WHEN PRAYING THE ROSARY, AN OLD CUSTOM IS TO PRAY THE FOLLOWING:
Kiss the crucifix, make the sign of the Cross with the crucifix of the rosary. Touch your forehead with the crucifix of the rosary, and pray, "In the Name of the Father," then touch the crucifix to the top of your chest, and pray, "and of the Son," then touch the crucifix to your left shoulder, and then your right shoulder, as you pray, "and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."
Then pray the Our Father:
"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, Amen."
Then hold the first of the small three beads, and pray:
"I salute Thee, Mary, daughter of God the Father,
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,
Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus;
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death, Amen."
Hold the second of the small three beads, and pray:
"I salute Thee, Mary, Mother of God the Son,
Hail Mary . . . (pray the full Hail Mary prayer, as above)
Holy Mary . . . (pray the full Holy Mary prayer, as above)."
Hold the third of the small three beads, and pray:
"I salute Thee, Mary, Bride of the Holy Spirit,
Hail Mary . . . (pray the full Hail Mary prayer, as above)
Holy Mary . . . (pray the full Holy Mary prayer, as above)."
Hold the large bead at the centre of rosary, after the small three beads, and pray:
"Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen."
The greeting to Mother Mary is the beginning of the Affectionate Salutation to Mary by Saint John Eudes.
Image courtesy of Freepik with CN Whittle
