Learning About The Life of Mary & Jesus
Through Rosary Glorious Mysteries
Glorious Mysteries
Finally the Glorious Mysteries celebrate the triumphs and glory of Jesus and Mary. They include the Resurrection, when Jesus rose from the dead; the Ascension, as Jesus ascended into heaven; the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost; the Assumption of Mary, her being taken body and soul into heaven; and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Jesus rises from the dead, conquering sin and death and offering the promise of eternal life.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christianity, where Jesus, having been crucified and buried, triumphantly rises from the dead on the third day. This extraordinary occurrence serves as a testament to His divine nature and authority, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. The promise of eternal life is extended to all who believe in Him, for Jesus proclaims in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." Additionally, St. Paul affirms the significance of Christ's resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:20, stating, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." This profound event represents hope, redemption, and the assurance of a glorious future for those who embrace the resurrected Christ.
“And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.”
— Matthew 28: 2-4
Resurrection of Christ by Noël Coypel, c. 1700
The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
Jesus ascends into heaven forty days after his resurrection, returning to his Father's side.
The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven is a significant event in Christian belief where Jesus, forty days after his resurrection, ascends into heaven and reunites with his Father. This event is mentioned in several Bible passages, including Mark 16:19 which states, "So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God," and Acts 1:9-11 where it says, "And when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight... And while they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, 'Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.'" This event signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly mission and paves the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
“…as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.
They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’”
— Acts 1:9-11
Ascension by John Singleton Copley, c. 1775
The Descent of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the Apostles, empowering them to spread the message of Christ.
The Descent of the Holy Ghost is a significant event described in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:1-4). After Jesus' Ascension, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles, filling them with divine power and enabling them to fulfill their mission of spreading the teachings of Christ. As they were gathered together, "suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind," and "they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them." They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, allowing them to communicate with people from various nations who were present in Jerusalem at the time. This extraordinary event marked the beginning of the Church and the empowerment of the disciples to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.”
— Acts 2:1-3
Pentecôte by unknown artist, c. 1511-1513
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
Mary is assumed body and soul into heaven, a sign of her special role as the Mother of God.
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven is a belief held by Catholics that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven, both in body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. Although not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the New American Revision Catholic Bible does contain passages that support this teaching. In the Book of Genesis, it is written, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel" (Genesis 3:15). This passage is often interpreted as foreshadowing Mary's victory over sin and death. Furthermore, in the Book of Revelation, there is a vision of "a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Revelation 12:1), which is understood by Catholics to represent Mary's exalted position in heaven. These passages, along with the early Christian tradition and the Magisterial teachings of the Church, affirm the Assumption of Mary as a divine affirmation of her unique role as the Mother of God.
“Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”
— Luke 1:48-49
“A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”
— Revelations 12:1
The Assumption of Mary by Rubens, c. 1626
Mary is Crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth, sharing in the glory of her Son's eternal reign.
In a moment of sublime majesty, Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, is exalted and crowned as the Queen of Heaven and Earth, magnificently sharing in the everlasting sovereignty of her Son. This profound event, rooted in Catholic tradition and devotion, signifies Mary's unique and unparalleled role in salvation history. In the Bible passage John 19:26-27 from the New American Revision Catholic Bible, it is recorded that as Jesus was hanging on the cross, he saw his mother Mary and the beloved disciple John standing nearby. In his final moments, Jesus entrusted Mary to John's care, saying, "Woman, behold your son," and to John, "Behold your mother." This exchange signifies Mary's spiritual motherhood over all believers. Mary being crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth reflects her exalted role in God's plan of salvation. As the mother of Jesus, the King of Kings, Mary is honored and elevated to share in the glory of her Son's eternal reign, symbolizing her special intercessory role and her place of honor in the heavenly realms.
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’
Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother’” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.”
— John 19: 26-27
Coronation of the Virgin by Diego Velázquez, c. 1641-1642
The Rosary serves as a powerful tool for prayer and meditation, providing solace, guidance, and inspiration to millions of people worldwide. Delving into the mysteries of the Holy Rosary offers a profound opportunity to immerse oneself in the life of Mary and Jesus Christ. Each mystery invites us to meditate on crucial moments in their lives, allowing us to deepen our understanding and connection with their divine journey.
Through the joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries, we witness the embodiment of faith, love, sacrifice, and redemption. As we contemplate the mysteries, we are called to emulate the virtues and teachings of Mary and Jesus, fostering a profound spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God. The Holy Rosary becomes a transformative prayer that guides us through the sacred narratives, allowing us to embrace the life of Mary and Jesus Christ with awe, reverence, and gratitude. May the mysteries of the Holy Rosary continue to inspire and guide us in our spiritual journey, strengthening our faith and illuminating our path towards eternal salvation.
The Comic Guide to The Holy Rosary…
is an activity book by Kevin Pawlowski of Paradise Found Studio, contains dozens of images that can be used for deep reflection on the lives of Jesus and the Holy Family.
Each mystery includes a visual illustration based on classic art, but in a comic book style. Alongside each illustration are relevant Bible passages that pertain to each mystery. Passages were selected to highlight key events, teachings, or messages connected to the mysteries. The purpose is to provide scriptural grounding and enhance the reader's understanding of the events being contemplated.
In addition to the illustrated mysteries, The Comic Guide to The Holy Rosary includes traditional prayers of the Rosary, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. These prayers would likely be presented in a format that allows readers to follow along and engage in the meditative aspect of the Rosary.