The Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

Reflections by Fr. F.X. Lasance


I.        The Annunciation of Mary

Offered for the virtue of humility.

O Jesus, born of Thy Father from all eternity; filled with an incomprehensible love for humanity, Thou didst become man in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the operation of the Holy Ghost, humbling Thyself to such a degree as to take the form of a servant. The same charity hath prompted Thee to perpetuate, in the Eucharist, this mystery of annihilation and love, even to improve on it by becoming the food of our souls.

Divine Jesus, we adore Thee in these unfathomable debasements, and we beg of Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Mother, a deep and heartfelt humility.

II.      The Visitation

Offered for the virtue of fraternal charity.

Divine Saviour, from the womb of Mary, wherein Thou didst become incarnate, Thou breathest forth sanctity into John the Baptist and upon the whole house of Elizabeth. From the Host wherein Thou dwellest, Thou spreadest all over the world the influence of Thy grace and Thy love throughout the whole Church.

O divine Jesus, full of love and kindness, we adore Thee, and we beg of Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Mother, perfect charity toward our neighbors.

III.     The Nativity of Our Lord

Offered for the spirit of poverty, and detachment from worldly goods.

O King of kings! poor indeed, yet most lovely in the crib of Bethlehem, Thou callest the simple and the poor to be Thy first adorers: poorer and no less amiable to the eyes of faith in the Sacrament of Thy love, Thou art still delighted to see around Thy person the humble and the little.

O Jesus, in Thy destitution we adore Thee, to Whom belong all the treasures of the Godhead, and we beg of Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Mother, detachment from the goods of this world.

IV.     The Presentation of Jesus

Offered for the virtues of obedience and purity.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Thou offerest Thyself with perfect obedience and love to Thy Father, through the hands of the high-priest, as the Victim that is to be immolated on the cross; every day also Thou offerest Thyself upon the altar by the hands of the priest, with the same obedience and love as our Victim, always sacrificed and always living.

O sweet Victim, we adore Thee and we beg of Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Mother, the spirit of obedience and sacrifice.

V.      The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple

Offered for love of Jesus and His holy services.

O Jesus, Thou withdrawest and leavest Mary and Joseph in tears to do the work of Thy Father; but Thou fillest them with joy when they find Thee in the midst of the Doctors amazed at Thy knowledge and wisdom. Veiled in the Eucharist, Thou impartest there divine teachings, and Thou fillest with joy those who seek Thee with their whole heart.

O hidden God! we adore Thee, and we beg of Thee, trough the intercession of Thy holy Mother, the grace of seeking Thee with a lively and persevering faith in the Sacrament of Thy love.