The Missionary Rosary

In this first mystery, we offer our prayer for the continent of Africa, that its deep religious spirit may allow it to embrace the fullness of Christ’s revelation.

The following brief information about this continent can also be read

Africa is a continent suffering from the effects of violence and armed conflicts in various regions, making life difficult for many peoples and ethnic groups. However, the “silent war” that continues to strike millions of Africans is HIV/AIDS and other endemic diseases, even though medical progress and international solidarity have allowed many to live with hope. Most African countries gained independence in the second half of the 20th century, after long centuries of European colonialism that deeply marked their economic development and cultural roots. Poverty remains one of the greatest challenges: nearly two-thirds of the world’s population living in extreme poverty are found in Africa. Despite this, the Catholic Church on this continent has experienced significant growth in recent decades: today it has millions of faithful, an ever-growing number of vocations, and dynamic Christian communities, fruit of the efforts and sacrifices of many missionaries. The VMY (Vincentian Marian Youth) is also present in Africa, a sign of hope among young people who want to live their faith in the way of Mary and St. Vincent.

And so, our prayer is humble and supplicant, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Africa, the Lord may grant our African brothers and sisters the gift of faith.

We pray

• Our Father
• 10 Hail Marys
• Glory Be
• The Fatima Prayer
• O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

We pray this second mystery for the continent of America, called the land of hope, where nearly half of the world’s Catholics live, but where many also suffer from poverty, and where the Church feels the urgent need for more pastoral workers to accompany its people in faith.

Brief information about the American Continent

The American continent experiences a great contradiction: a minority is immensely rich, while many are extremely poor. In Latin America, there are around 42 million indigenous people, who face exclusion, marginalization, and poverty in proportions far greater than the non-indigenous population. The Catholic Church of the Americas is the largest in the world; nearly half of the world’s Catholics live today in the Americas. That is why St. John Paul II, in his exhortation Ecclesia in America, reminded us that the Americas are called to be “the continent of hope,” called to conversion, communion, and solidarity to spread the Gospel throughout the world. The VMY is also present on this continent, and although the Christian faith arrived more than 500 years ago, missionaries are still needed in many places in the Americas for initial evangelization, and in others, it is urgent to rekindle faith and rechristianize the population.

Virgin of Guadalupe, Empress of all the Americas, grant our American brothers and sisters the grace to be true disciples of Christ.

We pray

• Our Father
• 10 Hail Marys
• Glory Be
• The Fatima Prayer
• O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

We offer this third mystery for Europe, that it may rediscover the sources of its faith, which has grown cold over the centuries, and that it may strengthen its missionary work.

Brief information about the European Continent

Although most developed countries are in Europe, poverty also exists there. Historically, Europe has been the Catholic continent par excellence. A decisive factor was that the Church established its seat in Rome from its origins (today Vatican City), and most of its kingdoms had Catholicism as their official religion. However, in recent centuries, the situation has changed considerably. Two events had a notable influence on this change: first, the emergence of Protestantism from the 16th century onward, which divided Christians to the point that entire countries converted to Protestantism; second, the French Revolution and rationalism, which, along with the emergence of the republics that make up modern Europe, gradually weakened faith throughout the continent. Despite this, there are still dynamic communities, engaged young people, and a Church that, although small in some places, remains a light in the midst of indifference. The VMY is present in this continent, accompanying young people to rediscover the Gospel and renew hope.

Our Lady, Mother of Europe, grant that this continent, which has become a mission land, may rediscover its Christian roots, rediscover the beauty of the Gospel, and continue to give many missionary vocations to the Church.

We pray

• Our Father
• 10 Hail Marys
• Glory Be
• The Fatima Prayer
• O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

We offer this fourth mystery for the continent of Oceania, this vast group of islands scattered across the sea, so that its diverse peoples and cultures may always be enlightened and guided by the light of the Gospel.

Brief information about the Oceanian Continent

Oceania is the smallest continent in terms of population. It is characterized by the coexistence of diverse cultures. For centuries, it was inhabited by numerous indigenous tribes that preserved their cultures, dialects, and traditional religions. Important Catholic missions began in the 19th century: apostolic vicariates were created around 1830–1840, and missionaries from congregations such as the Marists and the Sacred Hearts brought the Gospel to many isolated islands. Although systematic evangelization spread in these regions less than two hundred years ago, there are now more than eleven million Catholics in Oceania, and the faith continues to grow with hope. The VMY is present on this continent, accompanying young people, recognizing ancestral cultures, and being seeds of mission and communion.

Virgin of the Oceans, we entrust to you our brothers and sisters of this continent, that you may guide them to encounter your Son, in whom they may find salvation and true joy. Grant us also a generous heart, ready for sacrifice, so that missionary activity in these often distant and unknown islands may bear abundant fruits of faith.

We pray

• Our Father
• 10 Hail Marys
• Glory Be
• The Fatima Prayer
• O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

We pray for Asia, that the Virgin Mary may watch over this continent, the most populated in the world, where Catholics are a minority and, in many places, face persecution, discrimination, or restrictions on their freedom to live their faith.

