The Franciscan historian Luke Wadding (1588-1657) dates the origin of the Franciscan Crown to the year 1422. He tells the story of a young novice in the Franciscan Order who, previously accustomed to express his devotion to the Blessed Virgin by adorning her statue with a wreath of fresh flowers, was prevented from continuing this practice in the novitiate. In distress, he considered leaving the Order. But the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and instructed him to recite a rosary of seven decades in honour of her seven joys; thus, he might weave a “crown” more pleasing to her than flowers on her statue.

From that time the practice of reciting the “crown of the seven joys“ became general in the order. Thus it became known as the Franciscan Crown—or the Seraphic Rosary.

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.

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

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The Seven Joys of Mary

First Decade: The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)

Second Decade: The Visitation (Luke 1:39-45,56)

Third Decade: The Nativity (Luke 2:1-7)

Fourth Decade: The Adoration by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-2,9b-11)

Fifth Decade: The  Finding of Our Lord in the Temple (Luke 2:41-51)

Sixth Decade: The Resurrection (Luke 24:1-8)

Seventh Decade: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven and Her Coronation as Queen of Heaven (The Apostolic Consititution Munificentissimus Deus , 41. 42.)
 
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Bless Yourself: In the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (As you say this, touch your forehead with your right hand when you say Father, touch your breastbone when you say Son, touch your left shoulder when you say Holy, and touch your right shoulder when you say Spirit.)

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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, both now and always, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

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