Rosary - Franciscan Crown

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What It Is:
A special rosary with seven decades (instead of five), used by Franciscans to meditate on Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Origin:
According to tradition, a young friar who used to bring fresh flowers to a statue of Our Lady was sad he could no longer do so. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and asked him instead to offer a “crown” of prayers, recalling her joys.

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Structure

• 7 decades of 1 Our Father and 10 Hail Marys each
• 2 extra Hail Marys added at the end (to make 72 in total, honoring Mary’s traditional age at the Assumption)

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The Seven Joys

Each decade commemorates one of these joys:

1. The Annunciation — The Angel Gabriel announces Christ’s coming.
2. The Visitation — Mary visits Elizabeth.
3. The Nativity — Birth of Jesus at Bethlehem.
4. The Adoration of the Magi — The Wise Men honor the newborn King.
5. The Finding in the Temple — Jesus is found teaching in the Temple.
6. The Resurrection — Jesus rises from the dead.
7. The Assumption and Coronation — Mary is taken into Heaven and crowned.

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How to Pray It

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
2. Announce the first Joy.
3. Pray 1 Our Father and 10 Hail Marys.
4. Announce the next Joy, repeating 1 Our Father and 10 Hail Marys for each.
5. After the 7th Joy, pray 2 additional Hail Marys in honor of the 72 years of Mary’s earthly life (some traditions may do it slightly differently).
6. Finish with the Gloria Patri (“Glory Be”) and any customary Marian prayers (like the Salve Regina).
7. Conclude with the Sign of the Cross.

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