One of the most beloved devotions in the Catholic faith is the recitation of the Rosary, a potent prayer tool that has been used for centuries. It is a contemplative prayer that leads the faithful through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and has its roots in sacred tradition. Catholics seek God’s grace, wisdom, and strength by reflecting on the mysteries of the Rosary: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous. Each bead of the Rosary represents a prayer, forming a rhythmic dialogue with God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This devotion is not only a way to honor Mary but also a means to reflect deeply on the Gospel and apply its teachings to daily life.
The Closing Prayers of the Rosary
A. Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
Meaning and Significance
The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina) is one of the most beloved Marian prayers in the Catholic Church, traditionally recited at the end of the Rosary. This prayer is a heartfelt petition to the Blessed Virgin Mary, acknowledging her as the “Mother of Mercy” and our advocate before God. It conveys a strong faith in her mother’s intercession, particularly during difficult and spiritual times. Reminding the faithful of Mary’s tender care and her role in guiding people to Christ, the prayer dates back to the eleventh century and has been an integral element of Catholic devotion ever since.
The Text of the Prayer
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
How It Reflects Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
This prayer acknowledges Mary as a mother who intercedes on behalf of everyone who turns to her for assistance, highlighting her kindness and compassion. The imagery of the faithful as “poor banished children of Eve” recalls the reality of sin and human suffering, while the plea to “show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus” affirms Mary’s role in leading souls to Christ. The Hail Holy Queen is a beautiful declaration of love and trust in Mary’s intercession and a fitting conclusion to the Rosary.
B. Prayer After the Rosary (Optional Prayer to God)
Traditional “O God, Whose Only-Begotten Son…” Prayer
As a customary way to end the Rosary, this prayer asks God to fulfill the promises of grace associated with its recitation. It conveys the wish for divine support in emulating Mary’s and Christ’s virtues.
Let us pray:
O God, whose Only-Begotten Son,
by His life, death, and resurrection,
has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life,
grant, we beseech Thee,
that by meditating upon these mysteries
of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
we may imitate what they contain
and obtain what they promise,
through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Why This Prayer Is Included
This prayer helps reinforce the spiritual fruits gained through the Rosary, asking for the grace to live out the virtues exemplified in each mystery. It acknowledges God as the ultimate source of grace while recognizing the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercessory role.
Connection to Divine Protection and Intercession
By concluding with this prayer, the faithful entrust themselves to God’s providence, seeking strength, guidance, and the blessings promised through devotion to the Rosary. It serves as a reminder that prayer is not just a momentary practice but a means of drawing closer to God’s divine will.
C. Memorare (Optional)
Explanation of the Memorare and Its Role in Marian Devotion
The Memorare is a powerful Marian prayer that expresses deep confidence in Mary’s intercession. The word “Memorare” means “remember” in Latin, and the prayer asks the Blessed Virgin to remember her unfailing compassion for those who seek her help. It is often prayed in times of urgent need or distress.
How It Strengthens Faith in Mary’s Intercession
By recalling the tradition that no one who has sought Mary’s help has ever been abandoned, the Memorare strengthens faith and trust in her motherly care. It inspires hope and reliance on her prayers before God.
The Text of the Memorare:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
D. The St. Michael Prayer (Optional)
Brief History and Significance
The St. Michael Prayer was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 after he experienced a vision of a fierce spiritual battle between good and evil. This prayer calls upon St. Michael the Archangel to defend the faithful against the forces of darkness. It is often recited after the Rosary for spiritual protection.
Role in Spiritual Protection
St. Michael is known as the leader of the heavenly armies, and this prayer invokes his intercession to guard against evil and temptation. It is a powerful way to conclude the Rosary, asking for divine defense against spiritual attacks.
The St. Michael Prayer:
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
E. Personal Intentions and Concluding Sign of the Cross
Encouragement to Offer Personal Prayers
At the conclusion of the Rosary, the faithful are encouraged to take a moment for personal petitions, offering their prayers and intentions to God. This is a time to reflect on the mysteries meditated upon and to ask for specific graces needed in daily life.
The Final Sign of the Cross as a Mark of Faith
The Rosary traditionally ends with the Sign of the Cross, a sacred gesture that reminds Catholics of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Making the Sign of the Cross after prayer serves as a seal of faith and a reaffirmation of one’s trust in God’s protection and guidance.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The Importance of the Closing Prayers
The closing prayers of the Rosary serve as a spiritual seal, reinforcing the faith and devotion of those who have meditated upon its mysteries. Through these prayers, one can strengthen their relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary as a loving intercessor in addition to expressing appreciation and faith in God’s kindness. Catholics are better able to accept the Rosary as a potent instrument for spiritual development and heavenly protection when they are aware of its significance.
A. Strengthening Faith and Trust in Mary’s Intercession
One of the key purposes of the Rosary is to seek the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession, believing that she leads souls closer to Christ. The final prayers, such as the Hail Holy Queen and the Memorare, reaffirm this trust in Mary’s motherly care. By praying these prayers, Catholics acknowledge Mary’s role as an advocate and protector, turning to her with confidence in times of need. Her intercession has been recognized throughout history in countless miracles, conversions, and answered prayers. When the Rosary concludes with these prayers, it strengthens faith in Mary’s unfailing help and reminds the faithful that she continually intercedes before God on their behalf.
B. Acknowledging God’s Divine Mercy and Protection
While devotion to Mary is central to the Rosary, the ultimate focus remains on God’s divine mercy and protection. The Prayer After the Rosary explicitly asks God for the graces promised through meditating on the Rosary’s mysteries. Similarly, the St. Michael Prayer, often recited at the end, seeks God’s protection against the forces of evil. These prayers serve as a reminder to Catholics that their faith is based only on God, who in His great kindness has bestowed St. Michael as a spiritual warrior and Mary as a spiritual mother. Closing the Rosary with these prayers acknowledges God’s loving care and the security that comes from being under His guidance.
C. Concluding the Rosary with a Sense of Peace and Devotion
The Rosary is more than just a set of repeated prayers—it is a journey through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By the time the final prayers are recited, the faithful should feel a sense of spiritual fulfillment and peace. The last prayers ensure that the graces obtained through the Rosary stay in the heart and facilitate the transition from intense meditation to everyday life. The final Sign of the Cross is a sacred gesture that marks the completion of prayer, reinforcing a commitment to living out the faith with devotion and love.
