Individuals and prayer groups will be able to explore the Joyful Mysteries this Advent, with a series of weekly reflections leading up to Christmas on Pray.com.au.
For more than 800 years, generations of God’s people have reached for the Rosary in times of trial and anxiety, seeking strength and solace in God. The rosary prepares us for living — offering a communal prayer that brings us together as Catholics.
The Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries are prayed as part of the Rosary — connecting this deep prayer with the Gospel stories of Christ. The Joyful Mysteries are particularly relevant to the Christmas season — featuring the stories of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38), the Visitation (Luke 1:39-45), the Nativity (Luke 2:1-7), the Presentation (Luke 2:22-40) and the Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52).
In the lead-up to Advent, Jesuit Communications has asked a number of people in Jesuit Province communities to reflect on one of these Joyful Mysteries. Their reflections will be published in a weekly series on Pray.com.au and Province social media, accompanied by questions of reflection for use in communities and prayer groups.
Those featured include:
- St Ignatius Richmond parishioner Val Flynn (writing on the Annunciation)
- Campion retreat director Margaret Claver (Visitation)
- Australian Catholics magazine writer Kate Moriarty (Nativity)
- Jesuit Brother Mukesh Patel (Presentation)
- Loyola College Mt Druitt teacher (and Australian Catholics writer) Peter Fleming (Finding in the Temple)
The first reflection will be published on Monday 19 November, and the reflections will follow weekly until 17 December.
The resources will be available online and in downloadable PDFs which can be printed off for use in schools or parishes.
To follow the series, sign up for the daily prayer email at www.pray.com.au, follow the Australian Jesuits on Facebook or Twitter, or follow the conversation at #seasonofjoy.