Saint Francis of Assisi considered the Rosary an urgent duty

Saint Francis, "the lover of Christ," strove to live as close as possible to the evangelical life in imitation of Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary. He recommended to his brothers to keep the Church of St Mary of the Angels, known as "the Porziuncola," as the Mother House of the Order. Every day, the friars felt that it was their urgent duty to recite the Rosary.

Saint Francis composed prayers to Mary, the protectress of the Franciscan Order, such as this one:

Hail, holy Lady, most holy Queen,

Mary, Mother of God, ever Virgin.

You were chosen by the Most High Father in Heaven,

consecrated by Him, with His most Holy Beloved Son and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.

On you descended and still remains all the fullness of grace and every good.

Hail, His Palace.

Hail His Tabernacle.

Hail His Robe.

Hail His Handmaid.

Hail, His Mother.

The Marie de Nazareth editorial team