In recent times Mary the Mother of God has appeared in various parts of the world and asked for the recitation of the Rosary, the prayer she gave to the world centuries ago. The Rosary is a combination of vocal prayer (the Our Fathers & Hail Marys) and of mental prayer, namely, reflection on important events in the life of Christ and His Mother. When one refers to the Rosary, it is usually understood to mean five decades, or one fourth of the entire Rosary. A considerable number of people pray fifteen or twenty decades daily. The Rosary has a privileged place in the Dominican Prayer life. Dominican Tradition says that the Rosary was given to St. Dominic in a vision, and Dominican Friars were certainly the first to promote devotion to the Rosary, which can be prayed both communally and privately.
Praying the Rosary the Dominican Way
Now, outside of the traditional Roman method of praying the Rosary there is also a manner of praying the Rosary according to the Order of Preachers. It is identical to the normal Roman Catholic manner, except the introductory prayers are based on the opening prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours.
Make the Sign of the Cross
V: Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. R: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
V: O Lord, open my lips. R: And my mouth shall declare Your praise. V: O God, come to my assistance. R: O Lord, make haste to help me.
Say the “Glory Be”Announce the First Mystery and then say the “Our Father”Say ten “Hail Marys” while meditating on the Mystery.
Say the “Glory Be” and the “O My Jesus” prayer requested by Mary at Fatima (optional)Announce the Second Mystery; then say the “Our Father” and repeat steps six, seven and eight as you continue through the remaining Mysteries.
Say the “Hail Holy Queen” and verse
Say the “Final Prayer”
V. May the Divine Assistance remain always with us. R. And may the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Make the Sign of the Cross. Amen.