What is the World Mission Rosary?
The World Mission Rosary was envisioned by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, then the national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, in 1951. He made the request on a radio show that his listeners "Embrace the world in prayer." To do so he introduced this Rosary.
Its uniqueness is in the five colors represented in each of the decades. Color symbolism in a rosary is a gentle reminder on which to focus our prayers.
This rosary honors the work of mission, our call to be missioners, and world unity and peace through its special emphasis on each of the Earth's regions, where prayers are needed and our brothers and sisters in Christ live and play and pray just like each of us! Each region is represented by a different color, it is not only a beautiful rosary, but rich in symbolism.
What are the colors/areas of the Mission Rosary?
Green - for the forests and grasslands of Africa (green is also a sacred color for the Muslims)
Red - calling to mind the fire of faith that brought missioners to the Americas (US, Canada, Latin America and Native Americans)
White - symbolizing Europe, the home of the Holy Father
Blue - for the ocean surrounding the Islands of the Pacific (Australia/Oceana)
Yellow - symbolizing the morning light of the East and 'beginning of civilization' for Asia/ Middle East
How do you pray the World Mission Rosary?
To pray the World Mission Rosary, reflect on each area of the world according to the particular color bead described above at the time you announce each Mystery. When you have completed the World Mission Rosary, you have given the World a big hug!
Instructions for Praying the World Mission Rosary
World Mission Rosary Pamphlet
Order Free World Mission Rosaries and Pamphlets
World Mission Rosary Day
Every year the first Friday in October (this year October 6th, 2023) is World Mission Rosary Day (sometimes called Missionary Childhood Day) – a day when kids are asked to recognize their young peers in other parts of the world. Our diocese invites our schools and parishes to celebrate this day each year by praying the World Mission Rosary at some point on or near that date. It is a wonderful way to join other kids around the world in praying for our world – just think of the great power of prayer and the difference we can make!
If your school, parish, family, or group is interested in praying on World Mission Rosary Day, please contact us for FREE World Mission Rosaries and/or more information.
Who is Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen?
Venerable Archbishop Sheen was a national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, a Pontifical Mission Society like the Missionary Childhood Association. He even had his own television show - and won an Emmy Award! Venerable Archbishop Sheen died on December 9, 1979. His cause for sainthood was opened in September 2022. He was declared venerable on June 28, 2012.