# Praying the Rosary of the Holy Family of Nazareth
*2017-06-15*

> Bill Young leads a special rosary honoring the Holy Family, interweaving prayers for recent tragedies, personal intentions, and reflections on the role of families in the Church.

## Opening Prayer and Current Events

Bill opens by asking for prayers for the victims of recent shootings in Virginia and San Francisco, the tragic fire in London, and for those injured or grieving. He also mentions his son’s upcoming gift—a stationary bike—and hopes to use it for prayer and exercise.

## The Rosary of the Holy Family of Nazareth

Bill introduces the Rosary of the Holy Family of Nazareth, taken from his prayer book. He begins with an opening invocation: “Hail, O Holy Family of Nazareth—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—blessed by God and by the Son of God, Jesus, who was born in you. Holy Family of Nazareth, we consecrate ourselves to you; guide and sustain our families and keep them faithful in love. Amen.” After each decade he adds a short petition: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, enlighten us, come to our aid, and save us. Amen.” He repeats the Hail prayer for each of the ten Hail Mary beads, maintaining the same wording throughout.

## Scripture and the Apostles’ Creed

Bill recites the Apostles’ Creed in full, affirming the core tenets of the Catholic faith. He then reflects on the first mystery—the Holy Family as a work of God—drawing a parallel between Adam and Eve and Mary and Joseph as the source of holiness in the world.

## The Five Mysteries of the Holy Family

For each mystery Bill offers a brief meditation and the Our Father, followed by the repeated Hail prayer:
• Mystery 1: The Holy Family in Nazareth, emphasizing silence and the spiritual work of the home.
• Mystery 2: The Holy Family in Bethlehem, recalling the angel’s announcement and the birth of Jesus.
• Mystery 3: The Holy Family at the Temple, noting Simeon’s prophecy and Joseph’s protective role.
• Mystery 4: The Flight into Egypt and return to Israel, highlighting Joseph’s obedience to divine warning.
• Mystery 5: The Holy Family in the House of Nazareth, stressing Jesus’ obedience and the formative love of Mary and Joseph.
Each mystery ends with the Glory (Doxology) and a petition for mercy.

## Litany of the Holy Family and Closing Intentions

Bill leads a litany invoking the Holy Family as a model of parental love, obedience, and protection. He prays for mercy on families, for the victims of violence and disaster, for those affected by abortion and miscarriage, and for political leaders, including the President, Vice President, and members of Congress. He concludes by reaffirming his commitment to pray the rosary daily and invites listeners to join in praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

*May the Holy Family’s example inspire us to pray for and protect our own families, especially in times of suffering.*