When we first began using the Douay Bible, we found the language somewhat archaic. Within a short time, however, we discovered that the difficult language structure highlighted the richness of the Word of God. Yet using the Douay Version (or any Bible for that matter) meant flipping pages between chapters for the various mysteries. Moreover, we had to refer to a list of chapter and verse. To eliminate this distraction during our prayer time, we compiled a scriptural rosary using the Douay Version of the Bible. We followed, whenever possible, a single evangelist for each decade of the Mysteries. By doing so, we immersed ourselves in that evangelist’s gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
In our first edition of the Cenacle Scriptural Rosary: Douay Bible — Classic Prayers, we retained classic Sacred pronouns and classic verbal forms. We compiled our first edition of the Cenacle Scriptural Rosary for those who prefer classic prayers.
We realize, however, that most Catholics prefer modern prayers. Some people, however, still might enjoy the nuances of the classic translation of the Douay Bible. With that in mind, we prepared a second edition of the Cenacle Scriptural Rosary: Douay Bible — Modern Prayers. The second edition retains the classic language of the Douay Bible, but uses modern language for prayers.
Many Catholics use other translations of the Bible. We have prepared two additional editions of the Cenacle Scriptural Rosary: the New American Bible — Modern Prayers, and the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition Bible. Both editions use modern language throughout.
We have followed, wherever possible, St. Louis Mary de Montfort’s prayers, invocations, and expressions since we have formally consecrated our lives to Our Lord Jesus Christ through our Lady. For completeness, we have included St. Louis Mary de Montfort's Decade Offerings at the beginning of each decade. For convenience, we have also included the Decade Prayer and a Prayer to the Holy Spirit to be said after each decade. For those who pray a Rosary of five decades, we have included all prayers at the beginning and end of the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries. Also found after the last decade of each Mystery: St. Louis Mary de Montfort's Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a selection of Invocations and Prayers, and the Divine Praises.
Our family has been enriched immeasurably by the Cenacle Scriptural Rosary, but more so by the Lenten Scriptural Rosary. This special edition began as our family penitential preparation, during Lent, to immerse ourselves deeper into the mystery of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. During the forty days of Lent, we pray only the Sorrowful Mysteries compiled from each Evangelist's gospel. By praying the different accounts of His Passion, the mystery of our salvation has unfolded with special grace in our lives. We wish to share our joy with others.
In the Lenten Scriptural Rosary edition, the First Week of Lent follows the Passion according to the gospel of St. Matthew; the Second Week according to St. Mark; the Third Week follows St. Luke (with the exception of the Crowning with Thorns which follows St. Matthew’s account); the Fourth Week repeats St. Matthew; and the Fifth Week completes the Passion account with St. John's gospel. The scriptural meditations reflect the major themes for each of the five weeks of Lent. We invite you to try it next Lent!
Our latest addition to the Cenacle Scriptural Rosary Booklets is our Holy Father's new Luminous Mysteries Insert. In honor of his pronouncement of the Year of the Rosary: October 2002 - October 2003, we are pleased to offer a compilation of the five new mysteries. This booklet should be used a companion to the regular Cenacle Scriptural Rosary Booklet series, and is available only in the Classic Prayers edition.
We certainly hope that will be enriched by these new mysteries, and come closer to our Wonderful God through His Beloved Mother, Mary Most Holy, the Immaculate Conception!