The Joyful Mysteries are the first set of mysteries that are prayed in the Rosary and they make up a chaplet (said on Monday and Saturday). They contemplate the birth and childhood of Jesus They are made up of five mysteries: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and Finding of Jesus in the Temple. They are followed by The Luminous Mysteries, The Sorrowful Mysteries and The Glorious Mysteries.
These five mysteries are traditionally meditated upon on Mondays and Saturdays (the other days of the week correspond to other mysteries). They are called Joyful because they speak of the incarnation of Jesus and the joy that it brought to mankind. God became man and came to live among us. Like each of us, Jesus was born, grew up, learned and became strong.
Before praying a mystery, we are invited to first read the Word of God. Then we say the fruit of the mystery and begin the decade of the chaplet with 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and 1 Glory Be. The Joyful Mysteries are primarily from the Gospel of St. Luke who speaks the most of these events.
“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” (St. Luke 1:38)
Before beginning your decade, ask the Lord to give you the grace of this mystery : “I offer this first decade, Lord Jesus, in honour of the mystery of the Annunciation, and I ask that with this mystery and the intercession of your Blessed Mother, I receive a profound humility of the heart.”
The fruit of the mystery is humility. The “fiat” of Mary, her “Yes” of being humble, obedient and trusting is the beginning of salvation for all humanity.
You can add this sentence, a “clausula” to each Hail Mary : “and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus the incarnate.”
You can end the decade with : “Blessings of the mystery of the Incarnation, descend into my soul and make me truly humble.”
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1 : 41 - 42)
You can begin the decade with: “I offer You, Lord Jesus, this decade in honour of the visitation of your Holy Mother to her cousin, Elizabeth, and I ask, that with this mystery and the intercession of your Blessed Mother, perfect charity to others.”
The fruit of the mystery is brotherly charity. Mary, herself pregnant, made the voyage, and stayed for 3 months to help her cousin who was also pregnant but a lot older. Mary invites us to remain aware of the needs of others, and to be of service when needed.
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Lord Jesus.”
You can end the decade with : “Blessings of the mystery of the visitation, descend into my soul and make me truly charitable.”
“and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2 : 7)
You can begin the decade with: “I offer You this decade Infant Jesus, in honour of your birth,and I ask that with this mystery and the intercession of Your Blessed Mother, I become more detached from the material things of the world and develop a love for the poor and a simpler lifestyle.”
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus born in Bethlehem.”
You can end the decade with : “Blessings of the mystery of the nativity, descend into my soul and make me poor in spirit.”
“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” (Luke 2 : 22)
You can begin the decade with: “I offer You, Lord Jesus this decade in honour of Your presentation in the temple, and I ask that with this mystery and the intercession of Your Blessed Mother, the gift of wisdom and purity of the mind and body.”
The fruit of the mystery is purity and the spirit of obedience. Joseph, Mary and Jesus did their obligations of purification just like any other Jewish family in that time period.Once again, it is a spirit of humility that animates them.
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus who was presented in the temple.”
You can end the decade with : “Blessings of the mystery of purification, descend into my soul and make me wise and truly pure.”
“When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2 : 48 - 49)
You can begin the decade with: “I offer You, Lord Jesus this decade in honour of finding You in the temple, and I ask that with this mystery and the intercession of Your Blessed Mother, my conversion and the conversion of all sinners.”
The fruit of the mystery is the search for God in everything. With this last joyful mystery, we find a little of the fruit of the first mystery : wanting only what God wants. Giving everything to the will of God is the key to Christian joy!
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, who was lost and now is found.”
You can end the decade with : “Blessings of the mystery of finding Jesus in the temple, descend into my soul and truly convert it.”
“I greet you, Ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Throne of Grace, miracle of Almighty Power! I greet you, Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity and Queen of the Universe, Mother of Mercy and refuge of sinners!
Most loving Mother, attracted by your beauty and sweetness, and by your tender compassion, I confidently turn to you, miserable as I am, and beg of you Obtain for me also, Queen of heaven, the most lively contrition for my many sins and the grace to imitate closely those virtues which you practiced so faithfully, especially humility, purity and obedience.
Above all, I beg you to be my Mother and Protectress, to receive me into the number of your devoted children, and to guide me from your high throne of glory.
Do not reject my petitions, Mother of Mercy! Have pity on me, and do not abandon me during life or at the moment of my death.
Amen.”
After reflecting and praying on the mysteries of the infancy of Christ, we can understand the importance of Mary and Joseph’s humility and trust in God their Saviour. Let us join them in prayer with the following communities :
Spend the next 30 days discovering the wisdom and tenderness of Mary’s heart.
Count on St. Joseph’s support and guidance by praying to him everyday.
Teach your children to love Mary just as you do with this month long program.