Reflect
In a small living room, my mom and dad’s closest friends from their “Marriage Encounter” days back in the '80s gathered to pray a Rosary like they had every Monday night for years. But this night, it was different. My dad was the second in this tight group of friends to have passed away and they were praying for his soul to be welcomed into Heaven.
My best friend had just had a baby, and I was holding him the entire time we prayed. I have always been able to worship and pray with more intensity and focus when I hold a baby in my arms, swaying the restless child to sleep with each “Hail Mary” and “Glory Be” I pray. There was a sadness and peace in the room that I will forever remember each time I pray the Rosary.
That night we prayed the Glorious Mysteries and contemplated the Resurrection of Christ, Christ’s Ascension into Heaven, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, the Assumption of Mary, and her Coronation as Queen of Heaven and Earth. But we also contemplated my father’s resurrection into Heaven. I contemplated my daddy placing a “Crown of Roses” upon Jesus and Mary’s brow as each decade concluded.
Saint Louis de Montfort reminds us what the word "Rosary" means:
The word rosary means ‘Crown of Roses,’ that is to say that every time people say the Rosary devoutly, they place a crown of one hundred and fifty-three white roses and sixteen red roses upon the head of Jesus and Mary. Being heavenly flowers, these roses will never fade or lose their exquisite beauty.
That evening, I pray for the souls in purgatory to be granted entrance into Heaven. I pray my life would be a witness of God on earth. I pray I might be granted entrance, upon my death, to experience eternal happiness with God, Mary, and all the Saints in Heaven.
I pray the Glorious Mysteries will help you contemplate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life to help you attain the eternal life God created you for in Heaven.
Let Us Pray
Glorious Mother Mary, pour the grace of God upon us as we pray the Glorious Mysteries. Allow us to be open to receive the fruits that come from these sacred Mysteries. Fruits of faith, hope, wisdom, and love of God, devotion to Mary, and eternal happiness in Heaven. We make this prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For Discussion
As you begin the Glorious Mysteries this week, which decade has brought you the greatest consolation in times of grief or mourning?
The Glorious Mysteries are typically prayed in preparation for a funeral Mass Celebration. Can you recall the souls you have prayed the Glorious Mysteries for and how their life impacted you and your relationship with God?
Praying the Rosary
Throughout the Prayer Pledge and beyond, we really encourage you to pray the Rosary! Since we will be looking at the fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary, it only makes sense to actually pray it!
Here is a guide on how to pray the Rosary.
I like this podcast and this podcast for praying the Rosary.
Hallow also has a marvelous Rosary meditation.
And if you want to go even deeper in to the Rosary, check out Mystery!
By Their Fruits: The 2021 Prayer Pledge // Day 24 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Tricia Tembreull is a seasoned ministry professional dedicated to guiding young hearts toward spiritual growth, healing, and the love of Christ. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Tricia has served in various roles, including as a youth minister, college campus ministry at USC Caruso Catholic Center, and Regional Director for Life Teen International. As a devotions writer for Blessed Is She, she shares scripture reflections that resonate deeply with women of faith. Recognized as a compelling Catholic speaker, Tricia challenges audiences to embrace their faith with authenticity. Additionally, as a spiritual director, she provides compassionate support to those seeking deeper connections with God. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, Tricia continues to inspire young adults to embrace their faith journey with zeal and purpose, embodying a commitment to spreading the gospel while fostering communities of love.
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