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A Rosary for Peace for the National Day of Prayer: January 1, 2002
In the summer of 1915, the vicious brutality of the "war to end all wars" had enshrouded the hill towns of Italy and the streets of Rome. By the time Pope Benedict XV had celebrated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, sixty thousand mothers had buried their sons; while later that same year, as he led the Church in commemorating the feast of the Immaculate Conception, that number had reached a quarter of a million.
Thus, amidst the fear and uncertainty of a dark Christmas Eve, the Holy Father gathered his cardinals together to announce a plan for peace. His plan would marshal an army of prayers who would storm heaven with petitions to "the Mother of the Prince of Peace, Mediatrix between rebellious man and the merciful God." Confident that "with God all things are possible," Pope Benedict XV inserted the name of "Queen of Peace" into the Marian Litany of Loreto.
Today, amidst the fear and uncertainty of the first year of the new millennium, Pope Benedict's description of the Queen of Peace rings truer than ever before:
She is the dawn of peace shining in the darkness of a world out of joint; she never ceases to implore her Son for peace although his hour is not yet come (cf. Jn 2:4); she always intervenes on behalf of sorrowing humanity in the hour of danger; today she who is the mother of many orphans and our advocate in this tremendous catastrophe will most quickly hear our prayers.
The day after the horrors of September 11, 2001, Pope John Paul II responded with a prayer to "the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, [to] fill the hearts of all with wise thoughts and peaceful intentions." 1 Such a first reaction is expected in one who has repeatedly urged us to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title "Queen of Peace." Seven years ago, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Holy Father urged all who would be peace makers to look to the example of the Blessed Virgin:
Mary, Queen of peace, is close to the women of our day because of her motherhood, her example of openness to others' needs and her witness of suffering. Mary lived with a deep sense of responsibility the plan which God willed to carry out in her for the salvation of all humanity. When she was made aware of the miracle which God had worked in her by making her the mother of his incarnate Son, her first thought was to visit her elderly kinswoman Elizabeth in order to help her. That meeting gave Mary the chance to express, in the marvelous canticle of the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55), her gratitude to God who, with her and through her, had begun a new creation, a new history.
I implore the most holy Virgin Mary to sustain those men and women who, in the service of life, have committed themselves to building peace. With her help, may they bear witness before all people, especially those who live in darkness and suffering and who hunger and thirst for justice, to the loving presence of the God of peace!2
The bishops of the United States have, therefore, designated the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, as a national day of prayer for peace. The reflections on the Glorious Mysteries in this booklet are designed to help you and the members of your community to pray for peace.
Join with us, your bishops, to implore the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculately Conceived, and Patroness of the United States of America. Ask her to intercede to end the fear, the violence, and the hate we see in the world today. Ask the Queen of Peace to join with the Church in begging the Prince of Peace for that peace which this world cannot give.
It is the hope of your bishops, that on January 1, 2002, the rosary will be prayed in the same way it was by Pope Benedict XV in that cold winter of 1915. And it is our certain faith, that through Mary's intercession, God will hear our prayers:
From every corner of the earth, from the majestic churches and the humble chapels; from the mansions of the rich as well as from the huts of the poor; from wherever dwells a faithful soul; from the bloodstained battlefields and war-swept seas, may this pious and ardent invocation arise to Mary, the Mother of Mercy who is all-powerful in grace! To Mary may be brought each anguished cry of mothers and wives, each tear of innocent children, each longing of generous hearts! May Her loving and most merciful solicitude be moved to obtain for this convulsed world the peace so greatly desired! And may the ages yet to come remember the efficacy of Mary's intercession and the greatness of Her blessings to Her suppliants!3
Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb
Archbishop of Mobile
Chairman, USCCB Committee on the Liturgy
In the name of the Father (+), and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A child is born for us, a son is given to us, and he shall be called "Prince of Peace."
