The Holy Rosary Closing Prayer is prayed at the very end of the Holy Rosary, after the Hail Holy Queen. It begins with the words "Let us pray", in Latin, Oremus.
Let us pray.
O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Where It Comes From
This prayer is the Collect, the opening prayer of the Mass, for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated every October 7. October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary.
What It Means
The prayer sums up the whole purpose of the Holy Rosary in one line: that by meditating on the mysteries, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise.
The Holy Rosary isn't only about repeating words. It is about letting the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of Mary, shape our own lives, and trusting that God will give us the eternal life Christ won for us.
In Latin
Oremus.
Deus, cuius Unigenitus per vitam, mortem et resurrectionem suam nobis salutis aeternae praemia comparavit: concede, quaesumus, ut haec mysteria sacratissimo beatae Mariae Virginis Rosario recolentes, et imitemur quod continent, et quod promittunt assequamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Ending the Holy Rosary
After this prayer, end with the Sign of the Cross.
Many Catholics also add, before or after the closing prayer:
- One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of the Holy Father
- The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
- A personal intention
These are optional. Follow the custom of your family or parish.