The Joyful Mysteries - Meditations of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

The Annunciation

When the angel announced Your conception, O Virgin!

Of God, who holds the entire world in His power,

You seemed fearful, O wondrous mystery!

For You thought of the treasure of Your virginity.

I understand that Your humble, pure soul

Was as dear to God as His dwelling within it,

I know that she alone, bright and radiant,

Could serve the Creator Himself as a dwelling!

The Visitation

You make me understand that to follow in Your footsteps

Is not a difficult thing, O Queen of the elect!

I could not manage the narrow path to heaven

Had You not led through it with the splendor of bright virtues.

Beside You I desire to always remain tiny,

Let Your humility be an example to me,

In the house of Saint Elizabeth I learned, dear Mother,

How I am to sow the seeds of mercy everywhere!

The Nativity of Jesus

When I hear the Word of God softly crying!

When I see the Creator wrapped in swaddling clothes…

Mary, am I to envy the Angels at this moment?

Their God is my Brother, this is the height of delight!

I love You, Most Holy One, because at the earthly shores

You unfolded the heavenly flower from the Divine breath

And, while receiving the homage of kings and shepherds,

You hid the joy in Your heart that You had conceived God.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

I love You because, lowering Your holiness, with other women

You carry Your Son to the Temple,

For presenting Him with Your own hands

Into the arms of Simeon, Most Holy Sovereign.

I am at first carried away, happy, listening

To the hymn of glory, but when the old man proclaims his prophecy,

Fear for the Lord floods into my heart,

And a sharp sword of sorrow pierces Yours, O Mother!

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

At last You find Him among the group of doctors,

Where He arouses the admiration of the elders around Him,

And You cry: ”Ah, my Son! – trembling You embrace Him –

Behold, weeping with Your father, we were looking for You!”

And as You press Your only Child to Your breast,

You hear the simple answer of the Little Jesus:

”Why were you looking for me? – Do you not know this!

That I must be about my Father's business?!”