JUBILEE YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 

Friar Arinzechukwu Hilary OFILI OFM Cap.

 

Over the centuries, the Rosary was adopted in many ways to meet the spiritual needs of countless people. According to a longstanding Catholic tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Dominic Guzman and entrusted him with the mission of promoting the Rosary. Before the propagation of the Rosary, Christians continued the Jewish tradition of reciting the 150 psalms as part of their daily prayer. Throughout the centuries, the Dominican Order has been instrumental in spreading the Rosary as we know it today. Other religious communities also developed and practised their own particular forms of this prayer. The Rosary has been a wonderful means of adoring God and honouring the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Franciscan Rosary, or, as it is properly called, “The Franciscan Crown,” dates back to the early 15th century. It all began with a pious young man named James, who had been accustomed to adorning a beautiful statue of Mary with a crown of wild flowers he had picked and woven himself, and who decided to enter the Franciscan Order. After entering the Order, he was saddened when he could no longer gather flowers for Our Lady as part of his personal devotion, either because of a lack of time or permission.

Because of this, one evening, he was tempted to leave the religious life and return to the world. According to Franciscan tradition, Our Lady appeared to him at that moment and encouraged the young novice not to feel downcast because he was no longer able to adorn her statue, and also reminded him of the Joyfulness of the Franciscan spirit. Our Lady told him that she would teach him a better way to give her honour, which was much more pleasing and meritorious. She instructed him to meditate daily on the seven joyful events from her own life as a new form of the Rosary. So instead of weaving a crown of flowers, he would weave a crown of prayers. And these prayers could be offered at any time. Before long, many other Franciscans began praying the “Crown,” and soon it spread throughout the entire Order.

Although the Dominican tradition has long associated St Dominic with the origin and propagation of the Rosary, the Church is perpetually grateful to the Franciscans for the vision given to the novice. The Franciscan crown became officially established in 1422.

WHO CAN PRAY THE FRANCISCAN CROWN?

The Franciscan Crown can be prayed by anyone, regardless of whether they are Franciscans. It is open to all Catholic faithful and non-Catholics.

WHEN CAN THE FRANCISCAN CROWN BE PRAYED?

The Franciscan Crown can be prayed at any time of the day.

HOW TO PRAY THE CROWN:

Each decade, highlighting one of Mary’s joys, begins with Our Father and is followed by ten Hail Marys and one Glory be to the Father.

 

1. The Annunciation

2. The Visitation

3. The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

4. The Adoration of the Magi

5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

6. The Appearance of Christ to Mary after the Resurrection

7. The Assumption and Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Glory of all the Saints

 

Two Hail Marys are added after the seventh decade to make a total of seventy-two, a number honouring the traditional belief of Mary’s seventy-two years of life on earth.

In conclusion, One Our Father, One Hail Mary, and One Glory be to the Father are also recited for the intention of the Holy Father.

 

PEACE AND GOODNESS