We have just begun a new month, the month of Mary. This month sees a continuation of the lockdown because of the Coronavirus COVID-19. However time continues and we can use this month to develop the great tradition of the rosary. There are plenty of resources online but the rosary is still the simplest prayer of all in our christian tradition. Each decade begins with the Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and concludes with the Glory be.
Traditionally the rosary is recited while reflecting on different aspects of our Lord. Glorious Mysteries: Sunday & Wednesday; Joyful Mysteries: Monday & Saturday; Sorrowful Mysteries: Tuesday & Friday; Luminous Mysteries: Thursday. (In some places on Sundays during Advent & Christmas the Joyful mysteries are recited and during Lent the Sorrowful Mysteries are recited).
The “Queen of the May” is a very popular hymn for this month. Different versions can be found on Youtube. Canon Sydney MacEwan, Frank Patterson, James Kilbane and Maureen Hegarty are among those on a quick search. (Also on search is a beautiful version uploaded by Eamonn Monson. Lovely pictures!) One could spend happy hours listening online. Many other Marian hymns are also available.
Prayer of Pope Francis for the month of May
O Mary, you shine continuously along our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, health of the sick, who at the cross were near to the pain of Jesus, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us, He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and took up our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. do not despise our please – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
“As I Kneel before You”
“Luminous Mysteries” Introduction only…
“Glorious Mysteries”
“Sorrowful Mysteries”
“Joyful Mysteries”