See Isaiah 9:6
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Entrance Antiphon
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
A virgin has given birth to one who is truly God and truly human:
God has restored our peace, reconciling in himself earth with heaven.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Communion Antiphon
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Through the intercession
of Blessed Mary, ever virgin,
grant that our times may be tranquil.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Collect
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Through the intercession
of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin,
grant that we may live in peace as one family.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Collect
Hail Mary . . .
Through the intercession
of Blessed Mary, ever virgin,
grant that we may be united in love.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Collect
Hail Mary . . .
Through the intercession
of our Lady, Queen of Peace,
may you strengthen us
to build up in our world
the peace that Christ left us.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Prayer after Communion
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Our Father . . .
All times belong to him
and all the ages.
Inscription of the Paschal candle
Hail Mary . . .
By his holy and glorious wounds
may Christ our Lord
guard us and keep us.
Inscription of the Paschal candle
Hail Mary . . .
May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
Inscription of the Paschal candle
Hail Mary . . .
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes for ever!
Exsultet
Hail Mary . . .
Christ has ransomed us with his blood
and paid for us the price of Adam's sin
to our eternal Father!
Exsultet
Hail Mary . . .
This is the night when the pillar of fire
destroyed the darkness of sin.
Exsultet
Hail Mary . . .
The power of this holy night
dispels all evil, washes guilt away,
restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy;
it casts out hatred, brings us peace, and humbles earthly pride.
Exsultet
Hail Mary . . .
Christ is the Morning Star, who came back from the dead,
and shed his peaceful light on all mankind.
Exsultet
Hail Mary . . .
Bring lasting salvation to mankind,
so that the world may see
the fallen lifted up.
Easter Vigil, Prayer After Reading VII
Hail Mary . . .
May the old be made new,
and all things brought to perfection.
Easter Vigil, Prayer After Reading VII
Hail Mary . . .
Glory be . . .
Our Father . . .
I, the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20
Ascension of the Lord, Communion Antiphon
Hail Mary . . .
In the Eucharist
we touch the divine life you gave to the world.
Ascension of the Lord, Prayer after Communion
Hail Mary . . .
Where he has gone, we hope to follow.
Ascension of the Lord, Preface I
Hail Mary . . .
He was taken up to heaven in their sight
to claim for us a share in his divine life.
Ascension of the Lord, Preface II
Hail Mary . . .
You came down from heaven on a pilgrimage of love,
grant that we may take the same path to your presence.
Ascension of the Lord, Evening Prayer I, Intercessions
Hail Mary . . .
The Lord God ascended on high; he has led captivity captive.
Ascension of the Lord, Office of Readings, Antiphon II
Hail Mary . . .
Eternal Priest and minister of the new Covenant,
you live for ever to make intercession for us.
Ascension of the Lord, Morning Prayer, Intercessions
Hail Mary . . .
May we follow him into the new creation,
for his ascension is our glory and our hope.
Ascension of the Lord, Collect
Hail Mary . . .
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Ascension of the Lord, Midmorning Prayer
Hail Mary . . .
Do not leave us orphans, but send us the Father's
promised gift, the Spirit of truth.
Ascension of the Lord, Evening Prayer II, Antiphon for the Canticle of Mary
Hail Mary . . .
Glory be . . .
Our Father . . .
You sent the Holy Spirit
upon those marked out to be your children.
Pentecost, Preface
Hail Mary . . .
You created from the many languages of man
one voice to profess one faith.
Pentecost, Preface
Hail Mary . . .
May the Spirit unite the races and nations on the earth
to proclaim your glory.
Vigil of Pentecost, Collect
Hail Mary . . .
Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit
and fill us with your light.
Vigil of Pentecost, Collect
Hail Mary . . .
Send your Spirit
to help the Church you love
show your salvation to the world.
Vigil of Pentecost, Prayer over the Gifts
Hail Mary . . .
Send the Holy Spirit of Pentecost into our hearts
to keep us always in your love.
Vigil of Pentecost, Prayer after Communion
Hail Mary . . .
Let the Spirit you sent on your Church
work in the world
through the hearts of all who believe.
Pentecost, Collect
Hail Mary . . .
