attached to this rosary. The novice was troubled as he would not be able
to lay a wreath of flowers at Her Statue when he entered the novitiate.
Our Lady instructed the novice in the prayers and devotions that would
be more pleasing to Her than flowers. As the novice prayed, an angel
weaved a wreath of roses, with a lily at each Our Father, and placed it
on the novice's head. Since that day in 1422, the Franciscan Crown has
become the most indulgenced rosary in the Catholic Church. A Centerpiece honoring
Saint Francis completes this rosary.
On the Crucifix, make the Sign of The Cross.
Pray the Apostles Creed or one Our Father and three Hail Maries on
the first beads above the Crucifix.
Announce the First Mystery and pray one Our Father on the bead
just before the center medal.
Pray one Hail Mary for each of the ten beads in the first decade.
Pray the remaining decades in the same fashion.
At the beginning of each decade, reflect upon each of the Seven Joyful Mysteries of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
- The Annunciation of the angel Gabriel of Mary. (Luke 1: 26-33; 38)
- The Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-45)
- The Nativity of our Lord Jesus. (Luke 2:1-7 or 2:6-12)
- The Adoration of the Magi/Epiphany. (Matthew 2:1-2 & 9-11)
- The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. (Luke 2:22-23 & 25-32)
- The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. (Mark 16:1-7, Luke 24:36-41, John 20:19-22)
- The Assumption & Coronation of Mary {Luke 1:46-55, Psalm 45 (44):11-14, Rev.12:1;5-6
After the last Mystery, pray one Hail Mary each on the fourth and third
beads above the Cross.
Pray one Our Father and one Glory Be for the intentions of the Pope on the 2nd bead from the Cross.
Pray one Hail Mary on the final bead closest to the Cross.
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