In recent years, the rosary – reflecting on the life of Jesus, through the eyes of the Blessed Virgin Mary – has been an incredible blessing to my prayer life.  And since seminary, I’ve had a deep admiration for St. Francis of Assisi (not for the way he’s been reduced to as “the animal saint,” but his deep love of Jesus which spurred a radical desire to follow, to live the Gospel).  A few years ago I found what is known as the “Franciscan Rosary” which instead of the traditional 4 sets of mysteries (Glorious, Joyful, Sorrowful and Luminous) with 5 each has – 2 mysteries:  The 7 Joys of Mary and the 7 Sorrows of Mary.

The month of October has been a difficult one for me for some time – being the month when my Father and two of my Grandparents have passed away… But for Catholics the month of October has been dedicated to the Holy Rosary (with the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary celebrated on October 7).  In addition, on October 4th we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.  So in recent years I’ve experienced special graces in praying the Franciscan Rosary for the month of October… asking the Blessed Mother and St. Francis’ special intercession in my prayers.  So I thought I’d share this devotion as well.   For the most part it’s prayed like the traditional rosary:  The crucifix, we pray the Apostles Creed.  The single beads are “Our Fathers” – the first three consecutive beads are “Hail Mary’s” with the focus on “Faith,” “Hope” and “Love.”  But instead of 5 decades (1 Our Father; 10 Hail Marys) focusing on one mystery – you would do 7 decades.  I usually do the Joys of Mary on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – with the Sorrowful ones on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.