Rosary for Healing and Protection

Help protect children and the vulnerable from abuse and support victims who are on the path to healing by offering your prayers for healing and protection. This rosary, from the USCCB Child and Youth Protection Office, will help you to lift up their needs in prayer, offering them to God through Mary who offers her loving protection to all her children. Download the Rosary for Healing and Protection to also learn how to pray the rosary and prayers of the rosary.

Glorious Mysteries on Sundays and Wednesdays

The Resurrection. “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.” (Lk 24:5-6). The Father’s gift of healing is a wondrous thing, bringing new life and hope from what was pain and despair. We pray for all victims of child sexual abuse, that they may come to abundant new life in the Risen Lord.

The Ascension into Heaven. As [the apostles] were looking on, [Jesus] was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. (Acts 1:9). Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of his Apostles, making them his witnesses to the whole world. We too are called to be witnesses, speaking on behalf of vulnerable children and young people and helping to build a society where they are safe from those who would steal their trust and their innocence.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:4). The Spirit brought the Apostles the gift of courage. No longer did they hide behind locked doors in the upper room, seeking their own safety. Rather, they boldly went out into the city proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and calling the people to repentance in his name. In the same way, we must boldly speak out to protect children and to create environments where they can grow and learn in safety.

The Assumption.  ­The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God. (Rv 12:6). At her death, Mary was assumed into heaven, body and soul. As she carried the Son of God in her body, her body was taken to heaven to share in the full glory of her Son. We pray for those victims of child sexual abuse who seek healing and wholeness and that Mary will present them to her Son who alones makes us whole.

The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of HeavenI will make your name renowned through all generations; thus nations shall praise you forever. (Ps 45:18). As the Mother of our Redeemer, Mary was crowned as Queen of Heaven. From heaven, she intercedes for us as a loving mother. We entrust into her maternal care all vulnerable children and young people, praying that she will intercede on their behalf and keep them safe from all harm

Joyful Mysteries on Mondays and Saturdays

The Annunciation. Th­en the angel said to [Mary], “Do not be afraid.” (Lk 1:30). ­The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with words to calm her fears. God wants everyone, especially the most vulnerable, to live in his peace, free from all fear and pain. It is our responsibility, as children of our loving God, to create an environment in which our children can grow up free from fear of those who might hurt or abuse them.

The Visitation. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” (Lk 1:46). After receiving the news that she would become the mother of God’s Son, Mary’s first action was one of compassion. She went to her kinswoman, Elizabeth, and off­ered aid and comfort. Following her example, we must reach out to those around us in need of hope and healing, off­ering our assistance and patience as they embrace God’s healing love.

The Nativity of the Lord. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Lk 2:7). Jesus, the Son of God, entered the world as a vulnerable child. He was not counted among the great and powerful, instead lying in a manger. We are called to protect all those who are vulnerable, especially children, by providing them with safe places to live and grow.

The Presentation. “You yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Lk 2:35). The experience of child sexual abuse is shattering and can make a person feel as if his or her heart and world is torn asunder. We pray for those victims who are seeking healing and strength. Their path is challenging, but our loving support can make it easier.

Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” (Lk 2:48). Child sexual abuse a­ffects not only the victim, but his or her family as well. Our healing eff­orts must extend to these family members, to alleviate their pain and anxiety and help them to grow ever closer to God’s healing love.

Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays

Agony in the Garden. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. (Lk 22:44). Many victims of child sexual abuse suff­er in silence for years, wrestling alone with the agony of their memories and pain. We pray that the Church may always be a place where they can come to share their stories, be received in love and compassion, and be supported on the path to healing.

Scourging at the Pillar. ­Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. (Jn 19:1). The experience of child sexual abuse may leave scars no less profound than the scars of a scourging, though they often remain unseen. We must strive to make our parish communities places where victims can feel safe to share their burdens and to find healing and peace.

Crowning with Thorns. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly. (Jn 19:2-3). Those who have survived sexual abuse may feel isolated from the community, set apart and unwelcome. Jesus must have felt the same as the soldiers mocked and tortured him. As members of Christ’s Body, the Church, we are called to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in need and off­er them our aid, comfort, and support.

Carrying the Cross. Th­ey pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross (Mk 15:21). Simon helped Jesus carry his cross, helping him bear the weight and the burden. So must we help victims of child sexual abuse bear the weight and burden of their experiences, helping them to find healing God who is light and life.

The Crucifixion. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit;” and when he had said this he breathed his last. (Lk 23:46). We commend into God’s hands all those who are at risk for child sexual abuse, those who are doing the hard work of healing, and those who are not yet ready to begin the healing process. Through our prayers, eff­orts, and sacrifices, may they come to know the peace and wholeness that only God can bring.

Pray The Luminous Mysteries on Thursdays

Baptism by John. A voice came from the heavens, saying, “He is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17). Every child is beloved by God and precious in his sight. There is no room in the Church for those who would harm children, betraying their trust and destroying their innocence. All members of the Church must do their part to make the Church and society safe for children.

Wedding at Cana. Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers,” Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn 2:4-5). A guest at a wedding in Cana, Jesus’ mother stepped in to assist the couple in their time of need. We must follow her example by taking active steps to come to the aid of children who are at risk of abuse, to be vigilant in protecting them, and to advocate on behalf of those who become victims.

Preaching of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion. “­This is the time of fulfillment. Th­e kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk 1:15). Jesus boldly preached the coming of God’s kingdom, reminding his hearers of the need to conform their lives to God’s laws. As members of God’s Church, we must boldly remind all members of society of the need to protect children and young people. 

The Transfiguration. [Jesus] was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. (Mt 17:2). In his Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus as he truly is in all his divine glory. So must we see victims of sexual abuse as they are— the precious children of God, worthy of dignity and respect. We must do all that we can to aid in their healing and to assure them of the love of God and his people.

Institution of the Eucharist. “Th­is is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me…this cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.” (Lk 22:19-20). In the gift of the Eucharist, Jesus makes present his sacrifice of redeeming love. This sacrifice makes us whole as one Body of Christ. We pray that Jesus may heal all the wounds of his Body, most especially the wounds caused by the sexual abuse of children and young people.