The Franciscan Crown

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THE ROSARY OF THE SEVEN JOYS

The Franciscan

Crown

A traditional prayer companion

Seven decades, each with ten Hail Marys

Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary

NOVENA REGINA

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A companion for prayer

The prayer order and the opening and closing texts follow the Manual of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi (1869), pages 305 to 307. The readings and short companion notes are provided to help meditation; they are not additional prayers required by that manual.

The Gospel readings use the Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision. The brief reading for the seventh Joy is from Pius XII’s 1950 definition of the Assumption. The companion notes are newly written editorial aids, not quotations from the old manual. These readings and notes are optional; they do not need to be read aloud.

This private devotional compilation carries no ecclesiastical imprimatur. Traditional prayers and Scripture are public-domain texts. Sources and artwork credit: page 24.

The Crown and its meaning 3

How to pray 4

Opening and common prayers 5

The Seven Joys at a glance 7

Readings and decades 8

Completing the Crown 22

Closing prayer 23

Sources 24

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HISTORY AND MEANING

The Crown and its origins

The Franciscan Crown is a rosary of seven decades honoring the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its mysteries lead from the Annunciation to Our Lady’s Assumption, inviting us to rejoice with her in the work of her Son.

The 1869 Franciscan manual places its traditional origin around 1420. It tells of a young novice who had crowned a statue of Our Lady with flowers. When he could no longer keep this custom, Mary is said to have appeared to him and taught him to offer a crown of prayers in its place.

In this account, the flowers become an offering of Our Fathers and Hail Marys, joined to meditation on her Seven Joys. The manual describes the devotion spreading through the Franciscan Order and beyond. This story explains both the name “Crown” and the devotion’s Franciscan association.

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Follow the beads

A Joy is a mystery in the life of Our Lady. To meditate means to reflect prayerfully on that mystery while you pray the decade.

1. Pray the opening versicles Pray “O God, come to my assistance,” with its response, and then pray one Glory Be.

2. Pray the seven decades Announce each Joy once. Then meditate on that Joy while praying one Our Father on the large bead and ten Hail Marys, one on each small bead. Finish with one Glory Be.

3. Complete the seventy-two Hail Marys After the seventh decade, pray two additional Hail Marys. This brings the Crown itself to seventy-two Hail Marys.

4. Pray for the Sovereign Pontiff Pray one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the Sovereign Pontiff.

5. Pray the conclusion Finish with the versicle and response about the Immaculate Conception, followed by the closing prayer printed below.

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BEGIN HERE

The opening prayers

Bring to mind those for whom you wish to pray. Begin with these versicles:

V. O God, come to my assistance.

R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Pray one Glory Be (page 6). Then say: “The First Joy: the Annunciation and Divine Maternity.” Begin the decade with the Our Father.

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.

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The Hail Mary

Pray ten times in each decade, once on each small bead.

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.

Glory Be to the Father

Pray once after the opening versicles, and once after each decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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The Seven Joys of Our Lady

1. The Annunciation and Divine Maternity

2. The Visitation

3. The Birth of Jesus

4. The Adoration of the Magi

5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

6. The Resurrection of Her Divine Son

7. The Assumption of Our Lady

1 LARGE BEAD 10 SMALL BEADS

1 Our Father 1 Hail Mary on each

Then 1 Glory Be

Seven decades give seventy Hail Marys. Two more complete the Crown. Then pray one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the Sovereign Pontiff, followed by the closing prayer.

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THE FIRST JOY

The Annunciation and Divine Maternity

St. Luke 1:26-28, 38

26. And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, 27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 38. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

FOR MEDITATION

Mary receives the word of God with humility and obedience. The angel’s greeting leads to her willing consent. As you pray this decade, consider her readiness to accept what God asks of her, and ask for the grace to do His will in the duties of your own life.

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FIRST, ANNOUNCE THE JOY ON THE FACING PAGE

The first decade

Our Father

Pray once on the large bead.

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.

Hail Mary

Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on this Joy.

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.

Glory Be

Pray once after the decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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THE SECOND JOY

The Visitation

St. Luke 1:41-45

41. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42. And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44. For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.

FOR MEDITATION

Elizabeth greets Mary as the mother of her Lord. Their meeting is filled with the joy of Christ’s presence. Consider the charity of Our Lady and the happiness she brings to this household. Bring before God the people you visit, care for, and serve.

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FIRST, ANNOUNCE THE JOY ON THE FACING PAGE

The second decade

Our Father

Pray once on the large bead.

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.

Hail Mary

Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on this Joy.

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.

Glory Be

Pray once after the decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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THE THIRD JOY

The Birth of Jesus

St. Luke 2:6-7, 10-11

6. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 10. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: 11. For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.

FOR MEDITATION

The Saviour is laid in a manger. His coming brings great joy in the midst of poverty and simplicity. Consider Mary’s love for her newborn Son. Adore Christ with her, and make room for Him in the ordinary circumstances of your life.

