# A Rosary for Priests – The Sorrowful Mysteries
*2015-08-11*

> Bill Young leads a special rosary for priests, praying the Sorrowful Mysteries and offering petitions for clergy around the world.

## Opening Prayer and Creed

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today we pray a special rosary for all priests—those I know, those I follow on Twitter, the priests in my parish, and every priest everywhere. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we begin with the Apostles’ Creed:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father Almighty; from there He will come 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 life everlasting. Amen.”

## Our Father and the Hail Mary

We continue with 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.”

And the Hail Mary, repeated for each decade:

“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.”

## The First Sorrowful Mystery – Agony in the Garden

We meditate on Jesus’ agony in the garden, remembering His sweat of blood and the angelic comfort He received. 

We pray that every priest who suffers—whether through personal weakness, persecution, or the burdens of ministry—may feel God’s presence and return to the warmth of His love. May they live to do the Father’s will, just as Jesus did.

(Our Father and Hail Mary are recited.)

## The Second Sorrowful Mystery – The Scourging at the Pillar

We contemplate the cruel scourging of Christ. 

We pray for priests who are physically or mentally abused, imprisoned, or prevented from celebrating the Mass and receiving Communion. We also lift up those serving under hostile regimes, especially in places of communist oppression.

(Our Father and Hail Mary are recited.)

## The Third Sorrowful Mystery – The Crowning with Thorns

We reflect on Christ’s crown of thorns, a painful mockery of His kingship. 

We pray for priests who defend the true Catholic doctrine, for all bishops—especially Pope Francis—and for those who resist the pressure to compromise the faith.

(Our Father and Hail Mary are recited.)

## The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery – Jesus Carries the Cross

We meditate on Jesus bearing the cross up the hill of Calvary. 

We pray for priests carrying heavy crosses—those who feel lonely, weak, or have fallen from grace. We also pray for the Holy Father, who bears the greatest cross in leading the universal Church.

(Our Father and Hail Mary are recited.)

## The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery – The Crucifixion

We contemplate Christ’s death on the cross, the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. 

We pray for priests in their final agony, for those who will die today, and for all who thirst for the salvation of souls. May they, like St. John, keep Mary close to their hearts.

(Our Father and Hail Mary are recited.)

## Closing Prayer and Hymn to Our Mother

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, our hope. We cry to you, O Virgin Mary, our most gracious advocate, to obtain for us the promises of Christ. May you be the model of faith and joy for all clergy, guiding them to their heavenly crowns.

We ask our great High Priest, Jesus, to grant every priest deep faith, firm hope, and burning love. Comfort them in loneliness, strengthen them in sorrow, and remind them that through suffering the soul is purified. May they always know they are needed by the Church, by souls, and for the work of redemption.

O loving Mother Mary, take to your heart all priests—those already ordained and those preparing for ordination. Be their comfort, joy, and strength, especially as they uphold the ideal of consecrated celibacy. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

*May every priest feel the loving presence of Christ and Mary as they bear their crosses for the Church.*