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WORLD MISSION ROSARIES

What is the World Mission Rosary?

The World Mission Rosary was envisioned by Archbishop John Fulton Sheen, then tthe national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, in 1951. He made the request on a radio show that his listeners "Embrace the world in prayer." To do so he introduced this Rosary.

Its uniqueness is in the five colors represented in each of the decades. Color symbolism in a rosary is a gentle reminder on which to focus our prayers.

This rosary honors the work of mission, our call to be missioners, and world unity and peace through its special emphasis on each of the Earth's regions, where prayers are needed and our brothers and sisters in Christ live and play and pray just like each of us! Each region is represented by a different color, it is not only a beautiful rosary, but rich in symbolism.

What are the colors/areas of the Mission Rosary?

• Green - for the forests and grasslands of Africa (green is also a sacred color for the Muslims)
• Red - calling to mind the fire of faith that brought missioners to the Americas (US, Canada, Latin America and Native Americans)
• White - symbolizing Europe, the home of the Holy Father
• Blue - for the ocean surrounding the Islands of the Pacific (Australia/Oceana)
• Yellow - symbolizing the morning light of the East and 'beginning of civilization' for Asia/ Middle East

Note: These colors do not need to go in any particular order in the making of the Rosary.

How do you pray the Mission Rosary?

The Mission Rosary can be prayed in the same way that you would pray any other Rosary, be that in a group, with your family or individually. Begin by praying the Creed, the LORD's Prayer, 3 Hail Mary's and the Glory Be, followed by which ever mysteries you choose to pray at the time and their corresponding prayers for each decade. As you do so, simply keep in mind the area and other people of the world that each decade's color represents, and perhaps offer a special petition relating to that area after you announce the mystery. Learn more how to pray the Rosary.

You can also pray the World Mission Rosary online through the Pontifical Mission Society's interactive Rosary site.

The Mission Rosary can also be prayed in a special way, using the "Mission Mysteries" developed by Maryknoll's mission organization. These mysteries are:

• The 1st Mission Mystery: The visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1,11)
• The 2nd Mission Mystery: Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman (John 4:28)
• The 3rd Mission Mystery: Jesus cures the centurion's servant (Luke 7:2)
• The 4th Mission Mystery: The conversion of Paul (Acts 9:20)
• The 5th Mission Mystery: Jesus sends out His disciples (Mark 16:15)

How can you help?

We have been encouraging schools and parishes in our Diocese to pray the World Mission Rosary (especially in October, which is Mission Month as well as the Month of the Rosary). But WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Please consider making World Mission Rosaries for us to share with students and parishioners who would like to pray this beautiful prayer. It could be a fun project to do with your mission group, classroom or family.

Use the color information above to make them, or contact us for more information.

Learn more on how to make rosaries.

Deliveries are welcome Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.  However, due to limited staff the front door cannot always remain unlocked during these hours. Please call ahead to let us know when you'll be delivering so we be sure to receive your delivery. Call the Mission Office with any questions.

MISSION OFFICE:
11 8th AVENUE SOUTH
ST CLOUD MN  56301
320-251-1100

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Use the menu at the top to take a closer look at what projects and items are needed.

Or return to our mission project page for still other great ideas of how to be involved in misison.