Page 174 - Reflections on St. Joseph

23 of each month, since in many proper liturgical calendars the Feast of the Holy Spouses is
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celebrated on January 23. 20

The Mode of Recitation

Pope John Paul II gave beautiful indications for helping make the rosary a fruitful exercise of
contemplation. The Holy Spouses Rosary is prayed according to these indications.
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The Opening

Like the Marian rosary, this rosary may begin with the Sign of the Cross, followed by the
Apostles’ Creed prayed while touching the crucifix. A fundamental article of faith
expressed in the Creed is that God’s only Son “was conceived of the Holy Spirit, [and] born
of the Virgin Mary.” This central mystery, shared by the Holy Spouses, is key to all that is
contemplated in the mysteries of the Holy Spouses Rosary. On the beads adjacent to the
crucifix, a preparatory “Our Father” may follow and then three “Hail Marys” for faith,
hope and charity and a “Glory be.” These initial prayers center us on our Catholic faith in
the Trinity, the Incarnation, the infused theological virtues, and Mary’s motherhood over
the Church. This readies us for the individual steps accompanying each mystery.

Beginning Each Mystery

After reading the title of the mystery we direct your attention and imagination to the
physical reality that leads to contact with the mystery of God’s presence in human form.
Together with Mary and Joseph, we share the love and wonder present in that mystery.

Each of the ten mysteries is totally biblical. We read the Scriptural quotes provided from
the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke. We allow God to speak to us in our particular
concrete situations each time we read it. We may seek to identify with the Holy Spouses’
role in that mystery, to apply the mystery to ourselves, to choose a virtue for which to
pray, or persons for whom to pray during that mystery. In any case it is important to have
a silent pause of reflection before beginning the vocal prayers for the mystery.

The Our Father

“After listening to the Word and focusing on the mystery, it is natural for the mind to be
lifted up toward the Father.” Christ and his Holy Family always lead us to the Father.
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Coming in our midst he makes us his brothers and sisters, able to call God “Abba,
Father.” The “Our Father” joins us with the whole Church in praying the mystery, even
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when we pray it alone. It is a foundation for our meditation, which unfolds in the tenfold
repetition of the Holy Spouses Prayer.

Tenfold Repetition of the Holy Spouses Prayer

This is the most substantial element and the one which most makes it a Holy Spouses
rosary. As seen above, the prayer begins with biblical titles. Though addressed to Mary
and Joseph, it is totally Christ-centered. It consists of two parts, the first being prayer of
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Reflections on st. joseph