First Mystery: The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary
From the Gospel according to Saint Luke
In the sixth month, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth, to a Virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. The Virgin’s name was Mary. When the Angel entered where she was, he said: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you”.
In the name of God, the Angel entered where the Virgin Mary was. God loved her, chose her, sought her, and she accepted His will with total obedience, fruit of her free and immaculate love. Mary recognized the love God had for her, and by her “yes,” eternal love entered the world. As we enter this new year, let us recognize the love God has for each of us and embrace His will with joy and gratitude. Let us pray for the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, who said with contagious tenderness: “I love God so much”!
Second Mystery: Mary’s Visit to Her Cousin Elizabeth
From the Gospel according to Saint Luke
Mary set out and hurried to a mountain region in Judea, to a town named Bethlehem. She entered Elizabeth’s house and greeted her.
Mary entered Elizabeth’s home, carrying Jesus in her womb. Mary’s offering, throughout all time, is Christ, who is, who was, and who is to come (cf. Revelation 11:17). Mary’s offering to us is also Christ, who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever (cf. Hebrews 13:8). As we enter this new year, let us make our own the words of Sister Lúcia, spoken in Pontevedra a hundred years ago: “Oh, my Mother in Heaven, give me Your Son Jesus”. Let us pray that the Mother of Heaven will bring Jesus to all homes where there is suffering, to hospitals and prisons, as she did to Elizabeth’s home.
Third Mystery: The Birth of Jesus
From the Gospel according to Saint Luke
Joseph also got up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She had her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
On the day she gave birth, Mary did not enter the inn. To give birth to her Firstborn Son, she entered a stable and laid Him in a manger. As He entered the world, the Son of God made Himself poor to be the wealth of all. God did not shame the poor, but made Himself like them and made them a sign of His presence. As we enter the new year, let us offer to the Lord those who do not have bread each day, the discarded by society, those who do not have love, those who are discouraged. Let us pray for the intercession of Saint Jacinta Marto, who never forgot her poor.
Fourth Mystery: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Gospel According to Saint Luke
When the days of purification according to the law of Moses had been completed, Mary and Joseph took the Child Jesus to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, as is written in the law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord.” (Exodus 13:2)
Mary entered Jerusalem with her firstborn Son to offer Him to God in the Temple and present Him to the Father who had sent Him. And in the Temple, Jesus is also presented to humanity as salvation, light of the nations, and sign of contradiction. As we begin a new year, let us entrust to the Lord all those who are persecuted for their fidelity to Christ and the Church. Let us ask for the intercession of Saint Jacinta Marto, who, embracing the crucifix, used to say: “Oh Jesus, I want to suffer much for Your love.”
Fifth Mystery: The Meeting of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Gospel According to Saint Luke
“When they saw Jesus, His parents were amazed. And His mother said to Him, ‘Why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been looking for You in anguish.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Why are you looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?'”At the age of 12, Jesus entered the Temple solemnly and desired to remain there, signifying His intimate relationship with the Father. As He later taught: “The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (John 3:35) Upon entering the Temple, Mary and Joseph heard Jesus confirm that the Son they sought is none other than He who comes from Heaven. As we begin this new year, let us always aspire to things heavenly, and let not earthly concerns take the place of God. Let us pray for the intercession of Saint Francis Marto, who had a great desire to go to Heaven.
Father João Paulo Quelhas Domingues
The spirituality of the Rosary and the Gaudentian Mysteries centered on Mary are further explored in Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter *Rosarium Virginis Mariae* (October 16, 2002), an indispensable reference for Marian prayer.
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