The Franciscan Rosary, also known as the Crown of the Seven Joys, is a unique and deeply meaningful devotion that honors the joyful mysteries of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s life. Rooted in Franciscan spirituality, this 7 decade rosary takes a distinctive approach by focusing on the moments of joy Mary experienced, from the Annunciation to her Assumption.
Unlike the more commonly known Dominican Rosary, the Franciscan Rosary consists of seven decades, each dedicated to one of these joyful events.
This article will explore the rich history, spiritual significance, and meditative power of the Franciscan Rosary, guiding you through the seven joys of Mary and how this devotion can deepen your relationship with her.
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About the Seven Decade Franciscan Rosary
The Franciscan Rosary, also known as the Franciscan Crown or the Seraphic Rosary, is a devotional prayer that honors the seven joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It holds significant importance within the Catholic Church, with indulgences granted by various popes.
It consists of seven decades, each dedicated to a joyful mystery from Mary’s life, such as the Annunciation and the Nativity. The prayer begins with the Apostles’ Creed, followed by the Our Father and three Hail Marys, and continues with the seven decades of Hail Marys. After the seventh mystery, two additional Hail Marys are recited to complete 72 Hail Marys, symbolizing the traditional number of years Mary lived.
Although it can be prayed on a regular rosary, a dedicated seven-decade Franciscan Rosary enhances the devotion, which carries a plenary indulgence when recited with the proper conditions.
The Seven Joys of Mary
The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Adoration of the Magi
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
The Appearance of Christ to Mary after the Resurrection
The Assumption and Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven
These events are collectively celebrated in the Franciscan Rosary, also known as the ‘rosary of the seven’ joys of Mary.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary
During Lent the Seven Sorrows of Mary are prayed instead of the Seven Joys of Mary.
1. The prophecy of Simeon
2. The flight to Egypt
3. The loss of the Child Jesus for 3 days
4. Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross.
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
6. The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Mary.
7. The body Jesus is placed in the tomb
How to Pray the Crown Rosary
Begin with the Apostles’ Creed,
Followed by the Our Father and
Three Hail Marys.
For each of the next seven decades, introduce and meditate on the assigned mystery. The Franciscan Crown Rosary begins with the first joy of the Blessed Virgin Mary and continues through all seven joys.
After completing the seventh decade, add two additional Hail Marys to reach a total of 72 Hail Marys, representing the number of years the Blessed Virgin is traditionally believed to have lived on earth. The Hail Mary is a crucial part of the structure of this unique rosary devotion.
While it is optional, you may include the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer between decades. However, these prayers are not required for the Franciscan Crown Rosary.
An alternative approach is to begin with the mysteries and conclude with the prayers at the crucifix.
It is encouraged that all members of the Order, both secular and religious, recite the Franciscan Rosary at least every Saturday, a day specially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A plenary indulgence is granted for each recitation of the Franciscan Crown Rosary, which can be applied to the souls of the deceased.
There are no specific requirements regarding the number of beads or the use of a blessed Crown Rosary to gain the indulgence. You can use a regular Dominican Rosary, and it isn’t necessary for the beads to be blessed or even for beads to be used at all. The indulgence is attached to the prayers themselves, not the physical rosary.
However, using a dedicated seven-decade Franciscan Rosary can enhance your devotion.
Pray the Franciscan Crown regularly to deepen your spiritual connection and receive its graces.
The History of the Franciscan Crown Rosary
The Franciscan Crown Rosary, also known as the Seraphic Rosary, traces its origins back to the early 15th century. The devotion began with a Franciscan novice named James, who had a deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
He would weave garlands of flowers to place at her statue, a tradition he held dearly. However, upon entering the Franciscan Order, James was instructed that this practice was no longer appropriate for his new way of life. Heartbroken, he decided to leave the order.
Tradition holds that the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, urging him to remain in the order and instead weave a spiritual crown of prayers.
She guided him to recite seven decades of Hail Marys in honor of the seven joys she experienced during her life. This event marked the beginning of the Franciscan Crown Rosary.
The Franciscan Order soon embraced this new form of devotion. By 1422, the Franciscan Crown Rosary had been officially recognized and promoted by the order, particularly by the Observant branch of the Franciscans. The seven joys of Mary, which form the core of the Crown Rosary, were a natural fit for the Franciscan spirituality, which has always emphasized the joy and humility of the Virgin Mary.
The seven decades of the Franciscan Crown Rosary each commemorate one of these joyful events, including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding in the Temple, the Resurrection, and the Assumption of Mary.
As devotion to the Franciscan Crown Rosary spread, it became an important aspect of Franciscan life and prayer. The Franciscan Crown not only served as a way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary but also as a means of deepening one’s spiritual life through meditation on the joyful mysteries. Over time, the practice of reciting the Franciscan Crown Rosary extended beyond the order and became popular among the laity as well.
The unique structure of the rosary, with its seven decades, set it apart from the traditional Dominican Rosary, while still maintaining the same focus on meditation and prayer.
Today, the Franciscan Crown Rosary remains a cherished devotion within the Franciscan Order and beyond.
It is often recited on Saturdays, a day traditionally dedicated to Mary, and is associated with a plenary indulgence.
The simplicity and joy at the heart of the Franciscan Crown Rosary continue to inspire devotion among those who seek to honor Mary and meditate on the joyful mysteries of her life. Whether prayed with beads or simply recited in one’s heart, the Franciscan Crown Rosary offers a rich and deeply spiritual way to connect with the Blessed Virgin and reflect on her role in the story of salvation.