The Spirit of the Lord fills the whole world. It holds all things together and knows every word spoken by man.
Wisdom 1:7
Pentecost, Entrance Antiphon
Hail Mary . . .
Keep within us the vigor of your Spirit
and protect the gifts you have given your Church.
Pentecost, Prayer after Communion
Hail Mary . . .
May that fire that hovered over the disciples
as tongues of flame
burn out all evil from our hearts
and make them glow with pure light.
Pentecost, Prayer over the People
Hail Mary . . .
Glory be . . .
Our Father . . .
Today the virgin Mother of God was taken up into heaven
to be a sign of hope and comfort for your people on their pilgrim way.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Preface
Hail Mary . . .
All honor to you, Mary! Today you were raised above the choirs of angels to lasting glory with Christ.
Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Entrance Antiphon
Hail Mary . . .
At the Virgin Mary's assumption the angels rejoice,
giving praise to the Son of God.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Entrance Antiphon
Hail Mary . . .
May we see heaven as our final goal
and come to share her glory.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Collect
Hail Mary . . .
By her prayers, help us to seek you, Lord,
and to live in your love.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Prayer over the Gifts
Hail Mary . . .
Through Eve the gates of heaven were closed to all mankind; through the Virgin Mother they were opened wide again.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Evening Prayer I, Antiphon II
Hail Mary . . .
Through her intercession grant strength to the weak,
comfort to the sorrowing, pardon to sinners.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Evening Prayer I, Intercessions
Hail Mary . . .
Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy
of all praise; from your womb Christ the Sun of Justice has risen.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Office of Readings, Responsory
Hail Mary . . .
This daughter of Jerusalem is lovely and beautiful as she ascends to heaven like the rising sun at daybreak.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Morning Prayer Antiphon for the Gospel Canticle
Hail Mary . . .
We share the fruit of life through you, O daughter blessed by the Lord.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Evening Prayer II, Antiphon III
Hail Mary . . .
Glory be . . .
Our Father . . .
We fly to your patronage,
O holy Mother of God.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Sub tuum praesidium
Hail Mary . . .
To you do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Salve Regina
Hail Mary . . .
To you do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Salve Regina
Hail Mary . . .
Mary,
Mother of grace and Mother of mercy,
shield me from the enemy
and receive me at the hour of my death.
Enchiridion Indulgentiarum, Maria, Mater gratiae
Hail Mary . . .
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy hear and answer me.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Memorare
Hail Mary . . .
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Salve Regina
Hail Mary . . .
O clement, O loving,
O sweet, Virgin Mary.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Salve Regina
Hail Mary . . .
Holy Mary,
help the helpless,
strengthen the fearful,
comfort the sorrowful.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Sancta Maria, succurre miseris
Hail Mary . . .
May all who keep your sacred commemoration
experience the might of your assistance.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Sancta Maria, succurre miseris
Hail Mary . . .
Deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayer, Sub tuum praesidium
Hail Mary . . .
Glory be . . .
Lord our God,
you chose the mother of your beloved Son
to be the mother and help of Christians;
grant that we may live under her protection
and that your Church may enjoy unbroken peace.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.4
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs
mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile
show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
1 Pope John Paul II to a General Audience, September 12, 2001.
2 Homily of Pope John Paul II on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8th, 1994.
3 Letter of Pope Benedict XV to Cardinal Gaspari, May 5, 1917.
4 Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, Collect.
The document A Rosary for Peace was developed by the Committee on the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as a resource for the National Day of Prayer for Peace. It was reviewed by the committee chairman, Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb, and has been authorized for publication by the undersigned.
Msgr. William P. Fay, General Secretary, USCCB
Excerpts from the English translation of Rite of Holy Week © 1972, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL); excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, ICEL; excerpts from the English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours © 1974, ICEL; excerpts from the English translation of A Book of Prayers © 1982, ICEL; excerpts from the English translation of Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary © 1989, ICEL. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2001, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.
Publication No. 5-489
USCCB Publishing
Washington, DC
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