The Cartusian Rosary

The Cartusian Rosary was born from the creation of clausulae for the Carthusian monk Dominic of Trier (Dominic of Prussia) to help him concentrate and meditate on the mysteries during the prayer of the Rosary and the vision of his master, Adople of Essen. In this vision, the heavenly court resumed prayer, with the clausulae of Dominic, in the presence of Mary. 

How is the Cartusian rosary different?

The Cartusian rosary differs from the Dominican rosary (traditional rosary), even if the structure is close, especially in its length. 

The Carthusian rosary is recited with 50 Ave Marias (compared to 150 for the Dominican rosary, increased to 200 after the addition of the luminous mysteries). There are no specific days associated with the recitation of certain mysteries as in the traditional rosary prayer. If each of the 50 Ave Marias (Hail Mary) is associated with a mystery, the structure of the prayer, however, remains very flexible. The petitioner may pause for as long as desired on a mystery, or even choose to meditate on another. The recitation is not an end in itself but should lead to entering contemplation. The praying individual can therefore pause in their prayer at any time to experience this contemplative time when meditating on a particular mystery. If there is a need to dwell longer on a specific mystery, several Aves can then be dedicated to it.

The complete rosary includes 50 Hail Marys, but Dominic of Prussia emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity; the number of recitations therefore depends on the time the prayer has and the rhythm he needs to enter into contemplative prayer and silent prayer. 

How can we pray the Cartusian rosary?

We can start the prayer with an Our Father (which will then be inserted regularly between the Hail Marys) but also with a doxology.

Then we begin the recitation of “I greet you Mary”, each with a clausule inviting us to meditate on a particular mystery. (Discover the list of the 50 Clausules of the Cartusian Rosary)

• The original clausulae - written by Dominic of Prussia - can be modified or replaced by the prayer, who can invent something himself or use the words of others (for example among the clausulae proposed by Saint John Paul II)
• Several successive Hail Marys can be taken with the same clausule if you want to stay on the same mystery longer.

At the end of each Ave Maria, an Alleluia is added (as the angels did in Adolphe d’Essen's vision). This rosary is therefore a contemplation, but also a praise and an act of thanksgiving. The rosary concludes with a final Marian prayer: “O Immaculate, ever blessed and excellent Virgin Mary, Mother of God; O Temple of God, the most beautiful of all temples; O Gate of the heavenly Kingdom through which the whole world has been spared, incline your ear to me in mercy, and become my gentle protector, I who am poor and wretched sinner. Be my help in all my needs. Amen.”

Pray and meditate on the mysteries of the gospel with Hozana

The purpose of the Cartusian rosary is to bring us into a contemplative prayer. On Hozana, discover different Christian traditions that allow you to meditate on the life of Christ and promote this inner state of contemplation. 

• A daily guided gospel meditation, with axes of reflection and prayer accompanied by times of silence.
• Try this community to support you in your prayer of the rosary.