The Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy


Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Reason for the Rosary

It is not required that a catholic ever pray the rosary. It is, however, strongly recommended that it be prayed once a day. In order to help us reflect upon the life of Jesus when we pray the rosary, there are five mysteries in each of the following four categories: Glorious, Joyful, Sorrowful and Luminous. For instructions on how to pray the rosary and a description of all 20 mysteries and when to say them, I recommend that you get a copy of the book Pray the Rosary it is available in most Catholic gift stores for about $3; there are two versions of this book be sure to get the one with the luminous mysteries.
Pray the Rosary Pray the Rosary Expanded Edition
Glorious, Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious, Joyful, Sorrowful and Luminous Mysteries

The primary function of the rosary is to ask the Virgin Mary to pray on our behalf. For this reason, it is more of a tool than a responsiblity or requirement, but even so, praying it every day strengthens one's relationship with the Virgin Mary and God.

Is the rosary vain repetition?

In a word, no. Although it can be, it all depends on the attitude of the person praying it. If each prayer is repeated just because that's how the rosary is done, then it is vain repetition. Conversely, if each prayer is repeated with the same sincerity each and every time, then it is not.

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The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

How to pray the chaplet of divine mercy


  1. O Blood and water which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in you. (pray 3 times).
  2. Our Father
  3. Hail Mary
  4. Apostle's Creed
  5. (Bead before each decade) Eternal Father, I offer you the body and blood, soul and divinty of your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
  6. (On the 10 beads of each decade) For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
  7. (After praying all 5 decades) Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (pray three times)

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy, like the Holy Rosary, can became vain repetition if each prayer is repeated appropriately "just because".

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See Also

Matthew Bohrn
Senior Web Disciple

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