How to Pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary- A Step-by-Step Guide to Devotional Prayer

How to Pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary

The Franciscan Crown Rosary is a beautiful and meaningful devotion that has been practiced by Catholics for centuries. It is a form of prayer that focuses on the life of Jesus Christ and the intercession of the Virgin Mary. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary, so that you can experience its spiritual richness and depth.

The Franciscan Crown Rosary consists of five decades, each with a specific mystery to meditate upon. These mysteries are divided into three groups: the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, and the Glorious Mysteries. Additionally, there are three sets of additional prayers that are said at the end of each decade.

To begin the Franciscan Crown Rosary, you will need a rosary, which is a string of beads divided into groups of ten. Each group of ten beads is called a decade. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross: Begin by making the Sign of the Cross, which is a gesture of faith and devotion.

2. Recite the Apostles’ Creed: The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of faith that summarizes the main beliefs of the Catholic Church. Recite it as follows:

“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”

3. Recite the Our Father: The Our Father is a prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. Recite it as follows:

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

4. Recite the Hail Mary: The Hail Mary is a prayer to the Virgin Mary. Recite it as follows:

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

5. Recite the Glory Be: The Glory Be is a short prayer of praise. Recite it as follows:

“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

6. Meditate on the Mystery: After reciting the Glory Be, meditate on the mystery of the decade you are about to pray. The Joyful Mysteries focus on the birth and early life of Jesus, the Sorrowful Mysteries focus on His suffering and death, and the Glorious Mysteries focus on His resurrection and ascension.

7. Recite the Fatima Prayer: The Fatima Prayer is a short prayer of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Recite it as follows:

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need of thy mercy.”

8. Recite the Hail, Holy Queen: The Hail, Holy Queen is a prayer to the Virgin Mary. Recite it as follows:

“Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.”

9. Repeat Steps 3-8 for Each Decade: Continue to repeat steps 3-8 for each of the five decades, meditating on the respective mysteries.

10. Recite the Fatima Prayer and Hail, Holy Queen: After completing the five decades, recite the Fatima Prayer and Hail, Holy Queen one more time.

By following these steps, you will have successfully prayed the Franciscan Crown Rosary. This devotion can bring you closer to God and deepen your faith, as you reflect on the life of Jesus and the intercession of the Virgin Mary. May your prayer be a source of peace and spiritual growth.