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FIRST, ANNOUNCE THE JOY ON THE FACING PAGE

The third decade

Our Father

Pray once on the large bead.

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.

Hail Mary

Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on this Joy.

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.

Glory Be

Pray once after the decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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THE FOURTH JOY

The Adoration of the Magi

St. Matthew 2:10-11

10. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

FOR MEDITATION

The wise men find the Child with Mary His mother. Their search ends in adoration, and they open their treasures before Him. Consider the joy of Our Lady as Christ is worshipped. Offer Him your time, your work, and the love with which you do small things.

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FIRST, ANNOUNCE THE JOY ON THE FACING PAGE

The fourth decade

Our Father

Pray once on the large bead.

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.

Hail Mary

Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on this Joy.

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.

Glory Be

Pray once after the decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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THE FIFTH JOY

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

St. Luke 2:46-47, 51

46. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. 47. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. 51. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.

FOR MEDITATION

After three days of sorrowful searching, Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple. He returns with them to Nazareth, and Mary keeps His words in her heart. Consider her joy in finding Him, and ask for perseverance in seeking Christ when prayer feels difficult.

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FIRST, ANNOUNCE THE JOY ON THE FACING PAGE

The fifth decade

Our Father

Pray once on the large bead.

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.

Hail Mary

Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on this Joy.

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.

Glory Be

Pray once after the decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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THE SIXTH JOY

The Resurrection of Her Divine Son

St. Luke 24:5-7

5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their countenance towards the ground, they said unto them: Why seek you the living with the dead? 6. He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spoke unto you, when he was in Galilee, 7. Saying: The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

FOR MEDITATION

The empty sepulchre announces Christ’s victory over death. The Crown invites us to rejoice with His Blessed Mother in the Resurrection of her Divine Son. This Gospel passage describes the women at the tomb; it does not describe an appearance of the risen Christ to Mary.

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FIRST, ANNOUNCE THE JOY ON THE FACING PAGE

The sixth decade

Our Father

Pray once on the large bead.

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.

Hail Mary

Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on this Joy.

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.

Glory Be

Pray once after the decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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THE SEVENTH JOY

The Assumption of Our Lady

Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus (1950), §44

Pius XII solemnly defined that Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God and ever Virgin,

“having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

FOR MEDITATION

The final Joy honors Our Lady’s Assumption, body and soul, into Heaven. Rejoice in the glory God has given His Mother, and ask for the grace to persevere in His friendship. The Assumption is received through Sacred Tradition; the Gospels do not narrate this event.

The 1869 manual names this final Joy as Our Lady’s Assumption into Heaven, in body and in soul. Keep this mystery in mind as you pray the last decade. Then turn to page 22 to complete the Crown.

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FIRST, ANNOUNCE THE JOY ON THE FACING PAGE

The seventh decade

Our Father

Pray once on the large bead.

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.

Hail Mary

Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on this Joy.

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.

Glory Be

Pray once after the decade.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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COMPLETE YOUR CROWN

After the seventh Joy

Pray two additional Hail Marys.

These bring the Crown itself to seventy-two Hail Marys.

Then pray for the Sovereign Pontiff.

Pray one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the Sovereign Pontiff. This further Hail Mary is separate from the seventy-two.

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.

The Hail Mary

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.

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CONCLUDE THE CROWN

The closing prayer

V. In thy Conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate.

R. Pray for us to the Father, whose Son thou didst bring forth.

Let us pray.

O God, who didst prepare for Thy Son a worthy habitation, by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we beseech Thee that, as Thou didst preserve her from every stain of sin, through the merits of the preordained atonement of Jesus Christ, so Thou wouldst grant that we also may come without spot to Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Crown is complete. You may remain for a moment in quiet thanksgiving.

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Sources & edition notes

Prayer order and special prayers Manual of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi, vol. I (London: Burns, Oates, and Company, 1869), pp. 305-307. Internet Archive: manualthirdorde01ordegoog.

Common prayers Francis Xavier Lasance, With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections (1911), p. 153 (Our Father and Hail Mary), p. 790 (Glory Be). Internet Archive: WithGod.

Readings and historical comparison Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision; the selected verses are identified beside each reading. Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus (1950), §44. Stephen Donovan, “Franciscan Crown,” Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 4 (1908).

Historical forms This edition uses the 1869 prayer order throughout. Other old manuals preserve different openings and conclusions. Older indulgence grants are not presented here as current; see Paul VI, Indulgentiarum Doctrina (1967).

Cover art Nicolas Poussin, The Assumption of the Virgin, c. 1630/1632. National Gallery of Art, Washington; Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund. Image: Wikimedia Commons / NGA Open Access, CC0.

Pray online and find the source links: novenaregina.com/rosary/franciscan-crown