# The Rosary for the Sick – Joyful Mysteries and the Ten Virtues of Mary
*2021-07-26*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke lead a special rosary for the sick, invoking the Joyful Mysteries while honoring the ten virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

## Opening Prayer for the Sick

Bill welcomes listeners and explains that they are praying for those suffering from illness, injury, and especially those affected by COVID‑19. He reminds us that when two or more pray together, Jesus is with us. He asks John to offer a prayer for all who are sick, for those caring for the ill, and for those who have lost loved ones.

## Prayer of the Sick

John leads a short prayer:

"Almighty and eternal God, we entrust to you all who are suffering. Grant them bodily health, comfort, and the peace of your Holy Spirit. May they experience your loving mercy and be restored in body and soul. Through Christ our Lord, Amen."

They then recite the Apostles’ Creed and the Our Father, preparing their hearts for the rosary.

## The Joyful Mysteries with the Ten Virtues of Mary

For each of the Joyful Mysteries, Bill and John invoke one of the ten virtues traditionally associated with the Blessed Virgin:

1. **Most Pure** – “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”
2. **Most Prudent** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s prudence.
3. **Most Humble** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s humility.
4. **Most Faithful** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s faithfulness.
5. **Most Devout** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s devotion.
6. **Most Obedient** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s obedience.
7. **Most Poor** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s poverty of spirit.
8. **Most Patient** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s patience.
9. **Most Merciful** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s mercy.
10. **Most Sorrowful** – same prayer, invoking Mary’s sorrow.

Each mystery is introduced with a brief reflection on its fruit (e.g., the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit) followed by the Hail Mary and the virtue‑specific intention.

The rosary concludes with the traditional closing prayers: the Hail Holy Queen and the final prayer for the sick.

## Final Blessing and Invitation

Bill thanks John for leading the devotion and reiterates their prayers for those suffering from cancer, childhood diseases, COVID‑19, and any other illness. He invites listeners to send intentions by email and to share comments on their podcast platform. He ends with a prayer for God’s blessing on all who are ill and on those who care for them.

*May the Joyful Mysteries and Mary’s virtues bring comfort and healing to all who are suffering.*