🌸 How to Pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary
The Franciscan Crown Rosary, also called the Rosary of the Seven Joys of Mary, is a cherished devotion of the Franciscan Order. Unlike the traditional Rosary with five decades, this crown has seven decades, each honoring a joy of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It invites us to rejoice with Our Lady as we recall the happiest moments of her life with Jesus.
✨ The Seven Joys of Mary
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The Annunciation – when Mary gave her “yes” to God.
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The Visitation – Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth.
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The Nativity – the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem.
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The Adoration of the Magi – when the Wise Men honored the Child Jesus.
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The Finding in the Temple – Jesus is found among the teachers after being lost.
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The Resurrection – Jesus rises from the dead in glory.
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The Assumption & Coronation – Mary is taken into Heaven and crowned Queen.
🙏 Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin
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Make the Sign of the Cross.
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Pray the Apostles’ Creed (optional).
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Pray one Our Father and two Hail Marys (these honor the 72 years Mary is believed to have lived).
2. Pray the Seven Decades
For each Joy of Mary:
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Announce the Joy (e.g., “The First Joy of Mary: The Annunciation”).
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Pray one Our Father.
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Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on that Joy.
3. After the Seven Decades
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Pray two additional Hail Marys (again to complete 72 in honor of Our Lady’s life).
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Finish with one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the intentions of the Holy Father.
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Close with the Sign of the Cross.
🌹 Why Pray the Franciscan Crown?
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To honor the Blessed Mother’s joys.
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To grow in Marian devotion the Franciscan way.
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To find joy in Christ by meditating on Mary’s happiness as His Mother.
St. Francis himself encouraged his followers to imitate Mary’s joy, and the Crown Rosary remains a beautiful way to deepen love for her and for Jesus.
✝️ Closing Prayer
O Queen of Heaven, rejoice, for He whom you were worthy to bear has risen as He promised. Pray for us to the Lord, alleluia!
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