Embracing Serenity: A Guide to Praying the Franciscan Crown

Men,

In the rich tapestry of Catholic devotion, The Rosary is the most powerful. It is truly the weapon for these times. The Franciscan Crown is a devotion to Mary that emerges as a unique expression of Catholic spirituality, combining the beauty of the Rosary with the simplicity and humility associated with the Franciscan tradition. In this article we will explore the significance of the Franciscan Crown and provide a step-by-step guide on how to pray it, inviting you to deepen your connection with Christ, through the Mother of God.

Origins of the Franciscan Crown Rosary

According to Franciscan tradition, in 1422 an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary took place in Assisi, to a Franciscan novice named James. As a child, he had the custom of offering daily the Virgin Mary a crown of roses. When he entered the Friars Minor, he became distressed that he would no longer be able to offer this gift. The Blessed Virgin appeared to him to give him comfort and showed him another daily offering that he might do: to pray every day seven decades of Hail Marys, meditating between each decade on one of the seven joys that she had experienced in her life.

Among the Friars Minor, the promotion of this devotion is attributed to Bonaventure, Cherubin of Spoleto, John Capistran, Pelbart of Temesvár, and Bernardino of Siena to mention a few. Bernadine is also said to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary when he was meditating on the seven joys of Mary.

The Franciscan Crown celebrates the Seven Joys of Mary:

• The Annunciation

• The Visitation

• The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ

• The Adoration of the Magi

• The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

• The Resurrection

• The Assumption of Mary

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Praying the Franciscan Crown Step by Step:

1. The Franciscan Crown consists of seven decades of Hail Mary's, each preceded by an Our Father and followed by a Glory Be.

2. The Crown recalls the seven joys of Mary and how she responded to the grace of God in her life.

3. It begins with the Sign of the Cross which is then followed by seven decades, each consisting of one Our Father, ten Hail Mary's and one Glory Be.

4. At the end of the seven decades, there are two additional Hail Mary's, bringing the total number of Hail Mary's to 72. This completes the 72 years of Mary's Joy, and according to Tradition, equals the number of years the Virgin Mary lived on earth.

5. The Crown is concluded by praying one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the intentions of the Pope. The Sign of the Cross concludes the Franciscan Crown Rosary.

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Praying the Franciscan Rosary offers a beautiful way to engage with the mysteries of Christ and the joys of Mary, all while embracing the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. Allow this prayerful journey to deepen your connection with God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, bringing serenity into your life. Hopefully the Franciscan Crown can be a source of inspiration and peace on your path to sainthood.

Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui,
Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,
ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
nunc et in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Nick | Catholic Manhood