After completing the Rosary, Catholics typically conclude with several traditional prayers, which help to deepen the spiritual experience and offer final intentions. These prayers serve to honor Mary, seek intercession, and pray for the faithful departed.
Common Concluding Prayers
The prayers recited immediately after the completion of the decades of the Rosary often include:
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The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina): This ancient Marian hymn is almost universally recited. It is a heartfelt prayer seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, recognized as a merciful advocate.
- Example: "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. Amen."
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The Litany of Loreto (Optional): Following the Hail Holy Queen, many choose to pray the Litany of Loreto. This litany invokes Mary under numerous titles, praising her virtues and seeking her prayers. While optional, it is a very common addition to the Rosary.
The Concluding Prayer for Divine Assistance and the Faithful Departed
After the Salve Regina and potentially the Litany, a specific concluding prayer is often recited. This prayer beautifully encapsulates a petition for divine help and a remembrance of those who have passed away. It is typically said in a call-and-response format:
| Part | Prayer |
|---|---|
| Leader | May the divine assistance remain always with us. |
| Response | And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. |
Additional Prayers Often Added
Individuals or groups may also add other prayers after the Rosary, depending on personal devotion or specific intentions. Some common additions include:
- The Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel: This powerful prayer seeks protection against evil and spiritual warfare. It is often prayed publicly after Mass and is a popular personal devotion.
- For Specific Intentions: Many conclude by offering personal prayers for particular needs, intentions, or for the Holy Father and the Church.
- The Sign of the Cross: The Rosary is always concluded with the Sign of the Cross, a traditional way to end Catholic prayers.
Structure of Concluding Rosary Prayers
The order of these prayers can vary slightly, but a common sequence is:
- Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
- (Optional) Litany of Loreto
- The Concluding Prayer for Divine Assistance and Departed Souls (as listed in the table above)
- (Optional) Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
- Sign of the Cross
These concluding prayers provide a solemn and purposeful end to the spiritual journey undertaken during the Rosary, focusing on intercession, mercy, and peace.
