The Franciscan Crown Rosary of seven decades commemorates the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Seven Joys are: The Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Resurrection, and her Assumption & Coronation. Its origin in the 15th century is the beloved story of a young Franciscan novice. Before entering the order he had a personal devotion to Mary in bringing flowers to his favorite statue of her. When he entered the novitiate in a new place with a rigorous schedule, he could no longer continue his devotion. He was deeply saddened, and his relationship with Mary was in jeopardy. So he planned to leave the Franciscans in order to return to his familiar devotion to Our Lady. Suddenly Mary appeared to him and gave him this seven-decade rosary, saying: stay my son, and when you pray this rosary I am giving you, it will be as if you had woven a glorious crown of flowers for me. The novice prayed the Franciscan Crown daily and was no longer tempted to leave the Order. He persevered as a Franciscan Brother unto death. Join us on First Fridays at St. Columba as we pray this Rosary during a Holy Hour, together with our Secular Franciscans.
