Joyful Mysteries

1st mystery: The Annunciation

Intention: purity of heart

1. The Blessed Trinity decreed that God the Son become man to redeem fallen mankind

2.  The Virgin Mary was chosen to be the Mother of Christ the Saviour

3.  The Archangel Gabriel brought Mary the joyful tidings

4.  Mary was alone, absorbed in prayer

5.  The Angel said: Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with you

6.  Mary was disturbed by the meaning of this greeting

7. The Angel said: Mary, do not fear, you shall conceive by the Holy Spirit, bear a Son, and name Him JESUS

8.   Mary said: I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me as you  say

9.   The Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High over shadowed Mary

10. God the Son became man and lived among us

 

2nd Mystery: The Visitation

Intention: Love and serve our neighbour

 

1.  Forgetful of self Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth

2.  Mary was guided by the Holy Spirit

3.  Mary hastened to Zacarias' home and greeted Elizabeth

4.  At this greeting the Holy Spirit enwrapped Elizabeth

5.  Her child leapt  in her womb  for joy at being sanctified

6.  She greeted Mary saying: Blessed is the fruit of your womb

7.  Mary said: My soul praises the Lord for He did great things to me

8.  Elizabeth exclaimed Who am I that the mother of the Lord comes to me?

9.  The visit of Mary with Child brought blessings to Zacarias' home

10.Mary devotedly helped Elizabeth for about 3 months

 

3rd Mystery: The Birth of Christ

Intention: Concern for the poor

 

1. Mary gave birth to her Son Jesus though her virginity remained intact

2.  Christ, our Lord and saviour chose to be born in a stable

3.  Mary adoringly gazed at her Jesus and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes

4.  Mary pressed Jesus in her heart in the joy of  her sublime motherhood

5.  Mary nursed Jesus at her holy breast

6.  Mary placed Jesus on the straw in the manger

7.  God's Angel told some shepherds: Rejoice for today a Saviour has been born to mankind

8.  Then all the angels sang out their song: Glory to God and peace to men

9.  At this "Good News" the shepherds went to Bethlehem to adore the Saviour

10.Led by a star Wise men too came to adore the Child and offer Him gifts

  

4th   Mystery: The Presentation

Intention : Humble obedience

1. Mary and Joseph went to the Temple to offer Jesus according to the Law

2. Joseph as legal father accompanied Mary to Jerusalem

3.  Mary carried Jesus all the way thanking God for His mercy unto men

4. In the Temple, they offered Jesus to the Lord

5. Mary and Joseph fulfilled the Law with the offering of the poor

6.  The prophetess Anna praised God for  sending salvation to His people

7.  Simeon, taking Jesus on his arms said: Lord I have seen Your Salvation

8.  His hopes fulfilled, he added: Lord now  let your servant go in peace

9.  To Mary he said: This Child will be the downfall and the  rise of many, standing as a sign of contradiction

10. And your heart will be pierced as by a sword

5th Mystery: Jesus Found Back in the Temple

Intention: Devotedness to duty

1. Mary and Joseph on pilgrimage to Jerusalem lost sight of Jesus

2. When they became aware of it, they were extremely worried

3. Together they anxiously searched for Jesus everywhere

4. After three days, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple

5. Jesus, only twelve years old was sitting among the Teachers, listening and answering their questions

6. All who heard Him were amazed by the wisdom of his answers

7.  Mary said: My Son, how could you treat us like this?

8.  Jesus said: Did you no know that I have to be at my Father's affairs?

9.  Jesus returned with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them

10. His Mother, meanwhile, kept all these things in her heart