Brief information about the Asian Continent

Asia is the most populated continent in the world and a mosaic of cultures, religions, and ancient traditions. Poverty and inequality persist in many countries, and in some places, women and minorities live in extremely difficult conditions. Although Catholics are a minority in Asia, there are more than 100 million faithful, a number slowly increasing thanks to the witness of missionaries and martyrs. Many Christians are persecuted, especially in countries where religious freedom is restricted. Faced with these realities, the Church maintains hope and continues to proclaim the Gospel. The Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY) is present in Asia, accompanying young people and sowing seeds of faith and hope.

Immaculate Virgin, Mother of the Rising Sun, look kindly upon our brothers and sisters thirsting for God, who seek Him in the darkness. Inspire and raise up new messengers of the Gospel for this vast field still awaiting the light of faith.

We pray

• Our Father
• 10 Hail Marys
• Glory Be
• The Fatima Prayer
• O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

We conclude conclude with the Salve Regina

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee 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.

We pray

• • One Our Father for the intentions of the Universal church
  • Three Hail Marys
  • “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee” so that in our association the missionary spirit may grow, and that many young people may be able to offer a little of their lives to proclaim the Gospel to the poor beyond their own borders.

At the end of the Rosary, we have embraced and lifted up all the continents in one great universal prayer. In the Missionary Litany, we recall all the Saints from all the continents, as a sign of the universality of the Church and as an encouragement for our missionary challenges.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God, our heavenly Father, Have mercy on us.
God, Son and Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Blessed Trinity, one God in three persons, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of the Missions, Pray for the world.
Saint Peter, Pray for the world.
Saint Paul, Pray for the world.
Saint Francis Xavier, Pray for the world.
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Pray for the world.

Saint Mark, Pray for Africa.
Saint Anthony the Abbot, Pray for Africa.
Saint Augustine of Hippo, Pray for Africa.
Saint Charles de Foucauld, Pray for Africa.
Saint Charles Luanga and Companions, martyrs of Uganda, Pray for Africa.
Saint Josephine Bakhita, Pray for Africa.
Saint Justin de Jacobis, Pray for Africa.
Blessed Ghebre Michel, Pray for Africa.
Blessed Clementine Anuarite, Pray for Africa.
All Blesseds and Saints of Africa, Pray for Africa.

Saint Juan Diego, Pray for the Americas.
Saints Isaac Jogues, John of Brébeuf, and Companion Martyrs of Canada, Pray for the Americas.
Saint Francis Solanus, Pray for the Americas.
Saint Rose of Lima, Pray for the Americas.
Saint Martin de Porres, Pray for the Americas.
Saint Philip of Jesus, Pray for the Americas.
Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Pray for the Americas.
Saint Peter Claver, Pray for the Americas.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for the Americas.
Blessed Lindalva de Oliveira, Pray for the Americas.
All Blesseds and Saints of the New World, Pray for the Americas.

Saint Boniface of Germany, Pray for Europe.
Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Pray for Europe.
Saint Patrick of Ireland, Pray for Europe.
Saint Remigius of Reims, Pray for Europe.
Saint Stanislaus of Poland, Pray for Europe.
Saint Stephen of Hungary, Pray for Europe.
Saint Leander of Seville, Pray for Europe.
Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, Pray for Europe.
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Pray for Europe.
Saint Catherine of Siena, Pray for Europe.
Saint Bridget of Sweden, Pray for Europe.
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Pray for Europe.
Saint Catherine Labouré, Pray for Europe.
All Blesseds and Saints Old World, Pray for Europe.

Saint Peter Damian, Pray for Oceania.
Saint Peter Chanel, Pray for Oceania.
Saint Damian of Molokai, the Apostle of the lepers, Pray for Oceania.
Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, Pray for Oceania.
Saint Pedro Calungsod, Pray for Oceania.
Blessed Giovanni Mazzucconi, Pray for Oceania.
Saint Mary MacKillop, Pray for Oceania.
Blessed Peter To Rot, Pray for Oceania (to be canonized on October 19, 2025)
Star of the Sea, Pray for Oceania.
All Saints and Blesseds of the countless islands, Pray for Oceania.

Saint Andrew, Pray for Asia.
Saint Thomas, Pray for Asia.
Saint John de Britto, Pray for Asia.
Saint Francis Regis Clet, Pray for Asia.
Saint John-Gabriel Perboyre, Pray for Asia.
Holy Martyrs of China, Pray for Asia.
Saint Paul Miki and Companion Martyrs of Japan, Pray for Asia.
Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companion Martyrs of Vietnam, Pray for Asia.
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and Companion Martyrs of Korea, Pray for Asia.
Saint Jean-Théophane Vénard, Pray for Asia.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Final Prayer

Lord, you willed that your Church be the sacrament of salvation for all people, so that the redemptive work of your Son may endure until the end of time. Touch now the hearts of your faithful and grant us the grace to understand that you urgently call us to work for the salvation of the world, so that all nations may be formed and grow into one people, one family consecrated to your name.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.